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Taste Restaurant Expands to Ridgeland, Mississippi

News Summary

The popular Starkville restaurant Taste is opening a second location in Ridgeland’s Renaissance at Colony Park. Taking over the former Enzo Osteria space, the restaurant anticipates a grand opening on August 5, 2025, following limited reservations starting July 18, 2025. Aim to provide an unforgettable dining experience with Italian-inspired cuisine, the new establishment will offer private dining, catering, and a charming farmhouse-style ambiance. With plans to import Italian pasta and compete with local dining options, Taste hopes to establish itself as the leading Italian restaurant in the region.

Ridgeland, Mississippi

The popular Starkville restaurant Taste is set to open a second location in Ridgeland’s Renaissance at Colony Park. This new establishment will take over the space formerly occupied by Enzo Osteria, which closed its doors on September 21, 2024. The closure of Enzo Osteria was a significant event, as restaurateur Robert St. John had previously rescued the location in 2022 when Biaggi’s announced its departure from the site.

The opening of the new Taste location has encountered some renovation challenges, but the restaurant team has announced that limited reservations will be available starting July 18, 2025. A grand opening event, during which the restaurant will operate at full seating capacity, is scheduled for August 5, 2025.

Expansion Plans

John Ryckert, the Director of Operations for Taste, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s expansion into Ridgeland. The restaurant aims to deliver an unforgettable dining experience with a focus on Italian-inspired cuisine. The menu will feature imported Italian pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, and a diverse selection of Italian wines, catering to diners’ tastes and preferences.

In addition to the main dining offerings, the Ridgeland location will provide private dining options and catering services, making it suitable for various special events and gatherings. The new establishment will be primarily owned by Michele Fant, the CEO of Culinary Innovation Group, which manages multiple other restaurant properties in Starkville.

Design and Atmosphere

The design of the new Taste will incorporate a farmhouse style, similar to its original Starkville location. Dining patrons can expect a charming ambiance enhanced by a covered patio area, which is anticipated to become one of the finest outdoor dining experiences in Madison County. This attention to detail and quality aims to elevate the restaurant’s status and attractiveness in the competitive marketplace.

Competition and Aspirations

Michele Fant has expressed a goal for Taste to become the leading Italian restaurant in the region. By importing pasta directly from Italy, the restaurant seeks to differentiate itself and set a new standard for authenticity and flavor. The new outlet aims to compete with established Italian dining options in the area, most notably Amerigo.

Robert St. John, the previous operator of the location, has extended his best wishes to Michele Fant and the Taste team as they embark on this new venture. His support underscores the collaborative spirit within the local dining community, as new establishments strive to meet the culinary needs and preferences of the populace in Ridgeland.

Conclusion

The impending opening of Taste in Ridgeland represents a significant development in the local dining scene, promising a blend of traditional Italian cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere. With plans for a grand opening in August 2025, both residents and visitors alike can look forward to experiencing what Taste has to offer.