Webinar/Podcast
What's Involved in Launching & Operating a Virtual Restaurant Brand
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There are several different ways to get into the ghost/virtual kitchen business. This webinar features two successful RestaurantOwner.com members who have jumped into the virtual kitchen space but in different ways.
Shawn Walchef of Cali Comfort BBQ in San Diego, CA, has opened a virtual version of his Cali BBQ brand in a separate location, so it can serve a different local market. He's renting space from one of the national cloud kitchen companies.
Mike Baran of Parky's Smokehouse in Lebanon, IN, has been operating two (different) virtual brands in his existing restaurant since August of last year.
In this webinar, we're going to ask Shawn and Mike to tell us what they've learned about the virtual restaurant business. You'll learn about their experiences dealing with startup, technology, menu, operations, staffing, delivery and marketing.
Shawn and Mike are prepared to share:
- What they did right
- What they would do differently
- What they didn't expect
- Where they found help and assistance
- Their future virtual kitchen plans
- Plus, responses to your questions
Guest Presenters:
Shawn Walchef
Over the last twelve years, Shawn Walchef's restaurant and media business has generated over $25 million in sales in San Diego, California without ever adding another single location. His greatest location curse became his greatest gift as it forced him to focus on all things digital just to stay in business. Currently, his team has developed a plan to scale with a new bbq media model that is three times more profitable than his first business. Host of the award-winning Digital Hospitality video and audio podcast, Shawn is always eager to help other entrepreneurs all over the globe learn the tools and strategies that will unlock endless opportunities for new business.
Mike Baran
Mike Baran is the President of Parky's Smokehouse in Lebanon, IN. Mike has owned and operated Parky's for the past 3 years and has had a successful 20+ year career in top financial and executive roles in a number of industries. Due to the pandemic, Mike and his team quickly pivoted to contactless, curbside and delivery which ended up providing 40% of 2020 sales. In August of 2020, the Parky's team also launched 2 virtual brands which Mike expects to be a permanent part of his business model going forward.
Attendee Questions & Comments
Question 1: What was the most valuable idea or insight you received?
Question 2: Questions asked during this webinar
