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Business owners Tom Schmidt and Carm Parisi cut the ribbon along with Mayor Ronnie Thompson. Also in attendance was City Manager Sally Sandy, County Commissioner Mike Stroud, City Councilman Chris Jernigan, Chamber President & CEO Tonia Stephenson, Chamber Board Members Susan Berley, Dr. Tonya Little and Louis Vina, Board Member and Ambassador Tammy Lail, and Ambassadors Mackenzie Bostian Adams, Devan Berry, Gerald Greene, Stephanie Lipski, Kelly Messenheimer, Brooke Smith and Katie Tocci.

The owners said it’s the ideal spot to kick back and savor the moment.

The News Herald asked some questions of Epic Speakeasy co-owner Tom Schmitt for a local business spotlight, and here are the responses:

• Name of business/organization: Epic Speakeasy
• Owner/CEO or director name(s): Tom Schmitt and Carm Parisi
• Business address: 423 S. King St., ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥

When did it open?

Opened May 30, 2025.

Why did you choose Burke County as a place to invest in?

Live here and love the community. Just wanted to bring something different to our friends and neighbors.

What made you/your organization decide to take this step to open a new business or location?

We wanted a cool place that was an “adult� bar where it was a laid-back atmosphere made for groups having get-togethers or meeting friends and family. Chill Vibe with music that features Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Big Bands or smooth jazz.

What challenges did you overcome to reach this goal?

Very few. I would love to commend the people at the Business and Development Department who always responded quickly and were really welcoming to our business. Bethy, Jackie, Mike and Ben were great to work with and we thank them as a new business in town.

How long did it take to go from idea to opening this business or new location?

About 6 months.

What services/products do you bring to Burke County?

We are a casual bar with true bartenders that create cocktails (old and new), and have a great wine and beer selection. We partnered with Jim and Laura Faria from Craft’d to offer wines by the glass and they sell them then by the bottle. We offer premium cigars, with knowledgeable people that can tailor your tastes to the right cigar. We are next door to the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Cigar Club so people can get a day pass to go next door or enjoy a cigar on the back porch. This keeps the actual Speakeasy a smoke-free environment. We are looking to have live entertainment on most Thursday evenings on the back deck and will be opening on Sunday afternoons featuring jazz musicians.

What makes your business/organization special, or stand out from the rest?

We just feel that we are a relaxing bar for people that want to get away and step back into the prohibition era of people gathering with friends, co-workers or family.

Do you have any memorable anecdotes from getting the business started, or taking this next step?

We adopted the Speakeasy theme early and started asking people for the password for entry. Our thought was after people became aware of us, we would just keep the door unlocked. Our patrons wanted nothing to do with that and wanted to have a weekly password. (We post the clues by the front door and on Facebook weekly) in order to gain entry. We installed a large door knocker and sliding window to get the password from everyone. It is fun for everyone.

What do you love or enjoy about this business?

My partner Carm and myself are the type of people that don’t meet strangers. Both of us have restaurant backgrounds and we enjoy just getting to know people. We may not always remember your name (age does that) but we recognize our regulars.