Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Williams.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started in Dallas, where I was born and raised with a deep love for food, history, and culture. At twenty, I launched a restaurant review blog because I genuinely loved discovering new flavors and supporting local spots. But everything shifted when I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance. I suddenly found myself left out at gatherings, anxious about eating out, and constantly researching menus just to feel safe. I knew I wasn’t the only one dealing with that — and that’s when the spark for Incloodie was born.
I wanted to create an experience that felt welcoming to everyone, where people could enjoy food without fear, discover hidden gems, and connect with the culture that makes Dallas so special. I had some initial fears, especially about reaching out to other businesses and asking them to trust me — but over time, I saw the positive impact we were having. Our customers loved discovering off-the-beaten-path spots, and our partners appreciated the new faces we brought to their doors.
My family and friends have been my biggest supporters from day one, and I’m lucky to have an amazing community around me. I also had an incredible mentor, Shane Kost, whose guidance gave me clarity and confidence when I needed it. I’ll never forget the moment I got my first 15-person booking — that’s when it clicked: this is real, and people want this.
Now, I get to run a tour that’s not just about food — it’s about culture, community, and storytelling. I’m proud to be helping small businesses thrive while uplifting the history and people of my city. Younger me would definitely be shocked — she thought she was going to be a Powerpuff Girl. Honestly, maybe this is kind of close.
Today, Incloodie is one of the top-rated food tours on Viator. We’ve expanded beyond our original route and are preparing to launch new experiences soon throughout Dallas. We’ve built a reputation for being inclusive, community-centered, and unforgettable. And this is just the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Technically, yes — there weren’t any major disasters. But that doesn’t mean it was easy. I was working a full-time job during the entire first year while building Incloodie on the side. Every spare moment, lunch break, and late night was poured into making this vision real. So while things moved forward on paper, behind the scenes it was a hustle. Balancing everything, staying motivated, and still showing up for my community took a lot of energy and grit. But I wouldn’t trade it — it made me sharper, scrappier, and more intentional about how I run my business today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Incloodie Food Tour?
Incloodie Food Tour is more than just a walking tour — it’s an experience rooted in food, culture, and connection. We guide guests through Dallas’s vibrant culinary scene while spotlighting the people, history, and heritage that make this city special. Every tour is designed to feel like an intimate story unfolding, with flavors that reflect the soul of the neighborhood. What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity — we’re one of the only food tours in Dallas that consistently offers gluten-free and vegetarian options at every stop, without compromising taste or authenticity.
The name Incloodie is a blend of the words “included” and “foodie.” It reflects everything we stand for — making people feel welcomed at the table, no matter their dietary needs, background, or familiarity with the area. This tour was born out of my own experience with food restrictions and wanting to create a space where nobody feels left out of the joy of eating and exploring.
We specialize in curated group tours that highlight local gems — places you probably wouldn’t find on your own. Our public tours offer deep cultural storytelling with a casual, welcoming vibe, and our private/corporate tours come with optional team-building challenges and custom themes. Guests come for the food, but they leave with memories, local insights, and a real sense of connection.
We’re proud to be one of the top-rated tours on Viator, and even more proud that our partners — small business owners, chefs, and artisans — benefit from the visibility and love we bring their way. Brand-wise, Incloodie stands for something: authenticity, community, and celebration. We’re not about polished perfection — we’re about heart.
Whether you’re a Dallas local or just passing through, we invite you to join us and experience the city like never before — one bite, one story, one moment at a time.
What were you like growing up?
I was that kid ordering ribs at the restaurant while everyone else got chicken tenders. Adventurous by nature — I tried gator, frog legs, and even caught my own dinner on family catfish trips.
Some could say I was always in my “main character energy,” I was the go-to narrator for school projects and community events — not because I loved the mic, but because I could deliver the line without flinching. Even though inside, I was shaking and screaming. Honestly, I still feel that way sometimes before I speak — but the applause at the end always makes it worth it.
Offstage, I was filming YouTube videos, writing poetry, and choreographing dance routines. I also started countless fake businesses with my cousin, starting at age 7 — that was our version of playtime. It wasn’t about making money (we weren’t that advanced), it was just instinct. We had so many business plans — I thought I’d run a nail salon, a horse ranch, a body scrub line, and a spa. For the record: I still can’t ride a horse.
I guess I’ve always had a mix of curiosity, creativity, and a low-key hustle mindset. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was laying the groundwork for everything I do now.
Oh — and I had a deep love for science, especially fish. As a little girl, I wanted to be a marine biologist. I spent my time learning about animals, collecting rocks and keys, and casually diving into history “just for fun.” I was a little odd, but curious in all the best ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.incloodiefoodtour.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incloodiefoodtour
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/incloodiefoodtour
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/incloodie-food-tour
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/incloodie-food-tour-dallas?osq=Incloodie+Food+Tour
Image Credits
Photographer for all photos except the one where I’m wearing the gray shirt go to: @christensen.creative.co (instagram handle)
image of me in my shirt come from: rockymountain food tour comapany
