Taste opens to fanfare in Wetumpka

A treasured landmark has reopened with a different name but the same mission: to offer a gathering place in downtown Wetumpka.

Provisions has officially transformed into Taste at The Fain and the biggest change is no more dry goods. It still has the familiar faces of the husband-wife team of April and Jeremy Hunt who have partnered with Ginger and Clint Hahn, of Taste in Montgomery.

“Basically it’s going from retail to restaurant,” April said. “It has gone from one partnership into another.”  

The change in partnership offered a chance to redirect the vision for the Fain Theater, which has been a mainstay on Bridge Street for almost a century. The Hunts saw Publix coming to Wetumpka and an opportunity to bring more food downtown. The Hunts said the new grocery store has a great selection of cheese, while the new Taste will maintain the chocolates and wines for retail sale.

The building has been a gathering place for many over the years. Once movies were shown and Provisions attracted groups who showed up almost every week. The renovation from Provisions to Taste helped tie the history of the building to both its location and the new name. Local carpenters created a live-edge bar for a waiting area. Others took wine cases from both Taste and Provisions to create a one-of-a-kind bar. The local nods don’t stop there. 

“All of our art is local,” April said. “Three artists featured are from Wetumpka and three from Montgomery. We tried to source as much local talent as possible everywhere we could.” 

While affiliated with the two locations of Taste in Montgomery, diners will notice some differences in the menu.

“People familiar with Taste will see things they like, but they will find new things,” Jeremy said. “Some of the things they find there will be a little bit different here.”

Wagyu steaks are frequently offered at all the locations but steak fanatics will notice the changes.

“There are differences in equipment,” Jeremy said. “We also season ours a little differently.”

Other menu items will be seasonal and may not be offered at all the locations. Ginger keeps tabs on all the kitchens to ensure the menu is up to par.

“She is the mastermind behind the food,” Jeremy said. “She is amazing.”

In addition, Clint has already scheduled numerous wine tastings and other events this year.

“We will be bringing in wine representatives and wine makers to talk about their products, showcasing a lot of different wines and products,” Jeremy said. “It will be cool.”

April believes the Wetumpka location of Taste will not only serve local diners but attract more people downtown.

“A lot of their clientele were driving from the lake down there,” April said. “Now they don’t have to go as far. We are hoping to attract some of them. We are hoping it will be good for everyone.”