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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