Do authentic dimensions and customer knowledge affect overall authenticity and revisit intention via interacting gastronomic experience? Perspective on ethnic restaurants

Authenticity has been widely acknowledged as a pivotal determinant in the success of ethnic restaurants. This study explores the influence of authentic dimensions and customer knowledge on the overall authenticity and revisits intention of Omani ethnic restaurants by moderating the gastronomic experience. Using a positivist approach, data were collected from 330 customers of Omani ethnic restaurants in Oman. All dimensions of authenticity (atmosphere, food, service, and price) have a positive influence on revisit intention. Concurrently, empirical evidence substantiates that customer knowledge significantly and positively impacts customers' perceptions of authenticity and revisit intention. Gastronomic experience moderates the association between overall authenticity and revisit intention. Overall authenticity mediates the influence of authenticity dimensions revisit intention, except true to self. The study contributes to the literature on the importance of authenticity and customer knowledge in the success of ethnic restaurants. It provides valuable insights for restaurant managers and marketers in Oman.