The Chic Guide: What is Cincinnati Food Tours?
Barb Cooper, Founder of Cincinnati Food Tours: Cincinnati Food Tours has been the leader in local culinary tours since 2012. Owned and operated by me, Barb Cooper, the company offers food tasting and cultural experiences in a variety of delicious neighborhoods. Both public and private group tours are available and each tour is a recipe for fun that includes a short walk with generous samples, local history, and casual conversation.
The Chic Guide: What’s the inspiration behind the business?
Cooper: In 2010, I visited Charleston, South Carolina, where I experienced my first food tour. As the guide led us from one restaurant to another, I couldn’t believe how much I learned about the region and how much I enjoyed the casual tasting experience. By the time I left Charleston, I was convinced that starting my own food tour business should definitely be on my plate.
It was during the same time that my husband and I were operating our own small business at Findlay Market. While we ran Daisy Mae’s produce shop, I got to know the merchants that make up the Findlay Market community. I decided to tell the story of Findlay Market and its mom-and-pop merchants while guests tasted their way around the market. “Eat, walk, and repeat” is definitely my motto.
The Chic Guide: Who’s behind Cincinnati Food Tours?
Cooper: I own and operate Cincinnati Food Tours. Myself and my small team of guides are passionate about sharing the region’s food, culture, and history.
The Chic Guide: What tours do you offer and where do they go?
Cooper: The company offers public and private walking/tasting tours at Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, Pendleton, Walnut Hills, and Hyde Park. In addition, Cincinnati Food Tours offers a tour that explores Over-the-Rhine and downtown Cincinnati using the Cincinnati Streetcar to transport guests to several restaurants along the line.
The Chic Guide: What’s included in a tour with Cincinnati Food Tours?
Cooper: The guide shares local history and personal insight as the group strolls though Findlay Market or around a unique neighborhood. Along the way, guests taste samples from several locally-owned restaurants and get to hear the story of each of those businesses. By the end of the tour, with 4-5 different dishes and a glass of wine or beer, it’s not likely anyone will be hungry. In fact, most people agree that they have had plenty of food for lunch.
The Chic Guide: What makes Cincinnati Food Tours unique?
Cooper: During the last 10 years, I have built a relationship with more than 50 small businesses that are eager to welcome tour guests. The mission of Cincinnati Food tours has always been to help promote other locally-owned small businesses to new potential customers. For that reason, no two tours are exactly alike as the restaurant offers an insider’s look at what makes each location special. Group sizes for tours are deliberately kept small so that guests can interact with chefs, servers, their guide, and with each other.
The Chic Guide: Is there anything new on the horizon for 2023?
Cooper: I’m always looking for the next best restaurant or food offering, and I have my eye on several historic neighborhoods that are ripe for development. In the meantime, look for special events in 2023 that include themed dinners and hands-on cooking collaborations.
The Chic Guide: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Cooper: Visit www.cincinnatifoodtours.com for information, reservations, and to subscribe to our newsletter. In addition, follow Cincinnati Food Tours on Facebook and Instagram.
