Why Restaurant Owners Should Travel and Experience New Restaurants

In the fast-evolving world of hospitality, staying still is not an option. For restaurant owners, travel isn't just a luxury—it’s a professional investment. Experiencing new restaurants, cuisines, and dining cultures can fuel innovation, sharpen business strategies, and breathe fresh life into your own establishment.

This is one of the WHY’s behind our 7 Day Away challenge.  By choosing to NOT travel, you could be missing more than a vacation.  You could be missing your next big idea!

Here’s why stepping out of your comfort zone and into another city—or country—could be the best thing you do for your restaurant.

1. Inspiration Through Exposure

Dining at other restaurants allows you to witness firsthand how different chefs interpret flavors, design menus, and create atmosphere. Whether it’s a street-side noodle cart in Bangkok or a Michelin-starred spot in New York, every dining experience adds to your mental archive of ideas.

Takeaway: You might come back with a new plating style, an unexpected ingredient pairing, or even an idea for a themed tasting menu.

7 Day Away Challenge tip:  Setting expectations for leaving are important.  It may not be perfect while you are gone, but this time of separation will show the areas of improvement in your operations.  

2. Understanding Emerging Trends

The culinary world moves fast. Traveling exposes you to food trends before they hit your local market. For example, plant-based innovations, sustainability practices, or tech-driven service models often debut in trendsetting cities.

Takeaway: Being early to adopt (or adapt) a trend can set your restaurant apart and attract curious diners.

3. Benchmarking and Competitor Analysis

Visiting other restaurants helps you objectively assess your own. Are your prices competitive? Is your service flow efficient? How does your ambiance compare? These insights are hard to gain if you’re always on your own turf.

Takeaway: Identifying strengths and gaps helps you improve your offerings with clarity and confidence.

4. Cultural and Culinary Enrichment

Great food often reflects culture and storytelling. Experiencing local dishes in their native setting helps you appreciate the depth behind certain cuisines and understand how culture can be woven into every dish.

Takeaway: This can inspire authentic fusion dishes or new ways to express your restaurant’s story.

5. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

Traveling connects you with other chefs, restaurateurs, suppliers, and creatives. These connections can lead to pop-up events, guest chef nights, supplier deals, or even new business partnerships.

Takeaway: The culinary world thrives on relationships—expand your network beyond your ZIP code.

Final Thoughts

The best restaurant owners are curious, observant, and open to change. Traveling isn’t about copying others—it’s about discovering what resonates, adapting it to your brand, and continuing to evolve. In a saturated industry, fresh ideas can make the difference between good and unforgettable.

So book that trip—not just for yourself, but for your business.