The Camera Eats First: Inside the Rise of Indy's New Food Tastemakers

You’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve done it. The reach for the phone. The slow-motion cheese pull. The swirl of a cocktail beneath just the right lighting. What was once a private ritual of taste has become a public performance. In Indianapolis, the food influencer is no longer a niche persona. They’re the new tastemakers—storytellers shaping appetites and guiding where we eat next.

These influencers don’t just document food, they celebrate it. They often give small, local restaurants the kind of attention that money can’t buy. Behind every beautifully filtered post is a person with perspective, a platform, and a purpose.

Here’s a look at four voices shaping Indy’s modern food scene.

follower counts as of July 2025

Chelsea Kopelman (@keepingupcarmel | IG ~58.1K)

Chelsea’s impact became clear during dinner at a restaurant she had recently posted about, when a fellow diner recognized her and said, “We’re here because of your post.” That moment didn’t just affirm her reach; it showed that people were really listening.

Her story begins back in 2019, when Kopelman moved to Carmel with her young family. The area was known for being a great place to live, but getting plugged into the community wasn’t easy. Chelsea kept thinking, “I wish all this information from all these different sources was available in one central resource,” and “I wish I knew someone who could share their personal experiences with me.”

In 2022, she launched Keeping Up in Carmel as the first affiliate of what would become Keeping Up Local, a digital platform designed to do exactly that. After a strong reception, she expanded into Keeping Up in Greenwood, and now the network features Downtown Indy and Brownsburg. Each affiliate is run by a local community member, with Chelsea continuing to lead from the front.

“If I’m not authentic, I won’t pass the red-face test when I meet people,” she says. With her audience heavily concentrated in Central Indiana, she’s committed to uplifting small businesses with stories she can stand behind.

Kopelman sees herself not as a critic but as a connector who links curious locals to deserving businesses. Roselli’s Pizza in West Carmel is her current hidden gem. “Family-owned, one location, 30 years in business, and some of the best Chicago-style pizza around.”

When it comes to partnerships, her rule is simple: If she doesn’t love it, she doesn’t post it. That commitment is exactly why her followers stick around.

“If someone walks away from our content saying, ‘That was helpful,’ then we’ve done our job.”

Markiss Stone (@travelingfoodieguyde | IG ~114K, TikTok ~50K)

With a bold personality and an even bolder palate, Markiss has become one of Indy’s most influential food creators. He knew he was onto something when a follower commented, “I’ve lived in Indy my whole life and never heard of this place.” That wasn’t just praise; it was proof he had become a resource.

A Chicago native, Markiss brings an honest, high-energy vibe to every post. But his content is also intentional. “I only post what I like. I’m not in the business of hurting small businesses.”

This is no side hustle; it’s a full-time job. “This is how I pay bills and provide for my kids,” he says. And while Stone is flexible with small businesses that need visibility, he’s clear about the value creators bring. “If you don’t believe this is real work, try it.”

Stone’s current obsession? Nino’s Pizza in Noblesville: tavern-style slices that remind him of home.

“I want my viewers to feel a breath of fresh air knowing someone is trying to highlight the Indy food scene positively and continue to expose Indy in a way that garners attraction to our dope city.”

Nate Spangle (@natespangle | IG ~68K)

Nate didn’t start with food—he started with Indiana. Through Get IN, he wanted to spotlight people and places that make the Hoosier State special. Food just happened to be the most delicious entry point. His aha! moment? Watching @thecavityfactory sell out after going viral. “It clicked that views can directly turn into dollars for local businesses.”

Nate’s approach is pragmatic: “We post everything and let the audience tell us what’s working.” From there, it’s a data-driven pivot toward engagement. But whether it’s paid or passion, every post starts with an idea they’d share anyway.

“I want people to feel proud of Indiana,” Spangle says. “Proud enough to talk about it when they travel.”

His current summer go-to? Mug-n-Bun in Speedway. “Greatest summer night spot around.”

“The creators who bring their own twist to this space will continue to grow—and shape what Indiana looks like online.”

Lara Pasotti (@see_do_eat | IG ~13K)

Lara’s account is a love letter to local food, told with the eye of a storyteller and the voice of a trusted friend. A full-time professional outside of content creation, she started posting simply to share the joy of discovery. “I prioritize locally owned small businesses, but I’ll post anything I’m excited about.”

Today, her account is a 50-50 mix of paid collaborations and personal passion projects. “Being choosy has helped me build trust. And some of my best partnerships started from just being a regular somewhere.”

Natural State Provisions is her current crush. “Delicious no-frills menu, great burger, frozen cocktails, a dog-friendly patio, and soft serve. We’re trying to become regulars this summer.”

Lara’s mission is simple: Make people curious enough to try something new.

“When someone says, ‘I learned about that place from you,’ I know I’ve done something right.”

Together, these creators form a constellation of influence. Some have massive followings. Others have hyper-engaged niche audiences. What unites them is this: They shape how Indianapolis eats, explores, and supports its local community.

And these four aren’t alone. The duo behind @indybrunchcouple have carved out a loyal audience obsessed with breakfast spots and Sunday splurges. @sierrainthecity focusing on food, drink, and travel has seen some major growth in the last year and is on our “Influencer watchlist.” @tasteindianapolis has a focus on baking, bakeries, and cool spots to visit with 22K followers and growing daily. 

But behind the curated shots is the reality of a new kind of business, and each creator approaches it differently. Some work strictly through partnerships and paid content. Others rely on a blend of trade (free meals or event invites) and affiliate marketing. A few choose to keep everything unsponsored, but most will tell you: A consistent pipeline of visibility often means brands invest.

The economics vary. Some influencers charge per post; others offer multi-platform packages. Some barter with experience or exclusivity. But no one here is just “doing it for the free food.” There’s time, talent, and trust involved.

There are challenges, of course. Navigating sponsorships while maintaining authenticity. Avoiding burnout. Respecting restaurant staff and space. But what these four creators show is that influence, done well, isn’t shallow. It’s a service. It’s storytelling. And in a city as layered and flavorful as Indy, we need more of both.