Ribbon cutting June 25 for new family-friendly downtown option

ASHEBORO — Ciera Martin and Gavin Brady talked about having a business of their own. On Thursday, June 25, that dream will come true.

That’s the date when the Corner Joint will hold a ribbon cutting and grand opening. The business is at 141 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, where the Carolina Tap House was located.

Martin said it’ll be like a cocktail lounge but with non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks and mocktails. The idea is for families to be able to enjoy the atmosphere.

“Everybody is welcome to come in and watch a band or karaoke,” Martin said.

Brady pointed out the stage, which he said will accommodate a full band and equipment. He said an old-style moveable library ladder will be behind the bar to allow reaching the top shelf.

“We plan to have food trucks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and also for special events,” Martin said. “It’ll have a whole different, elevated vibe where you can come dressed up if you want. It’ll be the largest bar in Asheboro,” with lounge seating as well as tables and chairs and the bar.

Martin said there will be 95 seats inside with another 20 or so on the patio facing Bicentennial Park. “I’ve always been in restaurants since I was 15,” Martin said. “But I’ll enjoy it without the food. 

“I’ve always wanted to work with community, the in-person human connection. We want to let people know there’s somebody to talk to. We do care. We want everybody to feel they can come out and have a good time.”

Asked about the name of the business, Martin said, “Every town has a corner bar but instead of bar we decided on joint, the corner joint.”

She said she and Brady were working together and “talked about owning their own bar. Then the Tap House closed and we grabbed it.

“A lot of family and friends help and support us,” Martin said.

The hours for the Corner Joint are Tuesday-Thursday from 3 p.m.-midnight and Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.