On October 16, 2026, John Cabot University students visited the Eataly store in the Ostiense district of Rome as part of “Business Unboxed,” an initiative organized by the Frank J. Guarini School of Business that connects students with companies operating in Italy.
Accompanied by Professors Paola Gioia and Maria Elena Nenni, students participated in an experience combining a presentation by an Eataly manager, a guided store tour, and a lunch featuring Italian gastronomic specialties.
Beyond Food: Understanding Italian Culture Through Business
The visit began with a presentation introducing Eataly's entrepreneurial origins, its evolution into an international business, and the principles underlying its "Eat, Shop, and Learn" business model.
Students were then invited on a store tour to explore its different departments and learn how Eataly communicates the cultural value of regional traditions, artisanal production, and quality ingredients to its customers.
Throughout the visit, students gained a deeper understanding of concepts such as cultural intermediation, authenticity, and the relationship between products and their territories of origin.
They also explored how Eataly communicates Italian gastronomic heritage to international audiences while balancing local traditions with global expansion.
From Classroom Concepts to Real Experiences
Through the “Business Unboxed” initiative, JCU students have the opportunity to engage directly with companies and industry professionals and explore how concepts taught in the classroom translate into business practices.
The visit to Eataly demonstrated how Italian cultural heritage, entrepreneurship, and customer experience come together to create value beyond the products themselves.
