VizEat

Eatwith, originally founded as VizEat in Paris in 2014 by Jean-Michel Petit and Camille Rumani, operates as a global community marketplace for culinary experiences. The idea emerged from the founders' own travel experiences, where they felt a disconnect from the local culture and people, sparking the desire to connect travelers with locals through the universal language of food. Petit, a former venture capitalist with a passion for gastronomy, and Rumani, whose interest in cross-cultural connections was solidified during a year in China, combined their expertise to launch the platform.

The company facilitates a variety of food-centric events, including dining experiences in a host's home, cooking classes, and food tours, connecting guests with local hosts in more than 130 countries. This peer-to-peer model allows travelers and locals to find authentic, immersive culinary events, moving beyond typical tourist options. The platform's hosts range from home cooks to Michelin-trained chefs, all vetted by the company to ensure quality and safety.

The business generates revenue through a commission-based model. While hosts set their own prices for the experiences they offer, Eatwith adds a service fee, paid by the guest at the time of booking. This structure allows hosts to receive the full price they set. A significant milestone in the company's history was the 2017 acquisition of its US-based competitor, EatWith, which was founded in 2012. Following this acquisition, VizEat rebranded under the Eatwith name, consolidating its position in the social dining market. The company has also made other strategic acquisitions, including Cookening in 2015 and Mamaz Social Food in 2023, to expand its global reach.

The platform's service is accessible via its website and mobile apps, which are available in multiple languages. Hosts create a profile, list their culinary event with details and photos, and set the price, schedule, and number of guests. Guests can browse these listings by city and book their desired experience. This model provides an alternative income stream for culinary enthusiasts and a unique way for travelers to engage with local culture.

Keywords: social dining, culinary experiences, peer-to-peer marketplace, food tourism, in-home dining, cooking classes, food tours, travel tech, sharing economy, local hosts, authentic travel, cultural exchange, communal dining, Eatwith, VizEat, Jean-Michel Petit, Camille Rumani, home-cooked meals, travel experiences, global community, food and travel