Jeff Williams has always had a burden for feeding people.  Jeff grew up in a family of four, and both his parents worked hard to put food on the table.  He remembers the times when food was scarce and his parents would skip meals to make sure he and his sister were full.

Jeff understands first-hand the stress his parents encountered to put food on the table in tough times.  And it’s a familiar story of many of our neighbors in need.  Soup kitchens are good, but not everyone feels good about going there.

That’s why, in 2012, Jeff founded Taste Project, a sustainable solution to ensure none of our neighbors go hungry.  But Jeff also wanted a place that eliminated the stress and fear his parents faced.  A friendly place that feels like you’ve just come home.  And a place where you can get more than just a meal, but also hope.

Read more about Jeff’s personal story here.

Taste Buds

The most important members of our team are our Taste Buds!  At Taste Community Restaurant, our volunteers are referred to as Taste Buds.  Every day these are the folks that take and enter orders, assist with food preparation, run and serve food, bus tables, wrap silverware, wash dishes, empty trash, clean and mop floors, clean bathrooms, among many other opportunities.

With each carrot chopped, each plate served, each dish cleaned, our Taste Buds are working to help end hunger in our community.  Check out our volunteer opportunities here:

Taste Bud Opportunities

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Our Staff

 

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Board of Directors

Our board of directors governs and oversees the activities of Taste Project.  Our board has completed BoardBuild training in preparation for service to our community.

 

Chef Jeff Williams, Founder and Executive Director
Jeff Williams is founder and President of Taste Project. He has always had a passion for cooking, food, and feeding people. Being half Italian, Jeff’s heritage feeds his passion and discovery in the area of Italian Cuisine.

His vision for Taste Project is different than a growing, profit generating, Italian restaurant. His vision is not a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen; but a place where every day folks eat; and those who could not afford to eat there, could still enjoy a meal in the restaurant. In June 2012, Jeff launched Taste Project; and in December 2017, the organization launched Taste Community Restaurant.

Jeff works full-time for Taste Project and attends Gateway Church.

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William “Bill” Chubb, Board President
Bill Chubb joined our Board of Directors in July, 2020.  Bill spent nearly 30 years in management at Pacific Bell, SBC and AT&T where he led large organizations within Network Operations .  Bill holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

Bill and his wife Pamela live in Weatherford.  Their two children are grown; William lives in Dallas and Deborah lives in Los Angeles.

Bill has been a prayer warrior for our community well before Taste Community Restaurant opened in the Near Southside.  He has a burden for people to be loved and free.  And Bill regularly uses his talents to meet the practical needs of those around him.

Bill is retired and attends Gateway Church.

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Brian Wronko, Board Vice-President External Affairs
Brian has always had a passion for serving.  For years, he and his wife hosted their small group bible study in their home and served in their church.  Brian lives in Fort Worth with his wife Jacqueline and their three children: Tyler, Brandt, and Grace.

Brian has been involved with Taste Project since its inception.  His background in sales, organization, and leadership have been invaluable in launching Taste Project and sustaining Taste Community Restaurant.

Brian works for Hourglass Wealth, LLC and attends Gateway Church.

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Eric Behn, Board Vice-President Internal Affairs

Eric is an experienced manufacturing professional with a diverse background in engineering, operations, maintenance and continuous improvement. He has worked for General Mills and Kroger and is currently the director of Operations for Muenster Milling Co.

Eric has a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University, and a Masters in Supply Chain Management from Indiana University Bloomington.

Eric lives in Arlington with his wife and two children

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Greg Nelson, Board Secretary

Greg Nelson joined our Board of Directors in July 2020.  Greg spent most of his career as an Executive in the Financial Sales Division at IBM.  Greg holds a master’s in Business Administration from Western Illinois University.

Greg has volunteered over 500 hours at Taste Community Restaurant, and he has played a huge role in the organization’s COVID-19 Response.  You will regularly find Greg in the dining room engaging with guests and making sure they feel welcome…and sometimes behind the grill working side by side with the kitchen staff.

Greg is retired and lives with his wife Lorrie in Benbrook.  The two met at IBM and have been married for 36 years.  Together they have two grown children.  Ryan married Stacey and they live in Benbrook with their sons Calvin and newborn twins Henrik and Jack. Daughter  Staci married Ky and they live with their sons Miles and Max in Florida.

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Julie Williams, Board Member
Julie Williams is the wife of Taste Project founder, Jeff Williams.  She has volunteered with Taste Project since its inception in 2012; and previously was a full-time marketer in the healthcare industry.  When not working or volunteering, Julie enjoys running and chasing their son Brian.  Their family lives in Fort Worth.

Julie’s creative background has helped launch Taste Project and Taste Community Restaurant; and has helped in the planning for future projects.

Julie is a full-time mom and volunteer, President of the One World Everybody Eats Board of Directors, and attends Gateway Church.

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Tyler Davis, Board Member
Tyler is a Texan through and through.  He is a Financial Advisor by day; but loves the country and his horses.  Tyler is also an avid sports fan, and loves to travel.  He is very active in the community, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors.  Tyler and his wife Brittany live in the Cultural District of Fort Worth.

Tyler is an excellent researcher and resource for us.  He continuously brings new ideas to the table which makes him a perfect match for Taste Project!

Vocationally, Tyler holds the title of Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley and focuses on Financial Advising.  He attends United Methodist Church, Arbor Lawn.

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Bonnie Wilson, Board Member
Bonnie joined our Board of Directors in July, 2020.  Bonnie lives with her husband Mark in North Richland Hills.  Their oldest son, David is engaged to be married to Casey.  And their youngest son, James lives with his wife Angela and their daughter Genevieve.

Bonnie has volunteered over 100 hours at Taste Community Restaurant; and she has been a prayer warrior for Taste Project and Taste Community Restaurant since before its inception.  She has a passion to see people thrive in their relationship with the Lord and she is deeply vested in the lives of those around her.

Bonnie is a retired Librarian from the Carroll Independent School District and attends Gateway Church.

 

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Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board supports the Executive Director and Board of directors in overseeing the activities of Taste Project.

JR Labbe, Advisor

Jill “J.R.” Labbe is an experienced leader in communications, community affairs and fundraising in North Texas and is an engaged volunteer and board member for a variety of organizations. Twenty five years as a journalist – and 20 of those as an editorial writer and opinion columnist at the Star-Telegram — honed her ability to make people think. Nine years as an executive at JPS Health Network, Tarrant County’s publicly supported healthcare system, broadened her perspective and understanding of the human condition in our community (and strengthened her crisis communication skills). Sprinkle in stints with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, American General Hospitality Inc., Fort Worth 150 Sesquicentennial Commission and the Texas Fishing Institute, and you’ve got a lifetime of interesting stories and lessons learned in one unique personality. In addition to exceptional writing skills, Labbe is a sought-after public speaker, event emcee and panel moderator.

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Katherine Smith, Advisor

A lifelong resident of Fort Worth, Katherine has spent most of her life serving this community in a number of different capacities.  She was raised in the Disciples of Christ denomination, in which breaking bread together is a fundamental practice.  She truly believes the best way to build and strengthen relationships is by sharing a meal.

Katherine is a graduate of Texas Christian University.  She and her husband Raleigh live on the Southside of Fort Worth with their two kiddos and two pups.

Katherine has been a consistent patron and vocal supporter of the Taste Community Restaurant, and has volunteered as well.  She takes every opportunity to introduce others to the restaurant to share its mission as often as she can.

Katherine is an active member of Ridglea Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

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Valerie Landry, Advisor

Valerie is the third-generation operator at the Sanford House Inn and Spa and Restaurant506.  She is passionate about customer service and her community.  She works with various partners to help drive sustainable economic growth and cultural development in Arlington.  She has been appointed to the Board of the Viridian Municipal Management District by the City Council of Arlington to oversee and manage the relationship and funding mechanisms between the city, county, and Viridian Community.  Additionally, she is an active member of the Downtown Arlington Rotary Club, and Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

 

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Maureen Maidlow, Advisor

Maureen is an Investment Advisor at OverRidge Wealth Advisors who comes from a sales and marketing background. She has often been accused of greeting everyone she meets and striking up a conversation. She has lived in Arlington for 30 years.

In her free time, Maureen is active in her church, involved with IF:Gathering (a women’s event), likes to craft and walk with her dog Lexi. Maureen and her husband, Brad, have two children and a great son-in-law.

 

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Join our Team

We’re looking for folks who have a heart for the Lord and for serving people.  Check out our volunteer opportunities here, and our job openings here.

Taste Project is affiliated with One World Everybody Eats pay-what-you-can cafe network.  The organization dedicated to increasing food security and building community through its pay-what-you-can nonprofit restaurant model providing a unique local solution to the global issue of hunger.

Today, the organization supports independent cafes and start-up cafes in its network with education, collaboration, best practice sharing, and networking opportunities. Together, these pay-what-you-can eateries serve nearly 1.3 million meals each year[2].  If you are outside the Fort Worth area, check out these pay-what-you-can cafes: