Meet Desiree Richards of DV’s Cork and Tap in Oceanside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Richards.

Desiree, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Myself and my family are Virginia natives with the “California dream.” My dad, Damon, and sister, Victoria moved to Oceanside in July of 2017 to start on that dream. Myself, Desiree, was still living on the East Coast and bartending before moving out to the West. Before my arrival, Damon and Victoria had started frequenting a little locals watering hole I was introduced too when visiting. The Bar we became regulars of quickly shut down and the theory of us purchasing it was tossed around quite a bit. Eventually, that dream idea became reality and before we knew it, the three of us had entered into an agreement as Bar Owners. I took over mostly everything on the front end of the business, running the bar, beer orders, and social media. Victoria has always been our little Accountant and she fell into her position perfectly with the help of Damon.

Victoria and I both are in our early 20’s and with this bar, it was our goal to change the Locals Only Dynamic to a younger crowd inviting to everyone in town or passing through. We never wanted anyone in our establishment to feel at home and comfortable at all times. It happened quicker than we imagine and a year into this, we have a successfully diverse bar that people are traveling to see!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle we’ve had is separating ourselves from work when it’s necessary. When running your own bar it’s hard to not spend as much time you can making sure it’s operating smoothly without you. Trusting someone else with your baby is hard and that’s been our biggest struggle.

Please tell us about DV’s Cork and Tap. 
We’re a beer and wine pool hall, that has live music, and bar games. Our bar has been here for nearly 30 years with locals backing not many in this town have. Our venue has a very home-like feel too it and invites anyone and everyone in without judgment. We really strive to make an environment comfortable for everyone to enjoy a beer, a game of pool, and maybe some live jams!

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Going to work with our dad was always our favorite thing to do when we’re little girls.

Contact Info:

• Address: 560 Greenbrier Drive, Suite 105, Oceanside
• Website: facebook.com/dvscorkandtap
• Phone: 7602316377
• Email: dvseventbooking@yahoo.com
• Instagram: dvscorkandtap
• Facebook: dvscorkandtap
• Yelp: DVs Cork and Tap

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