As I sit down to reflect on the first three weeks since One Bite Foodie went live on September 27, 2024, at 1:30 AM Central, I can't help but marvel at the serendipity of it all. The idea for this platform was born during a taco tour in Cancun on September 3, 2024, where I found myself surrounded by international guests from the Nomad Experience Hostel. As we gathered at our second stop, enjoying some mouthwatering street tacos, I noticed the group savored each bite, yet the air was filled with silence. They were clearly enjoying the tacos, but I could sense the lack of engagement.

The hostel organized these tours twice a week to immerse guests in the local culture, but no one was capturing their reactions. This was the lightbulb moment for me. Why not film these guests sharing their authentic reactions? I suggested this idea to the hostel, and that was the spark that ignited my desire to create a platform dedicated to food experiences. Having previously worked on innovative membership platforms like Ignite Business Insider, Designwal, and Join inCrowd, I knew I could build a membership site. But could I create a video-based platform like TikTok? As it turns out, I could.


You Can't Plan An Ah Ha Moment

I spent hours working on the platform at the Nomad Experience, where the blend of creativity and a laid-back atmosphere fueled my inspiration. I remembered a conversation from 2022 at a 1 Million Cups Denver event, where a guy had pitched an Angie's List-style platform. I told him that the world was tired of traditional testimonials and written reviews. Instead, I urged him to consider leveraging the engaging, video-based format made popular by a guy on TikTok who does one-bite pizza reviews. Fast forward to September 2024, and here I was, in Cancun, ready to bring that concept to life.

In the midst of this, I also navigated my personal challenges. After losing my sense of taste and smell to COVID in April 2021, I found myself relying on texture, salty, and sweet flavors to appreciate food. This fueled my passion for experimenting with unique flavor profiles. I took part in a guacamole workshop, where I challenged Carlos, the activities concierge, to a "guac-off," showcasing my version with roasted poblano peppers, pickled red onion, Tajín (a zesty Mexican seasoning), roasted pepita seeds, and local Mexican raw honey. The experience not only satisfied my creative cravings but also reinforced my love for food culture.


A Pivotal Moment With A Foodie From San Diego

While sipping on café de olla—a traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar)—I met Lana on September 17. Originally from San Diego, she had traveled the world filming food reviews but struggled to monetize her content. Lana’s excitement about creating a One Bite Foodie profile inspired me to include a feature for "Published Articles," allowing foodies to build a business without needing to create a separate website.

After launching the platform, I traveled to Tulum on October 4, eager to soak in more local culture. While waiting at the Ado Bus station to return to Cancun on October 6, I realized I wasn’t in a hurry to leave Tulum. I booked a few nights at Maui Hostel, where I met Leo on October 12. Our paths had crossed serendipitously in Cancun, and when I faced technical hurdles with the platform, Leo offered to help with custom code. He worked diligently while I attended meetings, and soon he joined the One Bite Foodie team. Together, we’ve iterated on several features while enjoying the serene ambiance of a screened-in rooftop terrace in Tulum.


Building A Marketplace For Restaurants And Foodies

As I created a few reviews myself, I realized the importance of adding a marketplace for restaurants to connect with influencers. The feedback from the restaurants featured on the platform has been overwhelmingly positive. My first review at Tres Maria's in Cancun, which I discovered the week prior, was a perfect example of this synergy. Situated behind Cancun’s City Hall and just behind the Nomad's Enigmatic Boutique Hotel/Hostel, I connected with the owners, who loved the concept of One Bite Foodie.

Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting and reviewing a variety of dishes, like the delicious focaccia avocado toast with macha salsa at Rabbit Hole and a flavorful ramen at Raum Gallery. The excitement from restaurant owners to be featured on a new platform has been infectious.


A Journey of Irony and Resilience

It’s ironic, yet poignant, that I can’t taste or smell, yet here I am, launching a food platform that thrives on capturing sensory experiences. I’m currently working on a book about my journey with food, tracing my experiences from childhood to the present day, culminating in the launch of One Bite Foodie. As I pen these reflections on October 17, 2024, at 8:11 PM, just hours before we officially complete our third week live on Google, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s to come.

Stay tuned for new business features on One Bite Foodie, and remember: whether you can taste the flavors or not, the love for food and community is what truly matters. If you find yourself in Tulum, don’t hesitate to swing by and say hi—I'd love to connect with fellow food enthusiasts!


Cheers!

Joseph Haecker
Founder of One Bite Foodie, Inc.