Our mission:
cultivate community through the good life.
TASTE is a 100% employee-owned specialty food cafe & market established in 1973, currently with nine locations in Coastal Virginia and Richmond.
The Good Life at TASTE means Good Food served in Good Gathering Spaces by a Good Team who supports the community as Good Neighbors.
good food
It isn't always easy to find traditionally prepared, full-flavored food from local sources - but when you do, it's always more delicious. At TASTE we go the extra mile to source better-for-you foods with minimally processed ingredients and to make foods from scratch.
We believe in the power of Good Food to nurture, fuel and heal. Our commitment to high quality foods encompasses both our prepared foods and our retail offerings. Our retail shelves house an ever-changing collection of exclusively curated products from artisanal producers, with an emphasis on the fine food and wine made right here in Virginia. We feature fine cheese, cured meats, craft beer, wine, and gourmet provisions from chocolate to Virginia peanuts.
We seek out foods made on family farms and by small producers who are zealous about preparing foods of integrity using traditional methods. We form close relationships with these producers and offer regular tastings to expose our customers to their products and share the story behind them. Connecting you to these producers (and them to you) is part of our mission to Cultivate Community through The Good Life.
TASTE the difference
Small-batch, from-scratch, clean foods.
Local & seasonal whenever possible.
Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Nitrate-free poultry, baked ham and roast beef.
Prepared fresh daily.
We are proud members of the Good Food Collaborative and Specialty Food Association.
Good Gathering Spaces
Each of our 9 TASTE locations and TASTE's Headquarters; which houses our main office, warehouse, and catering & commissary kitchen, were designed and constructed with utmost care to not only fulfill its purpose but to inspire and welcome all those who work and gather within. We work with responsible local partners, including Robyn Thomas Architecture and Spacemakers; custom crafters, like Benevolent Design Co., who created our wood furniture from reclaimed material; and numerous visual artists whose one-of-a-kind works are exhibited on our walls.
Good team
Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), TASTE is 100% employee-owned. This empowers our team members to share in the financial success of the company they help build every day.
Our company culture is defined by three core values. We are: Hospitable, Team Players, and Better Every Day.
Our diverse workforce is filled with friendly, fun, and motivated people. We offer competitive wages and extensive benefits, which include generous employee discounts and bonuses, health/dental/vision plans, PTO and paid volunteer time off, and opportunities for growth.
good neighbors
We’re dedicated to giving back to the communities we call home through hands-on volunteerism and meaningful philanthropic partnerships. By supporting local causes and encouraging our team to actively engage in community initiatives, we aim to lead by example and contribute to the well-being and growth of the neighborhoods we serve.