Owners: Sunne & Byron

tastebuds |ˈtās(t) ˌbəds |

PLURAL NOUN  any of the clusters of bulbous nerve endings on the tongue and in the lining of the mouth that provide the sense of taste —

Established by Sunne in 1991 on the south side of Fort Worth (corner of Riverside & Berry) - Tastebuds offered a fresh idea with alternative food selections of sandwiches, soups, salads and a limited amount of desserts - Tastebuds gradually gained popularity from the local community, all by word-of-mouth for primarily take-out and through catered events with the Fort Worth Independent School District.

Despite Tastebuds progressive success early on, the surrounding community began to decline.  With new housing developments underway, Tastebuds saw an opportunity to relocate to the southwest side of Fort Worth in 2004.  Now with a larger seating capacity Tastebuds offers a casual relaxed atmosphere with an expanded menu that features grilled or baked entrees as well as their signature salads, sandwiches and desserts. 

The food industry has always held a special place in Sunne’s heart. After her father immigrated to America from the Philippines, he became an active and distinguished member of the Pike Place Market community in Seattle, Washington where she was raised. Now as founder and owner of Tastebuds, Sunne's degree in the Arts from Washington State University is reflected throughout her work and whose talents are reflected by Tastebuds success. Co-Owner Byron obtained his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Wichita State University, but gained his business insight through his time with Southland Corporation (7-Eleven) as Training Area Manager before joining the Fort Worth Independent School District. Once the restaurant business was up and running Byron decided to join the business in 1999.  Their right hand Assistant Ciarra studied at the University of Houston with a focus in Hotel & Restaurant Management. Over the years she has worn many hats, but she started at a young age as their greeter standing on a crate. Making some twists and turns along the way, her passion for food and hospitality continues. When in luck a visit from their son Chae, a self-proclaimed wanderer, you are sure to be in awe of a magical experience. Having studied at Stanford University, art in Paris and architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design - his collection of photographs displayed throughout the restaurant includes images of his travels around the world. His visits to Tastebuds is always a nostalgic homecoming.

Follow along on their journey and experience modern dishes that capture the flavors of a home cooked meal.