Uptown Martinsville welcomed its newest upscale restaurant, TAD Tavern, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 9. The event featured speeches from the owners and prominent community members, all highlighting the restaurant’s significance to the city.
TAD Tavern is the latest addition to the growing portfolio of locations owned by Wayne Draper, who also owns TAD Space, a premier event space that opened in 2021. Draper expressed gratitude to his team during the ceremony, emphasizing the collective effort behind the restaurant’s success. “I always say it’s we, not me,” Draper said.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Draper acknowledged the challenges of starting a business, particularly the financial uncertainties. “Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy, especially when you see funds in your account dwindle and then ‘poof,’ you have the funds to grow to the next level,” he said. Draper noted that the expansion of his ventures was not meticulously planned but rather a natural progression.
Co-owner Hassan Davis shared his vision for TAD Tavern, aiming to create a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds. “It’s just great to see everyone around and gathered together,” Davis said. “Our goal is to bring people together of all colors, all races.”
Martinsville Mayor LC Jones praised the effort and dedication Draper invested in the restaurant. “So often, we have individuals who come to the city with dreams and additions, but with the expectation that the city has to do all the work for them,” Jones said. He lauded TAD Tavern as an “elegant, exquisite restaurant,” describing it as another “gem” in Uptown Martinsville. “This is just an elegant place to eat, to take someone out on a nice night or nice weekend,” Jones added.
Brenell Thomas, president of the Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce, also spoke highly of the restaurant, sharing her positive dining experiences. “I have eaten here at least twice before. Everything I had was wonderful,” Thomas said. “The chef is great.”
The restaurant’s kitchen is run by Chef Gustavo A. Navarrete, who brings over 30 years of culinary experience, specializing in fusion dishes that blend elements of Spanish, Mediterranean, Latin, and Caribbean cuisines.
Thomas was also impressed with the transformation of the space, which was formerly the Department of Social Services (DSS) building. “He has done a tremendous job, not just with TAD upstairs, but with TAD Tavern,” she said.
The menu at TAD Tavern is geared toward a higher price point, offering upscale dining with gourmet tapas, fine wines, and craft cocktails. Thomas noted that the space is unrecognizable and predicted that many diners will be pleasantly surprised when they visit.
Diners can make reservations for TAD Tavern online. The restaurant also plans to feature live music and seasonal menus. TAD Tavern is located at 20 East Church St., with the entrance near Jefferson Plaza, down from Hugo’s.
