Here’s how we designed a custom group experience at Industry City and how we can create something unique for your team.
When a law group approached us for a 5-hour Brooklyn experience, we crafted an immersive journey through Industry City that combined artisan craftsmanship, culinary discovery, and authentic local culture. This particular outing became the perfect example of what’s possible when you go beyond cookie-cutter tours and create something tailored to your group’s interests and schedule.
A Tour Designed Around Your Day
For this group, timing was everything. They had an archery workshop scheduled for late afternoon, so we designed the experience with four food tastings strategically frontloaded throughout the morning and early afternoon.
The first bite happened right at the start at 11 AM, and the final food tasting wrapped around 1:30-1:45 PM, perfectly timed so everyone was well-fed and energized, but still hungry for light bites in time for their early evening activity.
We also added an alcohol tasting later in the tour to round out the perfect day.
This particular pacing worked beautifully for their needs, but we can adjust timing, portions, and the balance of food versus other activities for your group’s schedule and preferences.
The Culinary Stops (This Group's Menu)
Colson Patisserie Colson has grown from a small shop to a successful wholesale operation while maintaining their commitment to social impact. They partner with Hot Bread Kitchen’s Quality Jobs Initiative, hiring graduates from the organization’s culinary training program for immigrant and low-income women and providing them with flexibility, mentorship, and career growth opportunities.
Authentic Japanese cuisine at Obentoyasan brought the group together over handcrafted onigiri 
at Japan Village. Then, an impromptu trip upstairs had the group feeling like kids in a candy shop as they competed to win big at claw machines.
Table87’s New York pizza delivered that quintessential Brooklyn slice experience, because this group specifically wanted authentic pizza.
Li-Lac Chocolates, a historic New York chocolatier, offered artisanal treats including butter crunch and truffles. Some guests took home some discounted treats for loved ones.
Later, Barrows Intense Ginger Distillery provided an intimate tour and tasting experience – complete with their friendly shop dog, 🐕 Chief, who quickly became a group favorite. The team loved ordering drinks to-go at the end to walk around the complex with.
Your group’s culinary journey can feature completely different stops based on your interests: we have access to BBQ joints, dumpling spots, specialty coffee roasters, craft breweries, wine tastings, dessert specialists, and dozens of other local food artisans throughout Industry City and beyond!
Meet the Makers (Fully Customizable)
What really elevated this experience was unprecedented access to Brooklyn’s artisan community.
This group visited:
👞 Francis Waplinger’s bespoke shoe workshop, where they watched a master craftsman demonstrate the intricate process of handmaking shoes in New York City. The intimate setting worked beautifully for engaging conversation. His shoes are all made to order and can take a full year to complete!
🧶 William Storms Textile Studio was a highlight. Beyond touring the workspace and watching a yarn-making and a weaving demonstration, participants got hands-on with a workshop where everyone created their own woven keychain. It was the perfect moment to relax, unwind, and create something easily portable to take home.
📖 St. Marks Comics and Brooklyn Made Store rounded out the maker visits. At Brooklyn Made, the group caught the limited time exhibition, Cancer & Community: The Journey Through Art exhibition in partnership with the American Cancer Society.
Local Brooklyn artisans who sell their products in the store spoke directly to the group about the inspirations behind their work and what makes the borough so special.
But these maker experiences are just the beginning. Depending on your group's interests, we can arrange visits with:
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Candle Makers
👃
Perfumerie
🎨
Visual Artists
👜
Leather Workers
🏺
Ceramicists and Potters
📿
Jewelry Designers
🍺
Craft Distillers and Brewers
🛒
Specialty Food Producers
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Bespoke Lingerie (for unique interests)
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& More!
We have deep relationships with dozens of artisans and makers across the complex, and we curate each experience based on what will resonate most with your specific group.
Click the image below to watch the Highlight Reel!
The Like A Local Difference
Every group is different, and every Industry City experience we create reflects that. We don’t have a set “Industry City Tour”. Instead, we have:
Deep local partnerships with dozens of food vendors, artisans, and makers
Flexible frameworks that let us mix and match based on your priorities
Logistics expertise to handle dietary restrictions, timing constraints, and group dynamics
Behind-the-scenes access you can’t arrange on your own
