Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Righetti.
Hi Denise, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in Miami, I was that wide-eyed little girl who would gaze longingly at the cruise ships lined up along the way to Grandma’s house in Miami Beach, dreaming of the faraway places I’d visit one day. After graduating college, I turned that dream into reality by landing my first job aboard Royal Caribbean ships, where I had the incredible opportunity to travel the world and connect with people from every corner of the globe. It was there that my fascination with discovering cultures through their cuisines truly took root.
Fast forward to my life in Boca Raton, where I’ve lived for over 20 years: I became known locally as “The Foodie Girl” during my time as Marketing Manager for the largest property owner in Downtown Boca. I loved promoting our 100+ mom-and-pop restaurants, staying in the know about every new opening and hidden gem. I started organizing what I playfully called “Denise’s Foodie Events” — multi-course tasting experiences that brought people together and gave local restaurants a boost. They were a hit from day one!
In 2014, I decided to take the leap and turn this passion into a full-fledged business. I launched Savor Our City with a single historical walking food tour in Delray Beach called “Taste Atlantic Ave.” Today, Savor Our City has blossomed into a nationwide culinary experience and marketing company.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any entrepreneurial journey, it’s been a rewarding ride — but not without its bumps along the way!
One of our first major challenges came about three years in, when we realized we needed to refine our business model to focus on the areas that were most profitable and sustainable. It was a pivotal moment (pun intended!) that required us to rethink how we operated and what offerings best served our clients and partners.
The next big curveball, of course, was COVID. Virtually overnight, group travel and gatherings came to a standstill. We quickly pivoted to virtual experiences to keep our clients engaged, but I can’t tell you how thrilled we were to get back to hosting in-person events once it was safe to do so — nothing compares to sharing food, stories, and laughter face-to-face.
Most recently, my biggest challenge as a founder has been managing growth while staying true to my vision. Savor Our City has been entirely bootstrapped since its inception without any partners, investors, or debt — so scaling responsibly, hiring the right people, and training new guides to meet increasing demand has been both exciting and demanding. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every challenge has made us stronger, more agile, and more grateful for our loyal foodie community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Savor Our City is all about bringing people together through unforgettable culinary experiences that revolve around food, wine, and cocktails. From interactive cooking classes and team competitions, custom photo scavenger hunts and food tours to our signature Mix & Munch workshops, wine tastings with etiquette lessons, and indulgent, high-end experiences tailored for our most discerning clients — we design and deliver events that engage, delight, and connect.
What started in 2014 with one charming walking food tour in Delray Beach has grown into a nationwide company catering to corporate groups, convention attendees, and social groups seeking unique, hands-on, and delicious ways to bond. Our specialty is creating immersive, curated events that feel personalized and memorable — whether that means discovering hidden neighborhood gems on a tasting tour, competing in a friendly culinary throwdown, or learning the art of perfect wine pairings.
What truly sets Savor Our City apart is our blend of culinary expertise and our commitment to supporting local businesses and making a positive community impact. I’m incredibly proud that for over 14 years, I’ve been raising funds for various local charities through Wines for Humanity, hosting private wine tastings and etiquette seminars that both delight guests and give back to meaningful causes. And, I’m equally proud that my amazing team and I have been recognized for our dedication and creativity — earning Savor Our City the Best of Florida 2024 award in the Event Planner category.
If there’s one thing I’d love your readers to know, it’s that whether you’re looking to get a true taste of the city while in town for a national or global convention, plan a unique client appreciation event, or simply gather your favorite people for a custom culinary adventure, we’re here to make it deliciously unforgettable.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I like to believe that luck favors those who put themselves out there and stay open to possibilities — and in my journey, I’ve certainly experienced a bit of both good and bad luck along the way.
I’d say good luck has shown up in the form of being in the right place at the right time — whether it was landing my first job aboard a cruise ship that sparked my love for global cuisines, or crossing paths with the incredible chefs, restaurateurs, and partners who’ve helped shape Savor Our City into what it is today.
On the flip side, like any business owner, I’ve faced unexpected challenges — a global pandemic being the biggest test of all. Some might call that bad luck, but I see it as a lesson in resilience and adaptability. Each curveball has pushed me and my team to think creatively, pivot quickly, and grow stronger than before.
At the end of the day, luck is just one ingredient. The real secret sauce has been passion, persistence, and a genuine love for connecting people through food and memorable experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SavorOurCity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savorourcity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savorourcity
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniserighetti/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Savorourcity
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/savor-our-city-culinary-tours-boca-raton?osq=Savor+Our+City+Culinary+Tours
