Taste Buds Management Promotes Paul Hutson to Chief Executive Officer
New Orleans, LA (January 7, 2020) – Taste Buds Management, restaurant group owner of Zea Rotisserie & Bar and Semolina, announced today that Paul Hutson has been promoted from chief operating officer to chief executive officer. Hutson will assume the role effective immediately.
Hutson has over 35 years of food, manufacturing and full-service restaurant experience. He joined Taste Buds in 2005 as vice president of operations and has helped move the organization forward with his laser-focus on growth, including the opening of two new successful Zea restaurants in Denham Springs, LA and Ridgeland, MS
“Since 2005, Paul has proven to be a visionary leader with superb execution abilities. We’re confident his background and food and beverage experience is well suited to lead the company’s next phase of growth and success,” said Greg Reggio, owner of Taste Buds Management.
Hutson is originally from Dallas, TX and graduated from Tulane University, taking up residence in New Orleans to begin his restaurant career. Prior to joining Taste Buds, Hutson led a national multi-unit concept for 14 years and served 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.
“I’m honored to be appointed to lead Taste Buds Management,” said Hutson. “I look forward to continuing to build upon the strong Taste Buds culture and ensure the future success of the Zea and Semolina brand.”
About Taste Buds Management
Taste Buds Management is the restaurant group owner of Zea Rotisserie & Bar and Semolina. Zea and Semolina were created by Hans Limburg, Gary Darling and Greg Reggio, collectively known as the Taste Buds. Zea offers modern comfort food, specializing in Southern cuisine as well as rotisserie and grilled food. Zea has locations in the Greater New Orleans Area and beyond including Covington, LA; Lafayette, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Denham Springs, LA and Ridgeland, MS. Semolina, an Italian restaurant located in Metairie, takes pasta and creates a totally sensational taste experience with inspired combinations of flavors, textures and colors found in every dish.
The Louisiana Restaurant Association named the Taste Buds “Restaurateurs of the Year” in 1994. Taste Buds Management provides a great working environment as well as it was named among “Best Places to Work” in 2016, 2017 and 2019 by New Orleans City Business as well as a “Top Workplace” by The Times-Picayune in 2017, 2018 and 2019. For more information about Taste Buds, visit https://tastebudsmgmt.com/