Mark Henegan, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Jenny Henegan, says the business was too time consuming. The couple planned to open the eatery with partners, but wound up taking full responsibility for its operation. “Our intention was never to work this business like we're working it,” Mark says.
TAP will close on Sunday, Jan. 13. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 15 and 16, the shabby-chic and antique decorations that fill the space will be available for purchase in estate-sale fashion. The husband-and-wife team have enjoyed collecting the pieces together, Mark says. Eventually, they hope to set up a booth at one of the antique malls around town.
The Henegans plan to stay in Asheville while they work on their other projects in New York City. They own Madiba, a South African restaurant in trendy Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Mark, who is from South Africa, spends a lot of his time managing catering projects there. This spring, he will appear on an episode of Donald Trump's "All Star Celebrity Apprentice." Jenny has projects in the big city as well; her modeling career is picking up again, Mark says. But their main focus, Mark adds, will be on their two teenage sons, Skyler and Troy.
TAP will continue to serve its eclectic, global cuisine until it closes, but if you're craving more of its food, chef Matthew Miner will compete in the Fire on the Rock dining series on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
There's a chance TAP could remain open under a different owner. The business is for sale through broker Jeff Eatherly. Eatherly can be reached at 255-4801.
The 175 Clingman Ave. spot has been a restaurant for decades. Before TAP, the Silver Dollar Restaurant, a diner, occupied the building since the 1940s. Its sign still hangs inside the restaurant.
For more information about TAP, visit theashevillepublic.com or call 505-1720.
Photo from theashevillepublic.com.
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When you run a small business, and a restaurant at that, you need to expect that it is definitely going to take a major chunk of your time.
That being said, the food was always fair at best. Sometimes it'd be decent, and sometimes you'd order the same dish a week later and it'd be like biting into a bar of salt. Definitely inconsistent in quality, and the prices were too high for what you got.
It's a great location, if the food were more consistent, and priced for the working person rather than the tourists it could be a great business --- especially once New Belgium moves into the area. Hope it doesn't stay empty too long.
By RAD-Man
01/04/2013
Totally agree.
Inconsistency was their biggest problem.
Gave this place 3 opportunities with quality ranging from fair to outright bad.
By PatD
01/05/2013
I went here quite a bit when it first opened, and it was inconsistent. After the original partners left, the quality increased, the inconsistency dropped way down, and I started going back on a regular basis. Sorry to see them leave.
By bikeman
01/05/2013
Not surprised at all. Agree with poor quality others experienced. And down the street is Junction, Clingman, and the former Magnetic Field, then across the bridge is WALK, Admiral, SunnyPoint and now Isis...all with really good food. We have too many top quality choices in the RAd and WAVL, to settle for mediocre.
By D. Dial
01/06/2013