CREATE 2026: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs | Chat w/ Sam Oches

Sam Oches, editor-in-chief of Nation's Restaurant News, joins Shawn Walchef to discuss what separates memorable restaurant brands from the rest. Drawing on 17 years covering the industry, Oches shares why storytelling, hospitality, and relationships matter as much as great food, how he defines an "emerging" restaurant brand, and why founders should never stop thinking like entrepreneurs. He also previews CREATE and explains why stepping outside your restaurant can be one of the best investments you make. The Best Restaurant Brands Tell Better Stories – Sam Oches believes memorable brands don't stand out because of their menus alone. They build authentic stories, strong relationships, and a clear identity that customers and the industry remember. An Entrepreneurial Mindset Doesn't End With Growth – Whether a brand has 10 locations or 2,600, the best leaders continue learning, adapting, and looking for new ways to improve their business. Getting Out Of Your Restaurant Can Change Your Business – Conferences like CREATE give operators the opportunity to learn from experienced founders, build meaningful relationships, and discover ideas that are difficult to find while working inside the day-to-day operation. Episode Links For More Information On CREATE: https://informaconnect.com/create/ Register for CREATE: https://web.cvent.com/event/0ae8fbb0-16d7-4b45-868d-a81373bacf4b/register?RefId=CREATE26-website&rt=8s3c6PHeDEaFupHQqsmBmQ&utm_campaign=CREATE26&utm_medium=website&utm_source=digital Sam Oches on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-oches-5923bb13/ Informa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa/ Where to find Cali BBQ MediaVisit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services