ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the nature and effectiveness of the virtual experience of restaurant operations for metaverse Roblox users using qualitative research methods. Applying a qualitative phenomenological method, data were collected from 20 participants until the theoretical concept reached saturation. The findings indicate that participants gained immersive insights into restaurant management decision‐making and operations through simulated experience. They recognized differences between theory, virtual simulation, and real‐world practice. In addition, it was confirmed that the virtual experience of restaurant operations provides indirect and emotional experiences. This study theoretically contributes to hospitality education by revealing how immersive virtual platforms such as the metaverse can shape students' perceptions of decision‐making. It extends experiential learning theory by capturing how learners engage with the gap between theoretical instruction and virtual business practice. Practically, it is supporting the integration of simulation‐based platforms like Roblox into hospitality curricula as effective tools for fostering management.
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