NORFOLK, Va. — Editor's note: This story is a part of our "Friday Flavor" series.
When Rich Maigue and Maricen Price decided to open Kitchenfinity in Norfolk, they said they just wanted to create a space for others. It has now become much more than that.
That's where their name comes into play, "We call it Kitchenfinity where there are infinite possibilities," said Maigue.
"So our own concept of being able to do whatever we want not being stuck with, hey if you look at us, their Filipinos, hey maybe they have Filipino cuisine, we do, it's like maybe this much is Filipino, but the rest is American comfort food, other cultures," Maigue said.
Their menu is very long, but there is actually a purpose behind this menu. Kitchenfinity is located next to Camp Allen, and they made sure to pay their dues to our service members.
"We've got a contract with the Marine Corps, and the way it works is for every dollar we make in a sale, a percentage of that goes to the Marine Corps community services." Those services go toward funding for community events for our Marines and their families. So, when you buy food from Kitchenfinity, you're supporting our military.
However, they don't stop at the military. There are people Mague and Price hope to serve. "We want to accelerate our business to help others identify their dreams," Maigue said.
"For instance, our head cook, Chris; We want to put his [hot] dogs out there. He wanted to do a food truck with hot dogs but maybe didn't have the resources to do a food truck. So, hey, pull up and do your hot dog thing. For every hot dog you sell, you get this on top of what you're getting paid," Maigue explained.
Chris's hot dogs are incredible. He has different toppings for different people, and the bun is a crispy Texas-toast-style bun that makes all the difference! That's not all they sell here, though.
Their staple is their Nashville hot chicken sandwich. "You've got to try it," Price exclaimed. The chicken is dipped in their sauce and is fried to crispy perfection, and it's topped with a sauce that leaves you wanting more, and that's all in the name.
"It comes with comeback sauce; we call it come back because it will make you come back for more," said Maigue.
They also serve short ribs with rice and lumpia, smoked turkey legs, and a delicious Smashburger with the same comeback sauce drizzled on top. And don't forget dessert!
"Try our Taiyaki," Price smiled, "It's a Japanese waffle cone; it's a fish-shaped waffle cone with our dole whip ice cream." This dessert is cute and tasty, but their funnel cake fries were my personal favorite.
At the end of the day, Price and Mague just hope they can be a place for you. "You know there are a lot of people going through a lot of things right now. And if we are there to be there for them to talk or just hang out that's something we want to provide," Price nodded.
They just opened their beer and wine garden giving you the perfect spot to unwind and socialize this winter. The Kitchenfinity team also offers catering!
If you would like to visit Kitchenfinity in Norfolk, they are located at 9500 Fechteler Rd bldg m225, Norfolk, Virginia 23505.