Meet The Team

 

Jon Pruden, chief executive officer (CEO)

Joined the team in: 2006
A recovering lawyer and 4th generation food entrepreneur, Jon leads TFOB forward while respecting our local roots. “I'm so proud of the hard work that our great team does each day to put smiles on the faces of our guests and clients. We consider it a privilege and responsibility to be a part of so many daily routines and major life celebrations.” On a great day off, you’ll find him parked in a beach chair with family and friends. Jon currently serves as Board Chair for Virginia Wesleyan University and the Specialty Food Association as well as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Pruden Foundation.

Rob Loomis, VP of Technology & InnovationJoined the team in: 2016 Hometown: Born in Oakland, moved to Portsmouth when I was 7. Two of the greatest cities on Earth. Background: Before joining TFOB, I worked as a junior high school English teacher in Japan, at a couple of manufacturing plants in Mexico, and as a barista in Norfolk. About Me: I live in Portsmouth in a pretty old house with wife Nathalia, daughter Sophia, and recalcitrant Aussie-Doodle Scotch.

Rob Loomis, vp / chief innovation officer (cio)

Joined the team in: 2016
Born in Oakland; lives in Portsmouth. Two of the greatest cities on Earth. Has worked as a junior high school English teacher in Japan, at a couple of manufacturing plants in Mexico, and as a barista in Norfolk. Lives with wife Nathalia, daughter Sophia, and recalcitrant Aussie-Doodle Scotch. Frequently improves our vocabulary by using words like recalcitrant.

Rob Reper, VP of OperationsJoined the team in: 2015 Hometown: Clinton, NJ Background: I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1998 and started working for Gold Key. During that time, I was an Operating Partner at Rockfish Boardwalk Bar & Seagrille, Pi-zzeria and Tortugas Café & Tiki Bar. I then became the Executive Chef at Mahi Mahs Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Saloon. After Gold Key, I moved to Sysco Foods where I was a Marketing Associate for 4 years and the Corporate Executive Chef for 5 years. About Me: I'm passionate about family, food, hospitality, teamwork, company culture, and being better every day.

Rob Reper, Chief Operating Officer (coo)

Joined the team in: 2015
Chef. Go-getter. Super-dad. Passionate about family and teamwork. If he’s not at work, he’s probably coaching his kids’ sports or tending to his animals at home on the “Reper Ranch.” He’s an idea-machine, and always has projects on the horizon. Jump aboard!

Hannah Serrano, chief experience officerJoined the team in: 2018 Writer at heart. Community Activist. Beer expert. Boy mom. Founder of AltDaily and co-founder of Norfolk's NEON Arts District. You may recognize her from her time appearing on WVEC Channel 13. There’s more to say, but we’re running out of room. We’re never letting her go.

Hannah Serrano, chief experience officer (cxo)

Joined the team in: 2018
Writer at heart. Community Activist. Beer expert. Boy mom. Founder of AltDaily and co-founder of Norfolk's NEON Arts District. You may recognize her from her time appearing on WVEC Channel 13. There’s more to say, but we’re running out of room!

chase kopp, chief financial officer (CFO)

Joined the team in: 2021
Most of his free time is spent at the barn with his horse, running (thanks to his tireless German Shepherd), climbing, or sampling the closest source of coffee. His newest skill? Surfing!

casey harris, director of cuisine operationsJoined the team in: 2021 Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada Background: My career in events began in 2005 working for Clark County on their local concert series and music festivals such as Warped Tour and the Renaissance Fair. Having fallen in love with the event industry I took a position at Mandalay Bay as a Catering Manager, taking over their social, corporate and entertainment events. From there my family and I relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area where I started working for the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, as a Senior Meetings and Special Events Manager. It was there where I began to hear from my clients about amazing events they had attended in different San Francisco museums, concert halls, and private estates in wine country. Having piqued my interest I joined the team at Paula LeDuc Fine Catering and Events as a Senior Event Manager where I refined my skills in the art of catering fine dining events at amazing locations and historical venues in the Bay Area. About Me: I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. I have been married to my husband for 16 years and we have 2 kids and 4 dogs. After living in California for the last 7 years we've relocated east to the Virginia Beach area. I love going to the beach and having fun adventures with my family!

casey harris, director of catering

Joined the team in: 2021
A west coast girl living in an east coast world. Fell in love with the event industry then worked her way up in the fine catering world. An ideal day is spent at the beach or on an adventure with her family!

Hannah Morgan, director of culinary

Joined the team in: 2014
Mom to sweet Penelope. Says that working here allows her to set an example for Penelope of how awesome it is to love your career and the company you work for. Aw, shucks.

Alei Rathjens, marketing & creative directorJoined the team in: 2017 Foodie. Traveller. Passionate about eating food while traveling. Plans her vacations around - you guessed it - food. If you go to her house, you will leave full & happy, and maybe with an armful of leftovers. Was once crowned “most artistic” and “second-best laugh”. Has a background in design, business, restaurant and retail.

Alei hunter, marketing & creative director

Joined the team in: 2017
Foodie. Traveler. Loves to eat great food while traveling. Passionate about wellness and its many channels. Loves to read, practice yoga, and try new recipes. Was once crowned “most artistic” and “second-best laugh”. Has a background in design, business, restaurant and retail.

elizabeth Hall, Director Of PeopleJoined the team in: 2021 Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA Background: I studied at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, NC where I majored in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. During my externship at Walt Disney World, I decided I wanted to finish school as quickly as possible and move to Florida to work for Disney full time! I stayed at Disney for 10 years in Food and Beverage. Most recently I worked with Harvest Table Culinary Group at High Point University in North Carolina as the Associate Experience Manager. At High Point I was able to expand my career into Human Resources. I really enjoy working with the people that breathe life into the hospitality industry! About Me: I grew up in Virginia Beach and I have always enjoyed being near any kind of water! When I am not at work, I am most likely with my friends and family. I also enjoy gardening, trying new restaurants, entertaining at my home, spending time with my yellow lab Brody, and taking road trips to explore the area that I live near!

elizabeth Hall, Director Of People

Joined the team in: 2021
Day to day, she’s building and leading teams of service providers with outstanding hospitality. She’s energetic, bubbly, and always helpful. Her proudest moment? Receiving the Walt Disney Legacy Award for exemplary performance.

Jenni Blythe, E-Commerce & corporate gift SpecialistJoined the team in: 2021 Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA Background: I’ve worked in marketing and e-commerce for 15 years, managing everything from European furniture to luxury watches & sunglasses, but helping people share “the good life” with their loved ones across the country makes me smile every day.  About Me: My husband and I enjoy chasing things in our free time. We chase our dog around the neighborhood, our daughter through the mountains, our son across lacrosse fields, and our dreams as they grow and change every day.

Jenni Blythe, retail director

Joined the team in: 2021
Always thinking; always improving. Her ideal day involves a morning in the mountains and a dinner with family. Anywhere under the canopy of trees and in the company of birds is a good place to be. She’d really like to star in a musical, if only she could sing.

KARLA ZAPPATELLI, gm at taste CITY CENTER

Micheline Dansin Service Award Winner 2015

Joined the team in: 1999
Loyal, hardworking, and honest. Has moved 33 times. Her heart lies in West Virginia. Owned a restaurant in Wisconsin. Had her first 7 course meal in France when she was 10. But she loves the casual family-owned atmosphere of TASTE. Her next goal? Retirement.

JEN GAUGHAN, SENIOR full service event MANAGER

Joined the team in: 2000
Started working in the Cuisine & Co retail café at the Oceanfront in 2000. In her free time (wait - what’s free time?) she’s outside playing with her dogs. Or if it’s a really good day, traveling.

stephanie taylor, specialty catering production manager

Joined the team in: 2002
Passionate about animals’ wellbeing and happiness. Two of her favorite things? Her cats and coffee. Fitting, because her birthday is on national coffee day!

taylor pruden, gm at taste harbour viewJoined the team in: 2006 Would really like to be outside chasing ducks, deer and turkeys. Spent a year in his early 20s renting jet skis and sail boats in San Diego. Loves any day that involves the beach, his family, and a medium rare filet.

taylor pruden, gm at taste harbour view

Joined the team in: 2006
His ideal day is spent enjoying the outdoors with his family. The best relaxing is done on the water or in the woods. Spent his summers in the Outer Banks growing up. Would love to travel to South Africa someday.

Tiffany Chase, GM at TASTE GreenbrierJoined the team in: 2007 She stepped into a TASTE store in 2007, was greeted by friendly faces singing along while they worked, and decided she needed to join our team. She’s passionate about Autism Awareness and Human Acceptance. If you need a smile, her nonverbal autistic son, Charlie, might be the sweetest and happiest little boy you will ever meet! Would love to run a 5K, ideally one that’s a little less long.

Tiffany Chase, GM at TASTE Greenbrier

Joined the team in: 2007
She stepped into a TASTE store in 2007, was greeted by friendly faces singing along while they worked, and decided she needed to join our team. She’s passionate about Autism Awareness and Human Acceptance. If you need a smile, her nonverbal autistic son, Charlie, might be the sweetest and happiest little boy you will ever meet! Would love to run a 5K, ideally one that’s a little less long.

mel beckford, catering warehouse manager

Joined the team in: 2007
Outgoing, sincere, and enthusiastic. Was one of two bakers working for Cuisine when she first started. She loves food and hopes to  travel to try different food and beverages. And, she wants to go to the San Diego Comic Con! 

David Quinn, training manager

Joined the team in: 2010
A people person! Two of his favorite things are his niece, Parker and his goldendoodle, Gus Gus. Secret skill? Bowling! He has bowled multiple perfect 300 games and an 822 in a 3-game series.

karen garner, gm at taste hilltopMicheline Dansin Service Award Winner 2019Joined the team in: 2011 Owned her own cafe for 22 years. Tried to get out of the restaurant business but decided she likes it too much. Will actually READ a cookbook. Once played in a national tennis championship - and won.

karen garner, gm at taste hilltop

Micheline Dansin Service Award Winner 2019

Joined the team in: 2011
Owned her own cafe for 22 years. Tried to get out of the restaurant business but decided she likes it too much. Will actually READ a cookbook. Once played in a national tennis championship - and won.

brandi byer, gm at taste ghent

Joined the team in: 2013
Hampton Roads native. True crime junkie. Lover of anything that feels warm and cozy. Passionate about creating a welcoming environment for children, parents and animals. Her goal in life? Living in riches in West Palm Beach with her dog. Or, owning a rescue center!

SUSAN KELLY, gm at taste TOWN CENTER

Joined the team in: 2015
Beach lover. Sports lover. Of course, volleyball is the best one. First job was a stay-at-home mom for 25+ years. Raising 4 children is actually more similar to the corporate world than you’d think.

Charles Spencer, Warehouse, fulfillment & logistics ManagerMicheline Dansin Service Award Winner 2020Joined the team in: 2016 Hometown: Born in Portsmouth but Norfolk is home Background: I worked for 9 years as a Merchandiser with brokers, Acosta Sales and Marketing & Advantage Solutions. I also worked for Food Lion, remodeling and merchandising stores along the East Coast. About Me: I enjoy being outdoors and going on hikes in the mountains. I love working at TFOB because of the overwhelming sense of companionship, steadfastness, and resilience injected into the way we do things. It’s great knowing that even on your worst days you will always have someone behind you to make an assist.

Charles Spencer, Warehouse & logistics Manager

Micheline Dansin Service Award Winner 2020

Joined the team in: 2016
A good day involves time outdoors, hiking in the mountains or just going for a run. His favorite thing about this job? “The overwhelming sense of companionship, steadfastness, and resilience injected into the way we do things. It’s great knowing that even on your worst days you will always have someone behind you to make an assist.”

jordan dennis, GM at taste bayville farms

Joined the team in: 2016
Passionate about food. And cooking. Has lived all over the country and made lifelong friends along the way. Since starting at TASTE in high school, she has grown each year. Her favorite part of the job? Being surrounded by new and exciting innovations in the food world.

AMY WORTHEL, GM at taste WESTHAMPTON

Joined the team in: 2018
Started working in restaurants at 18. Without food, what is there? It is a unifier between all types of people and cultures. Every meal provides insight into someone's world. And there is a lot to be learned from our neighbors.

ANISSA VICKERS, specialty CATERING SALES MANAGER

Joined the team in: 2021
She loves the earth, and she loves sharing that joy with her son. You may find her backpacking in the Shenandoah Valley, identifying edible plants in nature, making her home garden more sustainable, or pointing out constellations in the night sky. Her secret talent: she’s a published poet.

Lauren Bittner, full service catering event manager

Joined the team in: 2022
Three of her favorite things include wine, cats, and tulips. Who doesn’t love wine? There is so much to learn about it. Also, she’s a bookworm. Her goal in life? To own a cute little house with a giant garden of flowers, veggies and herbs to cook with.

jess berg, gm at taste oceanfront

Joined the team in: 2023
Loves making memories with her Husband and 3 kiddos - be it exploring new places, obsessing about a new outdoor hobby, or trying new recipes. Two of her favorite things include true crime and goat cheese! If she wasn’t in the food industry, she would pursue a career in forensics.

Pam Kreutzberg, bakehouse manager

Joined the team in: 2023
One of her biggest accomplishments is taking the risk of leaving a full time job to open her own business. But, the risk was worth the reward! She owned her own specialty bakery in Long Beach, NY for 5 years, during which time she also got married and started a family. Besides baked goods, one food that holds a special place in her heart is her grandmother’s sauce and lasagna which was served at every holiday growing up.

liz thames, full service event manager

Joined the team in: 2023
Born and raised in Atlanta and graduated from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) Never missed a home football game in college, and still loves to watch (and cheer for) the games each week from her couch. She has two dogs, one cat, and a horse!

Sarah

Sarah Shaheen, Gm at zinnia cafe & events

Joined the team in: 2023
Mom, Leader, Mentor. Two of her favorite things? Traveling to experiencing new cultures, and hearing her son’s laugh. After college, she found herself sitting in a cubicle wondering what her purpose was. Then, she found hospitality! Loves when she can make a connection with guests and turn their day around.

Christopher (CJ) Jones, Catering Chef

Joined the team in: 2024
Started in a small kitchen, learning pride in scratch cooking and using fresh ingredients. Believes starting in humble positions is a vital step in becoming a successful and respectful chef. Has since worked his way up, learning new skills at each step of his career. Loves to create dishes and watch people enjoy them. His favorite childhood foods? His mom’s lasagna and chicken salad - both of which he’s still trying to master!