Case Study: Cali BBQ expands reach across San Diego with Toast's online ordering and delivery

Cali BBQ Goes All In on Digital with Ghost Kitchens

Cali BBQ is a San Diego–based slow-smoked BBQ concept that shifted from a traditional dine-in focus to a hybrid model during the pandemic, operating one storefront and one shared ghost kitchen serving customers across the county. Faced with the need to maintain hospitality and guest relationships while scaling delivery, the team had to rethink location strategy, digital presence, and cost control to reach more customers without investing in multiple storefronts.

By mapping customer data to place a shared ghost kitchen and leaning into digital hospitality — using Toast POS, Toast Online Ordering, and Toast Delivery Services plus active social media engagement — owner Shawn Walchef kept control of delivery tools and the guest experience. The result: a two-location ghost kitchen approach that expanded Cali BBQ’s reach across San Diego, lowered overhead, and strengthened customer relationships through a seamless online ordering experience.

Cali BBQ

Shawn Walchef

Owner