Developing a business idea from personal passion is ideal. Maintaining that passion-driven business model is a whole different story. Jordan Porter of Chengdu Food Tours has sought to build and maintain a business model which helps consumers experience the food they taste by knowing the story behind it.
Jordan’s tours focus on Chinese culture, history, and each personal story, in order to keep his tour unique. “Without the food,” says Jordan, “you have nothing. But once you find the food, you’re only halfway there.” Jordan’s customers walk away with a better understanding not only of the Chengdu culture and food, but of it’s people.
Episode Links
- Visit Jordan Porter’s business website: Chendu Food Tours
- Listen to Jordan’s more food-focused interview with Chengdu Living
- Episode Sponsor: Traveling Mailbox (get 2 months free using this link)
Local Cuisine with Chengdu Food Tours
Chengdu sits in a region of China with vast amounts of food options, eight of which are considered the “major food cuisines of China.” When Jordan moved to Chengdu, he realized that food touring would be a great way to expand on his passion for Chinese culture.
Chengdu Food Tours is a local, 4 hour tour, which highlights food markets and food making processes. What makes it special, though, are the stories of the men and women that make each of these dishes. The tour ends at a restaurant where tourists get to taste all they learned.
I’m excited to share with you all that Jordan and I discussed in our interview this week. Jordan talked about 6 specific aspects about the development and growth of his business:
- What makes his tour unique and desirable among others in that region
- Marketing strategies give him a name and a presence in Chengdu
- Turning points in his career
- Why mentorship really matters as an entrepreneur
- Experience design over food touring
- Opportunities for online expansion
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Finally, if you want to learn more about another expat entrepreneur doing an entirely different food business in Chengdu, listen to our podcast with Igor Vronkin of Good Good Mexican Food.