The Downtowners – Kristl Story
November 30th, 2025
Meet Kristl Story, the owner of West Palm Beach Food Tours — where she says “eating, drinking, and storytelling are all part of the job description!” Story was born in Texas but because of her dad’s job in the government, she grew up all over the country. She attended the University of Georgia, met her husband there and is a diehard fan of the school’s football team (“Go Dawgs!”). She and her husband moved to South Florida in 2010.
How and why did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?
My husband’s career in the sugar business brought us to sweet, sunny West Palm Beach 15 years ago. Once we became empty-nesters in 2019, we were ready to downsize and simplify, so we said goodbye to our nearly 100-year-old house and hello to a Downtown West Palm Beach condo.
What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach?
Walkability, hands down! Within a few months of moving Downtown, we realized we didn’t need two cars — so we sold one, and the other mostly sits in its parking space. My husband and I both work Downtown, so we walk everywhere: to work, the grocery store, restaurants, and church. We walk our dog every day and always end up chatting with neighbors (and their dogs!) along the way. It’s amazing how quickly Downtown starts to feel like a friendly small town wrapped in big-city energy.
What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?
There’s always something fun happening within walking distance — and so we wind up rarely leaving our neighborhood. The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is our weekend happy place. I can walk to my yoga workouts and nearby entertainment venues. We love grabbing dinner at favorites like Hullabaloo, Pistache or Avocado Grill, and usually finish with ice cream at Sloan’s.
How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?
I’ve been running West Palm Beach Food Tours for 10 years and when I started the business, you could feel the momentum building. Back then, there was no Brightline, and many of the sleek new condos, office towers, and hotels you see today were still empty lots. Through my tours, I get to share my neighborhood with guests — it’s like showing friends around and taking them to my favorite places. We meet chefs and restaurant owners, taste local foods, and blend it all with stories about the city’s history and culture. It’s a delicious mix of food, fun, and community, and I love watching guests fall in love with Downtown the way I have. Since moving here six years ago, we’ve seen the area come alive with new energy and a real sense of connection. It’s exciting to watch — and be part of — Downtown’s evolution into a true live-work-play destination.