Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Local Specialty Food Cafe & Market in Virginia Beach, VA
Founded in 1973, Taste Un has been a cornerstone of Coastal Virginia's culinary scene for over five decades. As a 100% employee-owned company since 2024, we combine deep industry expertise with a passion for community through our specialty food cafes, markets, and catering services. Our team of seasoned professionals brings generations of experience in sourcing high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients to create scratch-made dishes that reflect our commitment to culinary excellence. Recognized nationally as an Outstanding Retailer by the Specialty Food Association, we maintain rigorous quality standards across our 13 businesses while fostering a culture of hospitality and continuous improvement.Our transparent business practices, demonstrated through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and community partnerships, establish us as trusted leaders in the specialty food industry. Every day, our certified culinary experts deliver exceptional dining experiences that align with our core values of being hospitable, team-oriented, and dedicated to getting better every day.
Services
Catering
Specialty Food Market
Cafe Dining
Retail Products
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We are 100% employee-owned since 2024, ensuring exceptional service quality
- We source ingredients from local Virginia producers and artisans
- Our catering services accommodate events of all sizes with 72-hour notice
- We offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options daily
- Our team includes certified culinary professionals with decades of experience
Associations and certifications
- Specialty Food Association
- Good Food Collaborative
What people say
Exceptional quality
Great catering service
Amazing local selection
Fresh ingredients
Community focus
Services
Catering Services
Taste Un provides comprehensive catering solutions for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings. Our offerings include drop-off catering with 72-hour notice and full-service catering with on-site staff. We accommodate dietary restrictions and provide heating instructions for delivered items while maintaining strict food safety standards.
Specialty Food Market
Our specialty food markets feature curated selections of Virginia-made products including artisan cheeses, cured meats, craft beers, and gourmet provisions. We prioritize locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients and maintain relationships with small producers to ensure product quality and authenticity across our 9 locations.
Cafe Dining
Each location offers made-to-order cafe dining with scratch-made salads, sandwiches, and soups. We serve fresh, locally-sourced meals daily using nitrate-free poultry and housemade prepared foods while maintaining dietary options including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices.
Retail Products
Our retail offerings include specialty food items ranging from Virginia peanuts to fine wines. We feature products from small artisans and family farms, with an emphasis on traditional preparation methods and ingredient integrity across our changing inventory of gourmet provisions.
Community Engagement
Through our Good Neighbors initiative, we support local causes via volunteerism and philanthropy. Our community engagement includes partnerships with local artists, responsible construction practices, and programs that encourage team member involvement in neighborhood initiatives across Coastal Virginia.
People
Chase Kopp
President/Chief Executive Officer
Chase Kopp leads Taste Un as President and CEO, bringing strategic vision to the 100% employee-owned business. With extensive experience in specialty food operations, he focuses on maintaining culinary excellence while expanding community impact through sustainable business practices.
Jon Pruden
Executive Chairman/Chief Strategy Officer
Jon Pruden serves as Executive Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer, guiding TASTE's long-term vision. As part of the Pruden family stewardship since 2006, he has driven the transformation into a modern specialty food company while maintaining three generations of family expertise in the industry.
Hannah Serrano
Chief Experience Officer
Hannah Serrano oversees customer experience across all TASTE locations, ensuring alignment with our hospitality values. With over six years of leadership experience, she focuses on maintaining exceptional service quality and implementing innovative guest engagement strategies that reflect our core values.
Rob Loomis
Chief Innovation Officer
Rob Loomis leads product development and culinary innovation at TASTE, leveraging his decade of experience in specialty food markets. He focuses on creating new menu offerings that maintain our commitment to scratch-made preparations while incorporating modern culinary techniques and seasonal ingredients.
Elizabeth Hall
Director of People
Elizabeth Hall manages human resources and employee development programs for TASTE's 100% employee-owned structure. With extensive experience in organizational development, she implements policies that support our team values while maintaining competitive benefits packages for all staff members.
Questions
What catering options does TASTE offer?
We provide drop-off catering with 72-hour notice and full-service catering with on-site staff for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options daily, with staff available to discuss specific allergen concerns and dietary needs.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and mobile payments at all locations, with payment options available through our online ordering system for cafe items.
Are there loyalty rewards available?
Yes, our TASTEBud Rewards program offers tiered benefits including free meals, birthday treats, and exclusive weekly rewards for frequent customers.
What are your operating hours?
Most locations operate Monday-Saturday 10AM-7PM and Sunday 10AM-4PM, with specific hours varying slightly by location.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, we offer both physical and digital gift cards available for purchase at any TASTE location or through our website.
