BagelUp

Discover how Sam Silverman, the visionary founder of BagelUp, is revolutionizing New York City’s culinary scene by celebrating its most iconic staple—the bagel. From launching the first-ever BagelFest to creating immersive, hands-on tours that delve into the rich history and cultural significance of bagels, Silverman is not only spotlighting local artisans but also transforming food tourism into a deeply engaging experience. Learn how his passion turned a simple favorite into a global phenomenon, fostering community pride and elevating small businesses, while navigating challenges and embracing trends that connect travelers with authentic New York flavors. Dive into Silverman’s inspiring journey and see how one entrepreneur is serving up a delicious slice of culinary history.

Juneau Food Tours

Midgi Moore, the passionate Chief Eating Officer of Juneau Food Tours, is bringing Alaska’s rich culinary heritage to life in the heart of Juneau. From her beginnings as a food columnist to founding the beloved Juneau Food Tours, Moore combines delectable seafood experiences with heartfelt stories that honor local fishermen and celebrate the community. By spotlighting diverse Alaskan flavors like wild salmon, king crab, halibut, and rockfish, her tours not only tantalize taste buds but also boost the local economy and support small businesses. Embracing trends in wellness and immersive experiences, Juneau Food Tours partners with mindfulness experts and utilizes a mobile kitchen to create unforgettable, customized adventures. Through her efforts, Midgi Moore is transforming food tourism in Alaska, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring that every guest leaves with delicious memories and a deeper appreciation for the Last Frontier’s unique flavors and stories.

Louisville Food Tours

Lia Garcia, founder and CEO of Louisville Food Tours, transformed her passion for travel blogging into a vibrant culinary adventure that celebrates Louisville’s rich heritage. After building a successful travel blog, Practical Wanderlust, Garcia returned to her hometown to create immersive food tours that blend delicious local cuisine with compelling stories of the city’s history and culture. Her tours feature carefully selected dishes and beverages that highlight Louisville’s unique traditions, supported by advanced storytelling techniques and innovative technologies like earpieces to enhance guest experiences. Committed to ethical tourism, Garcia’s initiatives boost the local economy by partnering with small businesses and ensuring fair wages. Overcoming challenges such as rapid growth and the pandemic, she has expanded her offerings and received numerous accolades for her efforts. By continuously embracing trends in immersive and sustainable food tourism, Lia Garcia is deepening visitors’ connections to Louisville, leaving them with unforgettable memories and a profound appreciation for the city’s culinary and cultural landscape.

Milwaukee Food & City Tours

Theresa Nemetz, owner of Milwaukee Food & City Tours, transformed a chance encounter on a New York City food tour into a successful venture that unites communities and travelers through culinary experiences. Inspired by her love for connecting with people through food, Nemetz founded Tour The Great Lakes and Travel Deliciously, expanding her expertise to 20 Great Lakes cities and offering international culinary vacations. Her tours stand out by highlighting the stories of small business owners and food producers, fostering genuine connections and supporting local economies with millions spent annually. By adapting to trends like corporate travel and diverse group needs, Nemetz ensures customized, high-quality experiences that leave guests with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for each community’s unique flavors and stories. Overcoming challenges such as managing multi-city operations, she has built a dedicated team and implemented innovative practices like retreats for staff, reinforcing a strong, unified culture. Through her commitment to ethical tourism and community support, Theresa Nemetz is elevating food tourism in Milwaukee and beyond, creating delicious memories and meaningful connections for all who join her tours.

Savannah Taste Experience

Stu Card, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Savannah Taste Experience, transformed his life from a high-powered trial attorney to a passionate culinary ambassador after falling in love with Savannah’s enchanting charm in 2011. Driven by a deep appreciation for the city’s rich history and vibrant food culture, Stu and his brother Donald launched a food tour business that offers authentic local experiences, highlighting Savannah’s best dishes and hidden gems. Over the past thirteen years, their tours have not only showcased the city’s culinary excellence but also supported the community through initiatives like GoFundMe campaigns and the creation of Savannah’s first culinary history book. Despite challenges such as the pandemic, Stu’s dedication to ethical tourism and community support has kept the business thriving, earning numerous accolades and fostering meaningful connections between visitors and Savannah’s unique heritage. Through innovative offerings like Micro Food Fests® and a steadfast commitment to quality, Stu Card is redefining food tourism in Savannah, ensuring every guest leaves with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the city’s exceptional flavors and stories.

Unexpected Atlanta

Akila McConnell, founder and owner of Unexpected Atlanta, seamlessly merges the city’s rich history with its vibrant culinary scene through her innovative food tours. Transitioning from a legal career to her passion for food history, Akila launched Unexpected Atlanta to share the untold stories behind Southern cuisine and Atlanta’s cultural heritage. Her tours highlight significant aspects such as African American culinary traditions and the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, offering guests a deeper understanding of Atlanta one dish at a time. By bringing over 28,000 visitors to lesser-known neighborhoods and supporting local businesses with substantial donations, Akila has made a meaningful impact on the community. Embracing trends like immersive experiences and integrating cooking classes, Unexpected Atlanta provides unique, hands-on adventures that leave guests with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for Atlanta’s exceptional flavors and historical narratives. Through her dedication, Akila McConnell is redefining food tourism in Atlanta, fostering connections between travelers and the city’s diverse cultural landscape.