Name of your business.
Pioneer Valley Food Tours
Your name and position.
Deborah Christakos, owner and guide
What inspired you to start your business? How did your business get started?
I am a chef, I teach cooking classes and as I was designing a farmers’ market based class (tour+ class). I wondered if anyone offered food tours in the Pioneer Valley, since they have become a popular form of tourism and this region has amazing local food sources. I found that there were no food tours in this area, and I knew it was an opportunity to promote the local food economy and to share my knowledge of food and beverages. Once I came up with a simple business plan, I pitched it to a group of local businesses in August. With their support, I organized a test run tour to try out the model. I incorporated the feedback and I began offering tours in September.
Tell us a little bit about your business.
The tours are 2.5 hour guided walking tours of downtown Northampton, its specialty shops, restaurants and bars. Each of 7-8 stops features food or beverages that highlight the tour’s theme. For example the Northampton Local Food Tour offers samples that are made or sourced in the Pioneer Valley. The business owners we visit are enthusiastic about participating, they often tell stories and background about their unique role in the local food economy. Guests purchase tickets in advance for the tour date and time they choose, and the maximum group size is 12.
My hope is to offer tours around the Pioneer Valley, as I think there are many cities and towns with a thriving local food scene.
What is your favorite thing to do in your business?
I love to talk about the region’s extensive local food sources and how our community supports and values small, local food and beverage producers.
If nothing else, what is the one piece of information you want someone to know about your business?
The tours are for both visitors and locals, they are an entertaining way to learn about the region while you sample food and drink.
What is the one piece of business advice you would like to share?
I found that a business owner cannot do everything alone, even in a small business. I would advise seeking assistance where it has the most impact. I hired local specialists to design a logo and to work on promotional photography. I am very pleased with the results, and I know that this has had a positive impact on my business.