Cali BBQ was founded in 2008 by Shawn Walchef, right.
The first Cali BBQ was 5,700 square feet and seated about 275 guests; during the pandemic, dine-in was cut down to about 100 seats.
Cali BBQ has outlets at San Diego State University’s Viejas Arena basketball arena and a deal for two concession booths at the new Snapdragon football stadium.
During the pandemic, Walchef streamlined the menu to focus on core meats and sides and converted a back patio to create a master smokehouse, adding three Ole Hickory Pit smokers to his existing two.
