Check Out Marquavius Lampkin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquavius Lampkin.

Hi Marquavius, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a lifelong Atlantan, veteran, and hospitality professional, and food has shaped much of my journey. I served in the United States Marine Corps as a 3381 Food Service Specialist, which gave me the opportunity to cook for people from all walks of life and travel around the world. That experience taught me discipline, adaptability, and how food can bring people together regardless of background or culture.
After my military service, I continued building my career in hospitality here in Atlanta. I started in the restaurant industry as a busser and worked my way up to becoming a Director of Hospitality. That journey gave me a deep understanding of every level of the guest experience — from service and operations to leadership and relationship-building. Along the way, I built strong connections within Atlanta’s restaurant community and developed a real appreciation for what makes a dining experience memorable.
Those experiences ultimately inspired me to create Gastro Tours Atlanta, not as a traditional food tour, but as a curated hospitality experience that connects guests with some of Midtown’s standout restaurants and culinary stories. I wanted to create something intentional and elevated that highlights Atlanta’s hospitality culture while also supporting local restaurant partners.
Today, Gastro Tours Atlanta focuses on intimate, high-quality dining experiences for professionals, travelers, hotel guests, and corporate groups. We prioritize small groups and meaningful experiences so guests can truly connect with the restaurants, chefs, and culture behind the city’s food scene. More than anything, this business is my way of combining my love for hospitality, storytelling, service, and Atlanta into something that creates genuine connection through food.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but it also hasn’t been overwhelmingly difficult. I’ve always had a clear vision of what I wanted to build, and over time that vision continued to evolve as I learned more about the hospitality and tourism space. A lot of the journey has been about adapting — figuring out what works, refining the experience, building the right partnerships, and staying open to growth opportunities.
Honestly, the adapting process has been one of the most enjoyable parts for me. I like being able to take an idea, improve it over time, and create something more intentional with each step forward. Coming from both the military and hospitality industries, I’ve learned how important flexibility, leadership, and problem-solving are when building something from the ground up.
Another rewarding part has been teaching and guiding others throughout the process. As someone who worked my way from a busser to a Director of Hospitality, I understand the importance of leadership and developing strong teams. Being able to share what I’ve learned, help others understand the level of service and execution required, and watch people grow alongside the business has been incredibly fulfilling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I do is create curated hospitality experiences through Gastro Tours Atlanta, connecting guests with some of the city’s standout restaurants, stories, and people. I specialize in building experiences that feel personal, intentional, and relationship-driven rather than transactional. A big part of what I’m known for is my ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and make them feel comfortable, engaged, and included.
A lot of that comes from my upbringing. I come from a big family — seven kids with two parents — so I grew up constantly surrounded by different personalities, perspectives, and energy. That naturally taught me how to communicate, adapt, and build relationships early on. My time in the Marine Corps as a 3381 Food Service Specialist, along with traveling and cooking around the world, expanded that even further and helped me learn how to network and connect with people from all walks of life.
Around my family and friends, I’m known as the “partier” and the adventurous one — someone who’s always curious, always exploring, and always looking for meaningful experiences. I genuinely enjoy learning what makes people tick and hearing their stories. That curiosity plays a huge role in how I approach hospitality because I believe the best experiences come from human connection, not just good food.
One thing that really reinforces the Gastro Tours Atlanta experience is the relationships I’ve built throughout the city. At almost every restaurant I walk into, I know someone there personally — whether it’s a chef, server, bartender, or manager — and that familiarity creates a more authentic and welcoming atmosphere for guests. People can feel when relationships are genuine, and I think that connection adds another layer to the experience because guests aren’t just visiting restaurants, they’re being welcomed into spaces that already feel like community.
Another experience that really shifted my perspective was working in senior living facilities. Being around older adults and hearing their life stories made me realize how important it is to truly live, create memories, and experience the world while you can. It reminded me that none of us make it out alive, so I want to build a life filled with stories, relationships, and experiences worth remembering.
What I’m most proud of is being able to turn all of those life experiences, military service, hospitality leadership, travel, curiosity, and relationship-building, into something meaningful through Gastro Tours Atlanta. I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just focused on food tours; I’m focused on creating genuine moments of connection and helping people experience Atlanta in a way that feels authentic, elevated, and memorable.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the hospitality and experiential tourism industry is only going to continue growing over the next 5–10 years, especially in a city like Atlanta. Atlanta has become the “Hollywood of the South,” and with the continued growth of film, technology, business, and tourism, more people are coming here looking for authentic experiences and meaningful ways to connect with the city.
I also think the world has shifted a lot since COVID. People value experiences, community, and personal connection more than ever now. There’s been a major move away from purely transactional dining and entertainment toward experiences that feel intentional, memorable, and human. That’s where I believe businesses like Gastro Tours Atlanta have an opportunity to thrive — by creating spaces where people can slow down, connect, and experience the culture of a city through food and hospitality.
As technology continues to evolve, I think hospitality businesses will have to become even more creative and experience-focused. People can order food from anywhere with an app, but they can’t replicate genuine hospitality, storytelling, or human connection through technology alone. Experiences will become more valuable than convenience alone.
I also believe there’s going to be a stronger focus on community partnerships and sustainable income within hospitality. Restaurants, hotels, tour companies, and local businesses will continue looking for collaborative ways to support each other rather than operating independently. Gastro Tours Atlanta was built with that mindset — creating experiences that not only benefit guests, but also help strengthen Atlanta’s hospitality ecosystem and bring long-term value to local businesses.

Pricing:

• Luxe Late Night: $185
• Brunch and Bubbles: $150
• First Taste Midtown: $150
• Taco Tuesday: $135
• Private Tours; $135+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gastrotoursatlanta.com
• Instagram: gastrotoursatl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568281979133
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/111343917/admin/dashboard/