As of now, there is no top-level domain (TLD) extension named “.EAT”. Top-Level Domains (TLD) are the highest level of domain names in the DNS (Domain Name System) of the internet. These are the rightmost labels of a domain, appearing after the last dot in a web address. TLDs are divided into categories like gTLDs (generic top-level domains) and ccTLDs (country-code top-level domains). Some of the most recognized TLDs include “.com,” “.org,” “.net,” “.gov,” and “.edu.
The process of creating a new TLD involves a complex mechanism. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), is the organisation in charge of managing internet protocol resources and domain name systems. When a party is interested in introducing a new TLD, they must apply through ICANN’s New gTLD (generic top-level domain) Program. As per ICANN’s guidebook, the application process for a new gTLD includes numerous steps, such as registry services review and string contention handling, among other crucial rounds of evaluation.
The top-level domain “.food” exists and is one of the many TLDs introduced in recent years in response to the increased need for domain names due to the expansion of the internet. Examples of other relatively newer TLDs include “.app,” “.blog,” and “.cloud,” among others.
In the culinary industry, many restaurants and food-related businesses predominantly make use of TLDs such as “.com” or “.restaurant”. The TLD “.restaurant” is used by businesses like “littlebeet.restaurant” and “homechef.restaurant”. Even though a TLD like “.eat” could theoretically be beneficial for businesses in the food industry, it currently does not exist.
However, we should also take into account that introducing a new TLD is a substantial investment. The application fee that ICANN charges is $185,000, which doesn’t even include the operational cost of maintaining the TLD registry, which can run into millions of dollars.
In conclusion, while the potential for TLDs specific to the food industry, such as “.eat,” exists, introducing such a suffix involves substantial investment and a rigorous approval process through ICANN. Currently, there is no known “.eat” TLD in existence in the domain registration space.
Sources:
1. ICANN – Applicant Guidebook (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb)
2. Verisign – Top-Level Domains (https://www.verisign.com/en\_US/domain-names/index.xhtml)
3. ICANN – New gTLD Program (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program)
4. Webopedia – TLD (https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/tld/)
5. Register.com – How to Register a Domain Name (https://www.register.com/register-domain-names)
