BradenSTL - Foodies Eat First Fest

On this episode of The Sauce Podcast, host Lauren sits down with Braden— one of St. Louis’ fastest-growing food influencers — to talk about the highly anticipated Foodies Eat First Fest and how he’s turning the city’s food scene into a national destination.Braden breaks down the vision behind the festival, built “for foodies, by foodies,” and how he’s bringing together some of the most talked-about chefs, restaurants, and creators in one place — all at an accessible price point. From VIP all-you-can-eat experiences to curated vendor lineups and afterparties, this isn’t your typical food festival.But the conversation goes deeper than just the event. Braden shares his journey from corporate America to full-time creator, how he built a following by spotlighting local businesses, and why he believes St. Louis is one of the most underrated food cities in the country.They also dive into the future of Foodies Eat First — including expansion plans, restaurant week, micro festivals, and how content creators are driving real economic impact in cities like St. Louis.From toasted ravioli to Wagyu, from social media to city-building — this episode is all about passion, hustle, and putting St. Louis on the map.In this episode: - The concept behind Foodies Eat First Fest - How the festival makes high-end food more accessible - Featured chefs, restaurants, and unique food experiences - VIP vs General Admission breakdown - Expanding into multiple festivals and events - The rise of the creator economy in St. Louis - Braden's journey from corporate to content creator - How influencers are driving tourism and local growth - Favorite underrated food spots around St. Louis - The future of Foodies Eat First