NORFOLK, Va. -- The aroma of fresh bread and meats permeated the air inside Taste on W. 21st Street in Norfolk on Monday. Refrigerated shelves were stocked with cold beverages, and tables had bags placed on top with people's orders getting ready.
Taste remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve up different foods to satisfy each person's own, well, taste.
"Our mission is to cultivate community through the good life, so we always have that guest-centric approach of what our guests need," Alexandra Konikoff, Taste's Director of People, told News 3.
Taste is trying continue their promise of a family-friendly experience. Konikoff said the chain cut back on operating hours, stopped offering certain products - like tuna salad - and closed three of their locations -- Oceanfront, Towne Center and Larchmont locations.
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In addition, Taste is offering new additions for its customers.
"We're expanding our offerings in terms of frozen meals," Konikoff said. "We've had our classic lasagnas, our mac-and-cheese; we've expanded with enchiladas and quesadillas."
The only people allowed inside the stores are the employees. The company said it did have to furlough some of its employees, but that was a better than laying them off. The reason, Konikoff said, is so the employees can still get their benefits like health perks and an increased employee discount.
Konikoff added, "We actually communicate very regularly on a weekly basis. We want to stay engaged with them."
Taste currently offers curbside pick-up at its opened locations. It also offers delivery through its website.
Taste is providing Mother's Day brunches and dinners for Sunday. Konikoff said orders can be placed by Wednesday and can be picked up on Saturday.
