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In 1990, three energetic and creative chefs, Hans Limburg, Gary Darling and Greg Reggio, joined together to form an experienced culinary and restaurant development team. The company's mission was clear: To develop and operate unique restaurant concepts and to provide a wide array of consulting services to the industry. This trio of friends and seasoned restaurant professionals named their partnership Taste Buds, Incorporated. One of their first conceptions was a casual, contemporary restaurant devoted to the wonderful world of pasta. They designed a menu of dishes that represented cuisines of the world, and dubbed the restaurant Semolina, Original International Pastas. The first location, in Covington, Louisiana, near New Orleans, opened August 8, 1991.
In 1994, Semolina received national recognition from respected industry publication Restaurants and Institutions and was named "Hot Concept" in a special report by Nation's Restaurant News. The Louisiana Restaurant Association named the Taste Buds "Restaurateurs of the Year" in 1994. The trio has also been honored as finalists in the prestigious "Entrepreneur of the Year" awards founded by Ernst and Young. Semolina has been continuously voted "Best Pasta Restaurant" by New Orleans Magazine from 1992-1998. The Buds next creation was Zea. In June 1997, Zea Cafe opened featuring an eclectic menu abundant with succulent roasted meats from the rotisserie. Most salads, sandwiches and other entree selections contain ingredients which have been prepared on the rotisserie. The second location, Zea Rotisserie & Brewery includes handcrafted microbrewed beers and soft drinks. A wood-burning grill has been incorporated into the new design and accommodates an evolving menu. The newest restaurant, Zea Rostisserie & Grill, opened late summer 2001 in Lafayette, Louisiana.
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