In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered to unpack what’s next in restaurant technology following the 2025 National Restaurant Show. From AI-powered phone systems to precision ramen robots, the conversation explored how operators can embrace innovation without losing the human touch. Guests Dan Dickerson of F3 and Maria Zhang of Palona AI shared stories from the show floor and beyond, offering insight into the tools that are reshaping hospitality—from voice AI trained on podcast archives to smarter tech stacks that free teams to focus on service. Whether solving labor challenges or strengthening guest relationships, the message was clear: technology works best when it makes people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Interview Takeaways:

• Technology Should Simplify, Not Complicate – The best tools reduce friction—for guests and staff alike. Whether it’s automating phone orders or streamlining POS systems, technology should make everyday tasks easier, not add new layers of confusion.
• Integration Matters More Than Features – It’s not about how many tools you have—it’s how well they work together. A fragmented tech stack leads to inefficiency, while integrated systems save time, reduce errors, and create a smoother guest experience.
• Human Connection Is Still the Goal – Even with the rise of AI and automation, hospitality remains a people-first business. The most effective technology enhances human interaction, helping restaurants build trust, loyalty, and meaningful moments with every customer.

Episode Links:

• Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/
• Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/
• Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/
• Dan Dickerson On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-d-85130b21/
• F3 On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f3inc/posts/?feedView=all
• Maria Zhang On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariarenhuizhang/
• Palona AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palona-ai/

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