Sept. 5, 2025

A restaurant manager is now the owner of Sioux Falls Food Tours.

Brandon McCormack took over the operation this summer from Dana Wohlwend. He started working with her as a tour guide in 2021.

McCormack is no stranger to the food scene with experience running restaurants like Chef Lance’s on Phillips or Ironwood Steakhouse at The Steel District, where he’s the general manager.

When Wohlwend stepped away from the business to pursue other opportunities, McCormack said she approached him, and he jumped at the opportunity.

“I’m a foodie at heart and love the downtown restaurants, so I love what these do for the downtown economy,” he said. “I really wanted to help build these up and get people in the doors.”

The business gives a good taste of the flavors of Sioux Falls — while allowing someone else to handle the planning, McCormack said.

Guests always include a mix of people from Sioux Falls – or communities close by – and people visiting from out of town or out of state, he said.

Tours typically start at a brewery where the brewer talks to guests about the beer. Guests are guided to five to seven restaurants to try premier menu items or chef specials. They meet the chef and hear his or her story before moving on to the next spot.

McCormack credits his small team of tour guides who also help behind the scenes with administrative work.

When asked to describe his perfectly curated tour based on his own preferences, he includes the Smoked Oktoberfest at Severance Brewing Co. or a cocktail at The Treasury, the bacon waffle at La Luna Cafe, the focaccia at North End Bakery and Deli, bratwurst at Dakota Craft Links and beef barbacoa tacos at BibiSol – to name a few.

“Even if you live in Sioux Falls, this experience takes you out of your comfort zone, and oftentimes, the dishes will surprise you,” he said. “I’ve been to Monks Ale House so many times, for example, and on one of my first tours, I was recommended to try the mashed potato pizza, and now I order that pizza every time I go.”

“There’s always something new on our Sioux Falls Food Tours that you don’t expect.”

Looking ahead, he said he has big plans for the business, including expanding food and drink options, adding restaurants outside of downtown, incorporating vehicles to the tour, possibly e-bike rentals, self-guided tours with an app – among others.

This winter during the slower season, McCormack said he looks forward to spending some quality time organizing those ideas and plans to prepare for 2026.

Tours run weekly from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, with private events and corporate outings available too. Tickets for the weekly tours are $100 per person.

Learn more on the Sioux Falls Food Tours website or Facebook page.