Building Community and Connection in Business with Jonathan Weathington
79% of consumers say they want brands to create real connections, not just transactions (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2024).
Community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a growth strategy.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Weathington, CEO of Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar. Since 2014, Jonathan has led the company from a single coastal location to a nationally recognized brand featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Good Morning America.
Known for his no-nonsense approach, Jonathan has made Shuckin Shack a model for how hospitality and community can scale side by side.
🎙️ Hosted by Tullio Siragusa and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
🧭 In this episode, we explore:
• Why community must be more than marketing to create real business growth
• How systems and culture can scale connection across multiple locations
• The deeper purpose driving Shuckin Shack’s expansion
• Why empathy and compassion are as essential to leadership as strategy
🎧 Whether you’re in hospitality, franchising, or any industry built on trust, this episode will show you how community can be your strongest competitive edge.
Jonathan Weathington
CEO of Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar
Since 2014, Jonathan has served as the CEO of Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar, a fresh seafood and cold beer concept out of Wilmington, NC. He’s been featured on the cover of FSR Magazine, appeared on Good Morning America, quoted and featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Nations Restaurant News, and other local, regional, and national newspapers, journals, and magazines. Jonathan is known for his no nonsense approach to true hospitality and business building.
