Scottsdale, Arizona is home to “the most delicious tour you’ve ever walked.” It’s a delectable chocolate tasting experience. As you stroll through the sidewalks of downtown Scottsdale, your taste buds will burst with joy when you sample everything from brownies to French macaron to gelato.
In Pursuit of Business Bliss
Gwendolyn McKay, owner of the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale, is a United States Army veteran and single mom. As she runs the tastiest tour in town, she also goes to school full time.
In May 2019, Gwendolyn earned her Associates in Business and a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies. This fall, she begins her pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Leadership.
Gwendolyn McKay, owner of the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale, with her son and right-hand man, Gabriel.
All this as she runs a blissfully delicious tour business. Gwendolyn’s son, Gabriel, is her right-hand man and dubs himself Vice President of Operations.
Quick Fire Questions
About the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale
Can you tell us what inspired the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale?
“The previous owner and founder of the tour was inspired after taking a similar tour in Europe. She founded the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale in October 2014. After being a customer for three seasons, I bought the business in October 2017.
“I put my own spin on what she started by adding new businesses on the tour and hiring another tour guide to join the team.
Having a blast on the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale.
“The concept is simple: provide customers with a delicious walking tour around Scottsdale and meet new friends. We highlight art and local businesses.”
How do you reach your chocolate-loving customers?
“About 90% of our customers are tourists that find us by word-of-mouth advertising from past customers.
“Each year we receive guests in town for conferences that arrange for a private tour. We also receive families that want to do something different while burning off the calories they ingest. This is a family-friendly event. We have customers as young as a few months all the way to adults in their 80s.”
Group photo during the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale.
Promoting a Chocolicious Experience
What are some of the activities you do to bring awareness of the tour?
“I go to new and established dessert spots, introduce myself, and ask to leave rack cards. I also do a lot of community outreach.
“Each year I give away about 24 tickets to charitable events, primarily to benefit the military. As an army veteran myself, I offer 15% off for military and first responders.”
What makes your “chocolicious” experience unique and memorable?
“The tour provides histories of chocolate and Scottsdale. We also visit local art galleries and shops. For each chocolate business, we share their story, what they’re known for, and details about the chocolate treat the guests get to sample.
“Treats range from single origin chocolates, French macaron, brownies, cupcakes, gelato, and everything in between. It’s about two miles of walking over the course of 2.5 hours.
Macaron sampling along the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale.
“A few of the businesses we visit have won local, national, and international chocolate awards. Another was named one of Martha Stewart’s Top Pastry Pros in the country. One business owner is featured on Netflix’s ‘Sugar Rush’ and ‘Cupcake Wars’.
Chocolate shop stop on the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale.
“There’s a story behind every door we visit, along with a delectable treat to tease the palate.”
Raising the Business Bar With Rack Cards
Thanks for working with NextDayFlyers. How have you put your rack cards to use?
“I get many compliments on the quality and feel of the rack cards. I include them in the goodie bags we give to each of our customers.
Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale Rack Cards printed by NextDayFlyers.
“I also ask to leave them at each new business I visit. The rack cards are in Chamber of Commerce wagons around Scottsdale and at the five different businesses on our tour. ”
How did you find the overall printing experience?
“I loved it! This was my first time designing a rack card. The design templates were great and easy to use.
“Customer Service warned me that my pictures were too low of a resolution, which I appreciated. I ordered anyway because I wanted an example of the quality. I was not disappointed.
“A few of my vendors asked where I purchased the rack cards. They were impressed with both the price and the ship time. Thank you for an awesome product!”
Do you need custom rack cards? Shop NextDayFlyers today!
Enjoy the Sweet Taste of Chocolate on a Tantalizing Tour
The Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale offers the tour once temperatures are 90 degrees or less—despite requests to walk in triple digits. October tour dates will be available on the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale website in September.
