TASTE Announces Transition to Employee Owned
The TASTE Family of Businesses, a Coastal Virginia culinary institution, announced its transition to a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. This milestone secures TASTE’s legacy for generations to come while ensuring that the company remains deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to its employees and customers.
Roughly 6,000 of the 33 million companies in the United States are ESOPs, making TFOB’s transition a unique local business story. In the Coastal Virginia region, there are only around 30 ESOPs. The model, governed by federal ERISA and tax codes, provides eligible employees with a beneficial ownership stake at no cost. Research shows that ESOP companies consistently outperform in profitability, employee satisfaction, and business longevity, making this transition a strong investment in TASTE’s future.
“This is a transformative step for TASTE, ensuring that our employees—the heart of our success—benefit directly from the growth and value they help create,” said executive chairman, Jon Pruden. “Employee ownership aligns perfectly with our company culture and values of being hospitable, team players, and better every day.”
For employees, the ESOP represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build wealth and directly benefit from their hard work and dedication. The plan is entirely company-funded, with no contributions required from employees. Shares are allocated annually based on compensation, and employees vest fully after three years of service.
“This transition ensures that TASTE remains deeply rooted in our community, with decisions made by those who know and love it best—our employees,” said Pruden.
For loyal customers and catering clients, this transition makes TASTE stronger than ever. Employee ownership means that every team member is personally invested in making TASTE the best it can be—leading to an even higher level of service, quality, and care. With the same leadership team guiding us, we’re now even better positioned to enhance and innovate the guest experience while staying true to the high standards that have defined us for over 50 years. This move ensures that TASTE remains a thriving, locally owned company that will serve our community for generations to come.
Founded in 1973 by Peter Coe, TASTE has grown into a trusted name in Coastal Virginia’s culinary scene, known for its gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and curated specialty products. Under stewardship of the Pruden family since 2006, the TASTE Family of Businesses has grown to include ten TASTE store locations, TASTE Catering & Events, Zinnia Café, the TASTE Bakehouse, and TASTE Online. With this ESOP transition, TFOB ensures its legacy of quality and community involvement while empowering employees to shape its future.
As TASTE moves forward as an employee-owned company, it remains dedicated to delivering the outstanding culinary experiences and exceptional hospitality that have defined the brand for over five decades.
The TASTE Family of Businesses manages a portfolio of food and beverage brands that have been pioneering specialty food and hospitality in Coastal Virginia since 1973. Through its ten restaurants, catering business, and food retail, the collective team of over 600 is united behind the TFOB mission to “Cultivate Community through the Good Life.”
For more information, visit www.tasteva.com.
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Naturally Seattle Seeks Naturally Rising Applications
Naturally Seattle announced its biggest event of the year, Naturally Rising. Formerly known as Pitch Slam, Naturally Rising has evolved into a premier competition that spotlights emerging, purpose-driven brands and celebrates conscious leaders in the natural products industry. Applications are now open (see details below). The event will be held in Seattle on June 4 from 6-8 p.m., (location TBD).“Naturally Rising is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of innovation, purpose, and the incredible entrepreneurial spirit driving the natural products industry forward,” said Debi Goldman, executive director of Naturally Seattle. “We are proud to provide a platform that empowers emerging brands, connects them with industry leaders, and helps them take the next step in their journey to success.”
Naturally Rising provides a platform for innovative, better-for-you brands to gain exposure, refine their pitches, and receive invaluable mentorship to prepare for retail success. Five finalists will be selected to compete in Naturally Seattle’s Naturally Rising competition and will receive one-on-one mentorship in preparation for their live pitch in front of prominent industry judges. The winner will be rewarded with the opportunity to pitch on the national stage at the national Naturally Rising pitch competition, which takes place at Newtopia Now— formerly Expo East, the natural product industry premier experiential immersion trade show —held in Denver, Colorado, on August 20-22, 2025.
The national champion of Naturally Rising’s pitch competition will receive exclusive prizes, including a booth at Expo West 2026, one of the industry’s most influential trade shows.
Applicants for Naturally Seattle’s Naturally Rising Competition are open to established, better-for-you CPG brands based in Washington, Oregon or Idaho. To be eligible, brands must:
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Have an annual revenue of at least $100,000 and no more than $2 million.
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Have a retail partner (physical or online retailer distribution).
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Be an active Naturally Seattle member.
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Be available to attend Newtopia Now in Denver on Aug. 20-22.
Applications close on April 11. Please contact debi@naturallyseattle.org if you are interested in supporting Naturally Seattle’s Naturally Rising Pitch Competition. Sponsorships, mentorships and judging positions are available.
For more information and to apply, visit www.naturallynetwork.org/naturally-rising
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Carbone Adds 5 Pasta Sauces to Its Line
Carbone Fine Food
Following a record-breaking 2024 with over 18 million jars sold, Carbone Fine Food has announced the addition of five pasta sauce flavors: Sweet Pepper & Onion, Mediterranean Marinara, Black Truffle Alfredo, Mac & Cheese Alfredo and Lemon Pepper Alfredo. The new releases are the latest creations by acclaimed chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi as they continue to reinterpret classic Italian-American cuisine through a contemporary culinary lens. The new flavors expand the Carbone sauce portfolio to seventeen flavors.
“Carbone is young, modern-chef driven, and in the zeitgeist,” said CEO Eric Skae. “Our new flavor creations are bold, authentic and uniquely delicious. They reinforce our position as a category innovation driver and the fastest-growing sauce in the nation.”
Crafted with the same care and premium ingredients used in their renowned restaurants, these sauces bring inventive chef-quality dishes to life at home.
- Sweet Pepper & Onion combines the caramelized flavor of roasted peppers and sauteed onions with the sweetness of 100% Italian tomatoes and rosemary.
- Mediterranean Marinara introduces flavors of Southern Italy by bringing together a savory medley of black olives and capers with 100% Italian tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs.
- Black Truffle Alfredo is a rich and creamy blend of Parmesan and Romano Cheeses with Black Truffles.
- Mac & Cheese Alfredo offers a rich blend of aged white cheddar cheese, cream, butter, and spices.
- Lemon Pepper Alfredo combines a creamy blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses complemented with the perfect balance of cracked black pepper and fresh lemon.
“As always, we’re focused on making it easy for people to enjoy incredible meals at home,” said chef Mario Carbone. “These five new sauces make good on our promise to bring bold, exciting flavors to the table with the same quality and care that’s at the heart of everything we do.”
All five flavors are available nationwide at Whole Foods Market and will roll out at additional retailers in the coming months. Consumers can purchase all Carbone Fine Food products online nationally at both Amazon and https://carbonefinefood.com/.
For more information, visit https://carbonefinefood.com/ or follow on Instagram and TikTok at @carbonefinefood.
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