Samantha Wood

Owner and Chief Tasting Officer

A self-proclaimed chocoholic, Samantha has an insatiable appetite for meeting new people, traveling to far off lands, and continually learning. She started this business, initially called Colorado Springs Food Tours, in May 2010 with her mom, Karen Kelley, after becoming disenchanted with her boring desk job. This leap of faith propelled her into figuring out the odds and ends of being an entrepreneur, becoming a voice for local businesses, and finding ways to give her guests the best customer service she could possibly provide. She’s traveled extensively throughout the United States, Western and Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia.

In May 2015, she received her MBA in Innovation Management from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and also holds a degree in Business Marketing and Professional Writing from the same school. Samantha was named the Leadership Pikes Peak Emerging Leader of the Year and a Colorado Springs Business Journal Rising Star in 2014.

Read Samantha’s interview with the Colorado Springs Business Journal

Noel Wood

Operations Manager and Tour Leader

Noel is a Kentucky native who now calls Colorado Springs home. She has traveled the world to sample as much delicious food (and wine!) it has to offer! Having visited many culinary hot spots within the U.S. and abroad, she has developed her palate for exciting eats and delectable drinks.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky (Go CATS!) Noel has spent over a decade honing her administrative expertise and, more recently, cultivating a knack for strategic marketing. Working with Rocky Mountain Food Tours truly allows both her personal and professional interests to coincide, making Noel one ecstatic foodie!

Roger Hadix

Tour Leader

Roger watched the food scene develop as he grew up here in Colorado Springs. Mom taught him how to prepare family favorites, and Dad showed him how to grill. Being a short order cook got him through college, and later he had the opportunity to travel and experience BBQ from Kansas City, delicious frozen custard in St. Louis, and blackened red fish in New Orleans. Thrilled with the possibilities of food, Roger threw himself into attempting new dishes of his own. Today, he is a published author and loves to share the history of Colorado Springs while feeling pride in how our city is attracting and fostering epicurean delights around every corner. Roger looks forward to exploring the downtown food scene with you!

Ryan Martin

Tour Leader

Ryan has spent most of his life in Colorado Springs, leaving only a few times for adventure and travel. His most recent trip consisted of him and his wife living in England and New Zealand for two years with a bit of country hopping in between! During his travels he developed quite an affinity for eating, cooking great foods, and trying new things, which he now brings everywhere with him! Upon returning to Colorado Springs, Ryan found an abundance of new and exciting restaurants and artwork to explore, and now with Rocky Mountain Food Tours can share what the town he grew up in has to offer!