Summary:
Scott Goodfriend, a former Meta employee, made over $145,000 in a year with his food tour business, Ultimate Food Tours.
He turned his passion for exploring New York City's diverse food scene into a full-time career.
Goodfriend offers six different food tours a week, each averaging six to eight participants, showcasing the history and flavors of different neighborhoods.
He is expanding his business globally, helping other tour guides create similar experiences in San Diego and Japan.
Goodfriend is also developing a long-form streaming show featuring his Origin Stories series, which explores the history of iconic New York foods.
From Meta to Food Tours: A 39-Year-Old's Six-Figure Dream Job
Scott Goodfriend, a former Meta employee, turned his passion for exploring New York City's diverse food scene into a thriving business, Ultimate Food Tours. He took his love for trying new cuisines and sharing his discoveries with friends, and transformed it into a full-time gig that brought in over $145,000 in a year.
A Journey Through Food and History
Growing up in Los Angeles, Goodfriend was exposed to various cultures and cuisines. He developed a love for learning about different ethnic foods and their historical significance. After moving to New York, he began exploring different neighborhoods, immersing himself in their unique food scenes. He'd take friends on personalized food tours, showcasing hidden gems and the stories behind the dishes.
From Side Hustle to Full-Time Passion
Initially hesitant to monetize his passion, Goodfriend eventually embraced the opportunity to share his knowledge and experiences with a wider audience. He started offering tours through Airbnb Experiences, and his business quickly took off. By 2021, he had developed a website and a variety of tours, including Iconic Foods of the Lower East Side and Chinatown Food Tour. While working full-time, he managed to generate over $30,000 in revenue with his side hustle.
When Goodfriend was let go from Meta, he made the bold decision to pursue his passion full-time. He now leads six different food tours a week, with each tour averaging six to eight participants. He also offers private cooking classes and merchandise through his website.
Expanding Globally and Sharing the Stories
Goodfriend is not stopping there. He's expanding his business globally, helping other tour guides build similar experiences in San Diego and Japan. He's also developing a long-form streaming show featuring his Origin Stories series, which delves into the history of iconic New York foods.
Despite working 80 hours a week and earning less than his previous salary, Goodfriend is incredibly passionate about his work. He considers it his dream job and is excited for the future of Ultimate Food Tours.
[Image: Scott Goodfriend leading a food tour, with a group of people trying a variety of dishes]
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