About Us

Story:

I Cherimarie Poulos founded Carlsbad Food Tours after a long and fulfilling career in nursing. The journey began in 2013 during an anniversary weekend with  husband in Carmel, where we enjoyed a fantastic food tour. Inspired, I thought, “We have a village with wonderful restaurants; why can’t we have a food tour in Carlsbad?” This idea took root because I believe the best way to experience a town is through its food, as it tells the story of the community’s people, history, and culture.

Upon returning to Carlsbad, I was eager to start this venture before someone else did. Without previous business ownership experience, I sought guidance from Stacy, the owner of the Carmel Food Tour. She advised me to contact Shane Kost in Chicago and take his Food Tour Pros course. Shane’s course was incredibly valuable, providing me with a template to set up my business. He taught me how to present the idea to vendors, price the tours, and ensure success from day one. After completing the course in Chicago, I returned home brimming with enthusiasm and ideas, immediately starting to pitch my concept to local restaurants and gather vendors.

One significant challenge was selecting the right restaurants and food tastings, given the abundance of great eateries in Carlsbad. I focused on two main criteria: great food and a compelling story. I chose unique, family-owned establishments that offer something distinctive to our guests, giving them a true taste of what Carlsbad has to offer.

Carlsbad is an excellent location for family vacations, getaways, and staycations, making it ideal for food tours. After setting up my tour, I invited Shane to visit and provide feedback. He flew in from Chicago, took notes, and offered numerous suggestions for improvement. Initially, I balanced nursing shifts with weekend tours, which was demanding but rewarding. Eventually, I retired from nursing to focus fully on my business, setting it up as a seasonal venture to allow for sailing trips with my husband. This balance of travel and work was perfect until we lost our boat in Hurricane Dorian, prompting us to settle back in Carlsbad full-time.

Carlsbad Food Tours is now in its tenth year and thriving, with fantastic tour guides and stellar reviews. I am incredibly proud of winning the “Woman-Owned Business of the Year” award from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and being featured on MSNBC’s “Tour Traffic: Working Up an Appetite for Local Businesses.”

Fox News San Diego: “Local food tours named best food and culinary experiences in US” and ABC News: “Life in Carlsbad: The Food Scene”.
2023 Winner: Viator Experience Award: One of the top 10 Food Tours and Experiences in the USA..
2023 Most Influential Women in Carlsbad – Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Journal.
2021-2024 Kindness Certified Company.
Donated tickets to Carlsbad Food Tours to over 50 local 501c3 organizations.

My journey has had its challenges, but perseverance, passion, and a supportive community have been key to overcoming them. I’ve learned that flexibility, continuous learning, and a genuine love for what you do are crucial for success. I want the world to know that Carlsbad Food Tours is about more than just food—it’s about sharing the rich history and vibrant culture of Carlsbad with our guests.