Xavier Vega, CEO of ChouxBox and host of the Overseasoned Podcast, is a dynamic figure in the restaurant and tech industries, with a story that’s as gritty as it is inspiring. ChouxBox, pronounced “shoebox,” was born out of Vega’s firsthand experience with the exhausting demands of restaurant management. The idea for ChouxBox emerged from his deep frustration with the manual entry of invoices—a mundane task that many chefs dread after long shifts. 

Reflecting on his time in the industry, Vega recounts, “My least favorite part of my day was after being on my feet all f****** day… then we’d always have to type in a bunch of stuff into an excel spreadsheet, and that was your cost. I f****** hated that.” 

The name itself is a nod to the culinary world’s affinity for French-inspired dishes, blending his love for food with the practical need for a better back-office solution.

Vega’s podcast, Overseasoned, co-hosted with his friend Tony, offers a raw and unfiltered look at the restaurant business from the perspective of those who have lived through its highs and lows. The title reflects the hosts’ feelings of disillusionment with an industry they once loved but grew increasingly jaded by. 

“Well, it has to do more with just how my soul feels… I’ve just gotten to the point where it’s like, why try to be who I’m not?” Vega shares, highlighting the emotional toll that the restaurant world can take on those who dedicate their lives to it. 

Through their podcast, Vega and Tony aim to empower restaurant owners and accounting firms by providing them with best-in-class back-office services and technology.

Vega’s transition from the restaurant floor to the tech world wasn’t typical. He didn’t have a background in business or technology, but his practical knowledge and drive quickly earned him a place in the industry. 

“As soon as I left the floor, I was no longer a restaurant guy.” he reflects. “I didn’t go to college or traditionally study any of the tech stuff. And everybody was just like, Who are you?” 

Despite these challenges, Vega has successfully bridged the gap between his restaurant roots and the tech industry, carving out a niche for himself as a leader who understands both the pressures of running a kitchen and the potential of technology to transform it.
Xavier Vega’s journey from bustling kitchens to the forefront of restaurant tech is a testament to his resilience and innovation. Whether through ChouxBox, Over Easy Office, or Overseasoned, he continues to make an impact, driving change and inspiring others to follow their true passions—even if it means breaking away from the norm.

Sponsors:
Marqii: https://www.marqii.com/

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.
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