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Culinary Travel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary * Travel Requirements: No * This role does not include supervisory responsibilities. Vivie is an equal opportunity employer. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify ...

Culinary * Travel Requirements: No * This role does not include supervisory responsibilities. Vivie is an equal opportunity employer. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify ...

Culinary * Travel Requirements: No * This role does not include supervisory responsibilities. Vivie is an equal opportunity employer. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify ...

Culinary Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$36K - $48K/yr

The Culinary Specialist may be assigned to work on corporate projects periodically ... This position requires up to 90% travel. Candidates located near a major airport are encouraged to ...

Summary Under the supervision of the Culinary Manager and in support of Haliburton's sales division ... Ability to travel on occasion as required for purposes such as vendor visits, etc. Driving ...

Culinary Director

Redmond, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Culinary Director Location: Redmond / Renton, WA | Company Wide | Full-Time Pay Range: $110,000 ... Ability to travel between locations and work nights/weekends as needed * Physical ability to stand ...

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Culinary Travel information

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How much do culinary travel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary travel in the United States is $18.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is culinary travel?

Culinary travel, also known as food tourism, is a type of travel focused on experiencing a destination's unique food and drink culture. It involves activities like tasting local dishes, visiting food markets, taking cooking classes, and exploring regional culinary traditions. Culinary travelers seek to immerse themselves in the flavors and food heritage of different places, making cuisine a central part of their travel experience.

What is the difference between Culinary Travel vs Culinary Tour Guide?

AspectCulinary TravelCulinary Tour Guide
CredentialsOften requires knowledge of food, travel planning, and cultural insightsTypically needs guiding certifications, food knowledge, and communication skills
Work EnvironmentTraveling to various destinations, planning trips, and exploring cuisinesLeading groups on food-focused tours, providing commentary and guidance
Employer & IndustryTravel agencies, tour operators, or self-employed in the travel and hospitality industryTour companies, travel agencies, or independent guides in the tourism sector

While both roles involve food and travel, Culinary Travel focuses on planning and experiencing culinary journeys, whereas a Culinary Tour Guide actively leads and educates groups during food tours. Understanding these differences helps travelers and professionals choose the right path in the culinary tourism industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Culinary Travel Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Travel Specialist, you need a strong background in travel planning, culinary arts knowledge, and destination expertise, often supported by a degree in hospitality, tourism, or culinary management. Familiarity with booking platforms, travel management software, and food safety certifications is typically required. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and creative problem-solving skills help you build memorable, personalized food-focused travel experiences. These skills ensure clients receive authentic and seamless culinary adventures while maintaining high standards of safety and satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in culinary travel, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in culinary travel often encounter challenges such as coordinating with international vendors, adapting to diverse culinary traditions, and ensuring guest satisfaction across different cultures. Managing logistics for group travel, language barriers, and accommodating dietary restrictions can also be demanding. To address these, culinary travel specialists focus on strong communication, building reliable global networks, and continuously learning about local customs. Flexibility and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring seamless experiences for clients.
More about Culinary Travel jobs
What cities are hiring for Culinary Travel jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Travel job openings:
What states have the most Culinary Travel jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Travel jobs include:
Culinary Innovation Specialist - Midwest

Culinary Innovation Specialist - Midwest

Whitsons Culinary Group

Hauppauge, NY • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Whitsons Culinary Group rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 64 rated caterers


Job description

Seeking : Culinary Innovation Specialist (K-12/Residential/Corporate Food Service)

Who You Are

You are not just a chef-you are:

A problem solver who can walk into a struggling kitchen and immediately see what's wrong
A coach who can develop people without alienating them
A doer who is just as comfortable on the line as you are training a room
A leader without ego who can influence across all levels

You likely come from:
High-volume foodservice, contract dining, or multi-unit operations
Environments where consistency, cost control, and execution matter

Minimum Qualifications
3-5+ years in large-scale foodservice (K-12, healthcare, or institutional strongly preferred)
Proven ability to train, lead, and influence diverse teams
Strong understanding of food safety, production systems, and kitchen operations
Working knowledge of USDA meal patterns / school nutrition compliance
Willingness to travel up to 75% (this is a field role)
Valid driver's license + reliable transportation
ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain quickly)

What Separates Top Candidates
You've fixed broken operations before
You can balance culinary creativity with operational reality
You know how to drive participation and customer satisfaction, not just cook food
You've led training that actually changed outcomes
You understand food cost, labor efficiency, and waste control

Compensation & Upside
Competitive base salary (aligned to top regional talent)
Mileage/ travel reimbursement
Full benefits (health, dental, vision, 401k)
Clear path to senior leadership

Career Trajectory (This Role Is a Launchpad)
Top performers in this role move quickly into leadership:
Culinary Innovation Specialist

Regional Culinary Manager / Corporate Chef

Director of Culinary Operations

VP, Culinary / Operational Excellence

Executive Leadership Track (SVP / COO pathway)

This role gives you exposure to:
Multi-site operational leadership
Menu strategy and financial performance
Client-facing influence and retention strategy
System-wide impact-not just one kitchen

Why This Role Matters
At Whitsons Culinary Group, we don't believe school food should be average.

This role directly impacts:
Student experience
Program participation (and financial performance)
Team capability across an entire region

You won't just run kitchens-you'll elevate them.

Apply If You Want to Be Pushed

If you're looking to:
Stay comfortable this isn't the role
Grow fast, take ownership, and be challenged we want to talk

This role offers a salary range of $65,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays.


What Whitsons Culinary Group employees say

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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

Year founded

1979

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