TASTE BUDS MANAGEMENT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of People Development
As Director of People Development, Bobby's passion for training and developing successful Taste Buds employees into future managers and restaurant leaders is what drives him. He has close to 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked in nearly every role: cook, server, bartender, kitchen manager, and general manager.
Bobby rejoined the Taste Buds Management team in 2022 after spending five years as an educator. He's continued his passion for teaching by working with managers and certified trainers to develop and administer our training programs. The comprehensive training programs uphold and set the high standard that is Taste Buds' culture.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Bobby graduated from De La Salle High School and the University of New Orleans. He's surrounded by amazing women at his home in Mandeville with his wife and three daughters.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Purchasing & Concept Development
Greg Reggio attended the University of New Orleans' School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism as well as an affiliate school of the American Culinary Federation. He began his career as a chef at a local multi-concept restaurant. His training skills earned him the director of training position; his culinary skills earned him the opportunity to train under Warren LeRuth, Gary Darling and Beany McGregor. He served as the Louisiana Restaurant Association, New Orleans Chapter President in 2007, and currently serves as a board member, in addition to being on the state board. In 2008, he was appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal to the Louisiana Tourism Development Commission. He is the past President and a current board member of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, as well as a board member of the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. In 2011 Greg was named Active Member of the Year and Restaurateur of the Year by the Louisiana Restaurant Association. He is the only person to receive dual LRA awards in the same year.
Job Titles:
- Beverage Director / Area Director of Operations
A cornerstone of the organization for 17+ years, Kevin started with the company as a Service Manager. Over the years, he has served as General Manager, Director of Culinary Operations, Area Director of Operations and, most recently, Vice President of Operations. Before joining Taste Buds, he honed his skills in several positions with Copeland's of New Orleans.
As Chief Operating Officer, Kevin is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's operations, including the development and implementation of strategies to drive growth and profitability. Kevin, who comes from a family of teachers, says that is the role he enjoys the most. He said, "I am blessed to have many influential mentors. They saw value in me and encouraged me to overcome and not give up. Paying that forward is a passion for me. Our Taste Buds team doesn't just provide jobs, we touch peoples' lives and make a difference."
A native West Banker, he attended Archbishop Shaw High School, University of New Orleans, and Tulane University. Kevin and his wife Melissa live in Madisonville, LA.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources and MIT Training
Paul has over 35 years of food, manufacturing and full-service restaurant experience. He joined Taste Buds Management in 2005 as Vice President of Operations for the Zea brand. He now lends his expertise to the task of managing Taste Buds' entire restaurant and catering business. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Paul's restaurant career began while attending Tulane University in New Orleans. Thirty plus years later he's still in New Orleans and still loving the restaurant business. Paul spent 14 years with a leading national multi-unit concept, including over seven years as an Area Director of Operations. He gained expertise in the manufacturing, packaging, wholesale and retail business during his three years as CEO of a local praline company. Paul has built his career by successfully tackling tough challenges, whether it's building 12 brand-new concepts, launching 30+ new stores or retooling an entire brand. Not only a catalyst for change, Paul is a team builder, servant leader, collaborator and facilitator; passionately aligning and focusing teams on long term strategies.
Priscilla's journey started with Taste Buds concept Zea Rotisserie & Bar in the summer of 2009 as a hostess while she pursued her degree in marketing from the University of New Orleans. Upon graduating, she was hired for the role of promotions coordinator. Then over time promoted to digital marketing and promotions manager in 2017, marketing manager in 2020 and most recently promoted to director of marketing.
She has a hand in all things marketing from digital media campaigns, executing promotions, social media brand reputation, and reporting on analytics. The constant learning is what she enjoys most about her role.
Outside of work, she's actively involved in the American Marketing Associations New Orleans Chapter and is currently serving on the board as President. She's also a member of the Young Leadership Council.
Job Titles:
- in 2005 As an Operations Manager
- Senior Area Director
Theresa joined Taste Buds Management in 2005 as an operations manager. Operations has always been her passion and she is energized by both the employee & guest experience. Before joining Taste Buds, Theresa spent 19 years with another iconic New Orleans restaurant company where she honed her skills and became a general manager specialized in turning around troubled properties.
Theresa is a NOLA girl through and through. She is extremely passionate about hospitality, the foundation of the culture of her city and her beloved animals. In her role as Senior Area Director Theresa is dedicated to the development her staff. There is nothing that makes her happier than watching her Zea and Semolina family grow both personally & professionally.