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.