Re-Upload: Building Community Through Food with the Founders of Grand Rapids Foodie Fest

In this episode of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Amanda Hadd and Taia Sky, founders of Grand Rapids Foodie Fest, to talk about building one of the city’s biggest celebrations of food, culture, and community. What started as an idea inspired by food experiences around the country became a movement centered around bringing people together in Grand Rapids. Amanda and Taia share the story behind launching Foodie Fest, building a community-driven event, and creating a space where local restaurants, vendors, artists, and attendees can connect. In this conversation, we explore: Why food has the power to connect people across cultures and backgrounds The importance of collaboration when building a community event The challenges behind scaling a large festival What it takes to partner with vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and the city Building a business partnership rooted in trust and communication The future vision for Grand Rapids Foodie Fest and its impact on the city Grand Rapids Foodie Fest is an opportunity to experience the people, businesses, and stories that make the city what it is.