Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Becky Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Becky thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Travel is one of the best ways to invest in yourself. It offers a unique opportunity to enrich your life by broadening your horizons, deepening your understanding of different cultures, and embracing new experiences. One of the most immersive ways to explore a new place is through its local food. Food tours, in particular, are an excellent way to connect with the history and culture of a destination. Whether you’re traveling to a bustling city or a small town, food is a gateway to understanding a place’s past, its people, and their traditions.
Even in a small town with no official food tour, I will often research for hours to find locally inspired dishes and cultural specialties. I love sampling food from a variety of spots to experience the full spectrum of what the area has to offer. Food, after all, is much more than just nourishment; it’s a form of storytelling, a tangible way to experience the heart of a community.
For me, this love of food also intersects with my passion for fitness and health. A few years ago, my sister told me she was going vegan, and I was initially worried about her decision. I recalled my own experience as a teenager when I tried to be vegetarian. My parents, who didn’t understand my choice, made meals that were incompatible with my dietary goals. I lasted only a month before I became very sick from under-eating, exacerbated by a winter cold in Utah.
When my sister decided to go vegan, I felt compelled to talk her out of it. She had been influenced by the Netflix documentary What the Health, which promotes plant-based living, and I was skeptical. But as I researched the benefits of veganism, I was surprised to find that many respected doctors not only recommended it but also adopted it as a lifestyle. What struck me most was learning that a plant-based diet is the only proven way to reverse conditions like heart disease and diabetes—two of the leading causes of death in America, both of which were affecting my own family.
Despite my initial doubts, I decided to give veganism a try. Of course, I also found myself craving familiar foods like donuts and ice cream. But my journey led me to discover a more profound reason to stick with it. I watched a video called The Herd on YouTube, which showed the mistreatment of cows and linked it to the human experience. It deeply impacted me and helped me understand that my desire for indulgent foods paled in comparison to the need for compassion. From that point on, I no longer saw dairy and animal products the same way. I found joy in vegan alternatives, including discovering Sweet Theory, an all-vegan donut shop in Jacksonville, which offered delicious treats that satisfied my cravings without compromising my values.
Being vegan also opened up a new way of experiencing food tours. I had always created my own food tours while traveling, seeking out plant-based options, but nothing compared to the first time I went on a Vegan Food Tour in New York. The experience inspired me to create a similar offering in St. Augustine, Florida.
Today, we proudly offer two historic walking food tours in St. Augustine, with more to come in the future. Our six-course tour includes a historic wine tasting with a plant-based cheese board, a local Spanish-inspired dish similar to a crunch wrap, faux lox and cashew cream cheese on a sprouted bagel, gourmet real-fruit frozen desserts, donuts, and coffee or tea. Everything we offer is plant-based, vegan, and can be customized to be gluten and soy-free upon request. We also offer a three-course version for those looking for a shorter tour.
These tours are a perfect blend of history, culture, and food. You’ll learn about the Pirates, Spanish crusaders, British burnings, and the rich history of St. Augustine, all while enjoying food that aligns with a healthy, compassionate lifestyle. The walk is easy—under a mile in total—stopping at six different local restaurants. You’ll likely leave with leftovers and a full stomach, but more importantly, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of both the food you’re eating and the place you’re visiting.
Travel is a great investment in yourself because it allows you to engage with the world in a way that enriches your life, health, and spirit. You not only learn about new places but also about your own capacity for growth, change, and compassion. So come join us on a food tour in St. Augustine, and discover the local flavors, history, and culture that make this city so special. Book your tour today at www.foodtourv.com.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
We are proud to be the only food tour that is fully allergen-friendly, catering to a wide range of dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you have food allergies or follow a specific diet, we ensure that all our guests can enjoy a safe and inclusive culinary experience. Our commitment to providing a variety of options, including vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free dishes, makes us a unique and welcoming choice for anyone seeking a diverse food tour experience.
In fact, many of our guests don’t follow a plant-based diet, yet they still rave about the food. We’ve had hundreds of non-vegan attendees who have joined our tours and were pleasantly surprised by the flavor, creativity, and quality of the dishes we offer. Taste is something we pride ourselves on, and we believe that great food transcends any dietary label. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, gluten-free eater, or simply someone who enjoys good food, our tours are designed to offer an exceptional culinary experience that delights all palates.
In addition to our guided tours, we are excited to announce that we are expanding to offer self-guided audio tours. This new format allows guests to explore at their own pace, with the convenience of having expert narration and local insights delivered through an easy-to-use audio guide. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group looking for flexibility, our self-guided tours offer an immersive and customizable way to discover the local culture and cuisine.
We are also eager to expand our offerings to new cities and communities. If you have a plant-based food tour idea for your local area, we’d love to hear from you! We’re always open to fresh ideas and new perspectives, and we are happy to compensate contributors for their creative suggestions. If you’ve got a unique tour concept that highlights the best plant-based spots in your city, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We value collaboration and look forward to bringing more diverse food experiences to cities around the world..
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Tiffany is one of the friendliest, most caring people I’ve ever met, and I’m truly grateful that she also runs the tours at Food Tour V. When I first met Tiffany, I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by her. With her dreadlocks, tattoos, and alternative style, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, over time, I quickly learned that her appearance couldn’t be further from her kind and warm-hearted nature. While she no longer has dreadlocks, you’ll spot her in the signature Food Tour V shirt on our tours, bringing the same positive energy and warmth and friendly conversations to every guest.
We initially met at a vegan potluck held at the Unitarian church. After months of seeing each other at these potlucks Tiffany reached out to me asking if we could meet at a coffee shop to discuss nutrition. As a certified nutrition coach, bodybuilder, and competition coach, I was happy to help. Tiffany had expressed a desire to lose weight, even though she didn’t actually need to. What she really needed was to increase her calorie intake, as most days she was eating 1200 calories or less. Like many people, she was understandably hesitant to increase her calories. She started by adding more protein to her diet, which immediately helped her feel fuller, less tired, and overall much better.
Our friendship truly blossomed during a trip to Miami, Florida. The six-hour car ride gave us plenty of time to talk and connect, and from there, we became fast friends. Over the years, Tiffany witnessed my success with my bodybuilding and clients, especially when it came to reverse dieting. Eventually, she was ready to fully embrace the process herself. Over the course of eight months, I helped her gradually increase her calories to 2060 per day. To her surprise, she lost 5 pounds in the process, all while feeling more energized and healthier than before. You can even watch her testimonial video on our website to hear about her journey in her own words.
As much as I would have liked the process to take only six months with no weight loss, as the coach, I see my role as more of a guide. The destination we reached together was the one she truly wanted, and I always empower my clients to understand that they are the main characters in their own lives. My goal is to teach them sustainable nutrition strategies so they can build a healthy lifestyle and never feel like they have to “diet” again.
Since 2018, our friendship has only grown stronger. As a local who grew up in St. Augustine, Tiffany passed the tour guide exam on her second try (a feat that many tour guides don’t accomplish right away—trust me, I know from experience, as it took me six attempts!). No matter who your guide is on a Food Tour V experience, you can rest assured that you’ll receive not only accurate historical knowledge but also an engaging and enjoyable tour. Tiffany’s warmth and dedication to providing a memorable experience makes every tour a unique adventure, and I’m proud to work alongside her.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The most effective way I’ve been able to attract clients is through Google search. Having strong Google Analytics has proven to be a game changer for my business. People searching for vegan or allergen-friendly food tours consistently find us through Google, which has greatly contributed to our growth.
Initially, I focused on social media and listing our tours on vegan platforms like HappyCow, thinking these would be the primary sources for customer discovery. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the majority of our clients actually find us via Google search. This insight has underscored the importance of optimizing our online presence and leveraging tools like Google Analytics to better understand and reach our target audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foodtourv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vfoodtour?igsh=MThyeWh0emxjY2ltNg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14RsFAT8ZF/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34599-d25178368-Reviews-Food_Tour_V-St_Augustine_Florida.html
Image Credits