Between Two Humidors Episode 014 > The Bend Foodie
In episode 14 of "Between Two Humidors," Host Jonathan Ruggles interviews Jon Jones, aka The Bend Foodie, Founder of the food & beverage “Bend Foodies” community on Facebook, which has over 22,000 members. The live conversation starts with greetings and a discussion about cigars: Jones enjoys a Double CT Tabernacle, while Ruggles savors a 20th-anniversary JJ by Don Pepin. The discussion Jones’ journey as the Bend Foodie, beginning in Tacoma, Washington, and moving to Bend for boarding school. He transitioned from firefighting and paramedicine to writing and marketing, fueled by a desire for creativity and service. His passion for scotch and cigars evolved into a love for food, leading to the creation of the Bend Foodie brand in 2019, focused on showcasing Central Oregon's culinary scene. Ruggles’ and Jones discussed a wide range of topics, below are some key markers.
* Career Transition: Jones transitioned from a career in firefighting/paramedicine due to a lack of creative outlets to professional writing and eventually marketing, finding a niche as a food influencer.
* Bend Foodie Origin: His interest in food began with a curiosity about Scotch and cigars, which evolved into a passion for food reviews and marketing local food and beverage businesses.
* Bend Food Scene Insights: Jones offers insights into the Bend food scene, highlighting the importance of being approachable, balancing fusion with regional authenticity, and understanding the evolving "food IQ" of the local community.
* Community Focus: The conversation emphasizes Jones' desire to serve the community, evident in his background in emergency services and his current role as a food influencer promoting local businesses and supporting non-profits.
* Marketing and Influencing: Jones discusses his approach to marketing, including audience identification, messaging, and the importance of networking within the Central Oregon community. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of being a food influencer in a growing culinary scene.
Guest Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebendfoodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebendfoodie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebendfoodie
Thank you to our Sponsors
The Cigar Chapel -Bend, Oregon
Disclaimer
Jon Paul Jones
The Bend Foodie
Jon Jones, aka "The Bend Foodie," has lived in Central Oregon for over 25 years and works as a notable local influencer and writer in the restaurant review space. His previous career was as a professional Structural Fire Fighter and Paramedic in Central Oregon.
His work includes writings for publications like Bend Magazine, The Source Weekly, Issue Magazine, Eat Drink Bend, and The Eat Guide. He also runs Central Oregon’s largest food & bev community on Facebook; Bend Foodies; which has over 22,000 members. Jon has been featured as The Bend Foodie on Central Oregon Daily News, Bend Lifestyle Magazine, and the KSJJ and KPOV radio stations.
