Food+Drink

Downtown Foodie Tour Wins Idea Challenge

V1 Staff |

The Informalist in downtown Eau Claire
The Informalist in downtown Eau Claire

A new business that hopes to offer food and history tours of downtown Eau Claire was chosen as the grand prize winner of the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp.’s annual Idea Challenge, sponsored by Northwestern Bank. As part of their prize, The Three Foodies LLC – a partnership among Michelle Lien, Amanda Olson, and Nick White – received $5,000 toward business expenses. According to a press release, “The Eau Claire Food & History tour is a walking tour that will stop at several different restaurants/establishments providing a tasting at each stop while also providing a look into downtown Eau Claire’s rich history. The tour will be professionally guided so it’s the perfect blend of culture, food, and fun.” Four other Idea Challenge finalists also made presentations to a panel of judges: College Admissions Planning Calendar, which is part calendar and part college admissions guide, by Lessa Scherrer; GIF Skin, a self-powered, wireless, and customizable digital sticker, by Adam Shilts; Ketch, a modern lifestyle luggage line, by CeCe Ketcham; and Kid’s Hand Buddy, a fun and interactive way to hold hands, by Traci Lashley. Previous winners of the Idea Challege include Chip Magnet Salsa, Earthbound Environmental, and Gorilla Dumpster Bags. The Idea ChalleNge is currently accepting applications for its 2018 contest. To learn more, visit theideachallenge.com.