Restaurant Influencers

Video Series • About

Latest Episode

When Shaquille O'Neal Wanted to Start a Restaurant, This Is Who He Approached

Perry Rogers, founder of management firm PRP and JRS Hospitality, had what it took to build his big client's Big Chicken restaurant concept.

Episodes

When Shaquille O'Neal Wanted to Start a Restaurant, This Is Who He Approached

Perry Rogers, founder of management firm PRP and JRS Hospitality, had what it took to build his big client's Big Chicken restaurant concept.

He Discovered His Favorite Sandwich Shop in College. Now He Runs It – and Has 155 Locations.

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop CEO Ashley Morris discusses buying his favorite sandwich shop and maintaining high quality while scaling and operating a fast-casual franchise.

This Chef Went From Dreaming of Michelin Stars to Building an Audience as a YouTube Star

Chef Sohla El-Waylly never set out to be a food content creator, but a series of events led her to her current career.

Her Restaurant Business Is Worth $100 Million — Here's Her Unconventional Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Pinky Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan, talks about going from TV producer to restaurant owner, leaning into failure and the value of good PR.

After Co-Founding a Successful Restaurant Group, He Turned to Tech to Simplify the Checkout Experience

Victor Lugger's Big Mamma restaurant group took off – and now he's working on a new project.

He Was Once Head Writer of 'The Simpsons.' Now, He's the Gordon Ramsay of Fast Food — Here's How This TV Exec Found an Unlikely Career as an Influencer.

Bill Oakley wrote and produced 'The Simpsons' for years. Now, he's the center of a burgeoning community of food-obsessed fans.

This Chef's Unfiltered Approach to Food Found Success Online. Now, Her Grocery Store Brings Her Brand to Life: 'I Don't Want to Live on the Internet.'

Alison Roman discusses her growing list of digital projects — and her Upstate New York grocery store, First Bloom.

How This Michelin-Starred Chef Overcame Loss and Hardships to Achieve Stardom

Chef, author and philanthropist Vikas Khanna discusses turning failure into triumph, creating a literary masterpiece and hosting "MasterChef India."

How This Beverage Industry CEO Used His Passion for Hip-Hop to Build Partnerships With Jay-Z, Rick Ross and More

Sovereign Brand's Brett Berish discusses embracing authenticity, learning from "failures" and partnering with music icons.

This Food Network Mainstay Feeds His Passion for Fast-Paced Restaurant Life in Just 3 Days a Month

Celebrity chef Marc Murphy discusses being on the Food Network, operating a pop-up restaurant and the gratification of being a business owner.

These Husband-and-Wife Co-Founders Started a Food Brand to Share Chinese Culture — Then a Smart Rebrand Took Their Company to the Next Level

Jennifer Liao of MìLà on starting a food business, amplifying modern Chinese food and using storytelling to grow a brand.

How This CEO Breathed Life Into a 75-Year-Old California Ice Cream Brand Without Losing Its Nostalgic Identity

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams CEO Michael Palmer talks about revitalizing the brand for a new era and rethinking social media strategies.

This CEO Was Tasked With Helping an Iconic Hawaiian Brand Regain Its Footing. Here's How He Used Storytelling to Do It.

Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, shares how he's helped take the already well-loved brand to the mainstream.

Shaquille O'Neal Used an Unconventional Strategy to Start His Chicken Restaurant — Here's Why It Worked

The NBA Hall of Famer leveraged his 35 million Instagram followers to build buzz around Big Chicken before it even launched.

This Chicago Native Wants to Build the In-N-Out of Tacos

Taylor Mason, owner of Taylor's Tacos, talks about how a big break on national television helped take her brand to the next level.

About Restaurant Influencers

Welcome to the Restaurant Influencers podcast and video series. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn P. Walchef talks with leaders about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling and how to show up and engage where customers are spending time online.

Whether you need advice on how to get your business off the ground or you're just looking for inspiration, our video series have something for everyone. Browse our library below to find a series that speaks to you and your interests.

  • Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch

    Your favorite pitch show is back with new entrepreneurs pitching Entrepreneur's investors.
  • My Way

    Spotlighting entrepreneurs who were able to utilize the global giant's capabilities to create, launch and grow their dream businesses.
  • America's Favorite Mom and Pop Shops™

    In partnership with Walmart Business, Entrepreneur’s editor in chief Jason Feifer goes on a cross-country road trip to visit thriving mom and pop shops and discover the keys to their success.
  • The CEO Series

    An original content series produced by Salvi. Each episode profiles a business leader and their respective business. The series provides a humanizing look into the CEOs personal story, mindset and their business and industry.
  • Beyond Unstoppable

    Hosted by bestselling author Ben Angel, Beyond Unstoppable is a transformative exploration into biology, psychology, and technology.
  • Securing Your Success

    Securing Your Success, a series that highlights small business success stories and the importance of connectivity within entrepreneurship, is sponsored by Comcast Business.
  • Restaurant Influencers

    Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn P. Walchef talks with leaders in restaurant and hospitality about their secrets to finding success with customers and growing a brand online.
  • No Drama Office

    Working in an office can be crazy — but it doesn't have to be! In this new comedy series, watch as people learn to navigate the twists and turns that come with the nationwide return to the workplace.