About Like A Local Tours
Who We Are
Like A Local Tours is an award-winning, woman-owned and certified M/WBE New York City experience company creating NYC food and culture tours, private group experiences, corporate outings and team-building events, and social-impact programs throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Founded in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2014, we connect guests with the people, places, and stories that make New York special. Our experiences are built around independent restaurants, local makers, entrepreneurs, artists, and community partners, combining great food, neighborhood discovery, storytelling, creativity, and meaningful local impact.
From public food tours and private celebrations to customized corporate team-building experiences for groups large and small, our mission is to create genuine connections while making tourism a positive force for New York City.
Authenticity
Community
We collaborate with small businesses and artisans.
Sustainability
We are committed to offering eco-conscious tours and promoting responsible tourism.
Our Story
I started my company organically, born from a deep love for my vibrant Williamsburg, Brooklyn neighborhood. It’s hard to believe that just over a decade ago, many Manhattanites still said, “I don’t go to Brooklyn.” But I saw something different; a community full of fascinating people, inspiring entrepreneurs, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
My mission has always been to connect both locals and tourists with the soul of the neighborhood through its stories, people, food, businesses and non profits.
Since then, we’ve grown beyond Williamsburg, offering tours across Brooklyn and Manhattan. But our core mission remains: connecting people to places through storytelling, supporting women and minority-owned businesses, and giving back to the communities we love.
– Lauren Beebe, Founder/CEO
Like A Local Tours is a Certified M/WBE (MWCERT2021-67).
Meet Our Core Team
Founder
Lauren Beebe
Originally from Wisconsin, Lauren grew up across Minnesota, Texas, and Pennsylvania before earning her B.S. in Marketing and International Business from Penn State. She moved to NYC after graduation and has worked in tourism and hospitality for nearly 20 years.
Before starting Like A Local, Lauren was Head of Marketing at Algodon Partners, a private equity firm with hospitality holdings in South America. She’s a member of NYC Tourism and Tourism Cares, and has served on the advisory board of Reach the World, a nonprofit bringing global travel experiences to classrooms.
Lauren is a frequent speaker at industry events and a graduate of NYC Tourism’s ‘Tourism Ready’ program, where she now mentors others. She has also completed executive programs at the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University, and Harvard Business School.
Like A Local, LLC is licensed, insured, and a registered trademark.
Operations Manager / Tour Guide
Jocelyn
Jocelyn curates and promotes experiences, ensuring they reach the right audience. She also focuses on daily operations and guest communication, creating a seamless guest experience.
Hailing from Westchester County, NY, Jocelyn joins the team with 4+ years of Corporate Event Planning experience and a lifetime of being a serious foodie. The weirder, the better. She currently resides in Park Slope, and is a true Brooklyn Stan.
Jocelyn is a proud francophile who has completed several long stays in France, including teaching English in elementary schools across Montpellier. Yes – she does love escargot. She is excited to be on board, combining her passions for New York, food and entertainment.
