NORFOLK — After months of waiting, Taste Unlimited has opened in Ghent.
The eatery opened up its latest location in the heart of the Norfolk community at 407 West 21st Street Tuesday, making a long-awaited return to the area, according to co-owner Jon Pruden.
“It feels incredible,” Pruden said. “It’s been deeply rewarding and encouraging as we’ve gone through the construction phase, hearing from so many Ghent residents how excited they are and anxious they are to have Taste back in the Ghent community.”
Managed by Pruden, his father Peter, and a few of his close friends, Taste originally opened in Ghent in 1976 on Colley Avenue before relocating to Hampton Boulevard in 2010.
Following the departure, Pruden said the thought of opening another Ghent shop had always been in the back of his mind as he waited for the right moment.
That moment arrived after the former Blockbuster Video closed down on W. 21st Street, giving Taste a prime location in the community.
“It’s just very central to everything going on in Ghent,” Pruden said.
Based in a 6,000-square-foot location and seating over 225 people, the shop is the largest location out of the eight eateries under the brand.
With that much space, Pruden said the new location called for a few “bells and whistles” for the customers.
Among the features, Taste included a Borjo drink bar, inspired by the coffee house concept the brand implemented at Old Dominion University on Monarch Way.
Customers are able to select from an array of drink items like coffee and espresso along with juices, smoothies, and even alcohol.
The eatery will also add a breakfast lineup of sandwiches, pastries, and oatmeal to enjoy with coffee.
According to Pruden, Taste in Ghent will also be implementing a new service model, where food runners will bring out orders to customers as opposed to the usual stand-and-wait model used in other locations.
“We wanted to kind of ease that process a little bit for our customers,” he said. “Now, you’ll place your order and we’ll bring your food out to your table when it’s ready so you can take a seat and relax and not have to hover around the counter.”
Pruden added that a patio area is currently under construction to give customers an outdoor area to enjoy their food by a “living green wall” that he hopes will give the area a garden vibe.
Taste is expected to host live entertainment and music events as well.
Taste in Ghent is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m and weekends from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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