From Grateful Dead Tapes to 50 Locations: The Music Behind McMenamins

Shannon McMenamin grew up riding in her dad’s keg delivery van with bootleg Grateful Dead tapes playing along the way. Today, as president of McMenamins, she helps carry that love of music into more than 50 locations across Oregon and Washington. On Digital Hospitality with Shawn Walchef, McMenamin talks about her family’s approach to turning historic buildings into community gathering places and how Soundtrack helps the team select music, manage playlists and protect the atmosphere across its pubs, restaurants and hotels. Music Should Fit the Space – Shannon McMenamin’s family has made music part of McMenamins from the beginning. From relaxed family settings to lively nightlife spaces, the team selects songs that support how guests should feel in each location. Soundtrack Helps Manage Music Across Locations – With more than 50 locations, McMenamins uses Soundtrack to manage playlists remotely, program music for special celebrations and prevent personal song choices from changing the intended atmosphere. Give Guests a Place to Connect – McMenamins turns historic buildings into gathering places rooted in their neighborhoods. Small bars, preserved architectural details and music give guests reasons to explore, start conversations and create memories together. Episode Links McMenamins: https://www.mcmenamins.com/eat-drink McMenamins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmenamins/?hl=en Barley Mill Pub: https://www.mcmenamins.com/barley-mill-pub Crystal Hotel: https://www.mcmenamins.com/crystal-hotel Grand Lodge: https://www.mcmenamins.com/grand-lodge The Red Shed Tapes: A McMenamins podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-red-shed-tapes-a-mcmenamins-podcast/id1707619871 The Red Shed Tapes: A McMenamins podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlIs-FXPAfMRT4QfzCzIQEt98MBhqKIJC Soundtrack: https://www.soundtrack.io/ Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services