Meet David Schearer of First Street Tavern and Corked & UnTapped

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Schearer.

Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So I have always been in the foodservice industry for my whole career except for about eight months in my mid-20s when I actually used some of my college education to work as a paralegal. Started in a pizza shop. Bartended in college then pursued my career goal of Management with Copelands of New Orleans in Charlotte. Dropped out of college to pursue my career. When your 23 and someone says here’s 35K a year you think you’ve made it!!! Went from a Bar Manager to Kitchen Manager with Copelands. Left there to move to Wild Wing Cafe. Spent 13 years with them and did the whole carousel of management. Kitchen manager to Service Manager to General Manager to Regional Manager. I had an unbelievable offer to work with one of the franchisees in Asheville but choose to follow the ultimate dream of entrepreneurship and open First Street Tavern in 2016. Left the corporate world with all its perks for sleepless nights and endless hours of self-employment. To be honest, I had plenty of times I doubted my decision but kept the faith and kept my mind moving forward and couldn’t be happier. My kids see what it is to achieve a dream and all the struggles and benefits of doing so.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a roller coaster ride all the way. Ups, downs and times of things being stale. There are obstacles that pop up every week and there is no playbook on what to do. Follow your instincts and don’t be afraid to seek advice from others. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my career is that your staff is everything. I have been blessed with an amazing staff to run these two businesses with me. They are the wheels that make the machine go and I am so grateful for the people I have. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about First Street Tavern and Corked & UnTapped?
First Street tavern- we are a full-service bar inside an old historic home. Known for our beer selection and as a live music venue. Also, we offer flatbread pizzas, dips and burritos.

Corked & UnTapped- located in downtown Clayton on Main Street we offer a vast wine selection, craft beer and charcuterie boards and dips.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My kids first and foremost. They are the biggest blessing in my life. They are the reason for the hustle, struggles, fight, good days and bad. They are 100% my everything. Their joy brings me joy. The biggest responsibility of us as adults is to show our children how to live better than before. How to be successful in life and put them on the right path by setting the example.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Website: Firststreettavern.com or corkedanduntapped.com