Cali BBQ has grown over seventeen years through experience, experimentation, and plenty of hard lessons. Along the way, the team has tried promotional challenges, nightlife concepts, discount-driven events, large-scale festivals, and vending opportunities that seemed promising at the time. Some of these ideas brought attention, but not the right kind of growth. Others stretched operations beyond what was sustainable. This article breaks down five things Cali BBQ will never do again and the lessons learned in the process. For restaurant operators, it offers a reminder that success comes from alignment, clear identity, and the discipline to say no.

• Not all attention is good attention. Promotions and stunts can bring people through the door, but if they attract the wrong audience or create liability, they can work against the brand.
  
• Growth requires clarity. When a concept drifts from its identity, even small changes can shift the culture. The strongest restaurants stay aligned with who they are and who they serve.
  
• Opportunities must be evaluated, not assumed. Whether it is vending at an event or hosting a large community festival, scale only works when the support, partners, and purpose are in place.

• 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/

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