Today we’d like to introduce you to Sera & Jason Speegle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Jason & Sera both started working in restaurants at the age of 14. In the 20 years that followed, they have both explored many corners of the food and beverage industry.
Jason – I started out working at a small fine dining cafe on Tybee Island, GA as a dishwasher. I was taught to cook by two classically trained chefs and my passion for food was ignited. I worked for Sundae cafe all through high school learning to prepare all manner of dishes and eventually left to pursue a hospitality management degree in Asheville, NC. After school, I found myself developing a passion for FOH and particularly bartending. I loved the creativity and the history behind cocktails and was able to use the culinary skills I’d learned earlier in my career and apply them to drink making.
Sera – I started scooping ice cream as a “fountain girl” at a custard shop in rural Wisconsin. When my family eventually relocated to Georgia, I quickly decided to call Athens home and started slinging burritos at The Mean Bean to pay my rent. Every Wednesday, I’d walk across the parking lot to 5&10 to drop off another copy of my resume. It probably took four or five months, but finally, I was offered a job as a hostess which kickstarted my career in fine dining and farm to table establishments. After moving to Atlanta to work at the chef’s new Midtown restaurant, I became fascinated by the farm fresh food that entered the kitchen each day. I moved to Asheville, NC to dive headfirst into a thriving local food system. I worked at various farms including a biodynamic family farm, a large commercial organic farm, and finally a specialty pepper farm and hot sauce company. My night job as a bartender helped me afford the cost of living while I pursued my hands-on education in agriculture. It didn’t take long for me to meld the two and use local seasonal ingredients in my cocktail creations.
When Jason & Sera’s worlds collided, so did their passion for craft cocktails and fresh food! A month into their relationship they were already dreaming up business plans. As Asheville grew, it was clear that they would have to relocate to make these dreams a reality. They toured the Southeast in search of their new home, but shortly after their wedding, Sera’s mother Laura was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. The newlyweds moved to Cobb County to spend all the time they could with Laura.
As they explored the area, Sera and Jason fell in love with the close-knit community vibe in Acworth. They bought a home within walking distance of Main Street. When they heard that a little spot on the historic strip was coming up for rent, They had to go take a look. They signed the lease and began renovations to make the space everything they imagined all with their new baby in tow. Now Eight months in, the amount of big life changes the couple has pushed through is somewhat jarring. They truly believe that passion is the key motivator to accomplishing your goals.
Alright, 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?
With so many years of experience working in the industry, running bar programs, and managing restaurant, we went into this pretty confident that we had experience handling anything we might come up against. Boy were we wrong about that one… As business owners, each day presents new unexpected challenges. We are so fortunate to be a part of this supportive community. Whether it be long-time Acworth business owners or the neighbor down the street, we have had so many helping hands to push us over the bumps in the road.
We’ve been impressed with The Fountain, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Fountain is a craft cocktail lounge that promotes inclusivity and diversity in our small growing lakeside community. We love working with other small businesses, like local farms and bakeries, and other family run companies, like boutique distilleries, vineyards and breweries. We’re known for our creativity and innovation. Our cocktail and food menus are constantly evolving so that we may continually offer our guests something new and exciting. We take an educational approach to spirits and drink making by hosting monthly tasting and DIY cocktail workshops. Our “living room sessions” provide a space for performances such as live music, stand-up comedy, and DJ sessions.
The Fountain exists to create a gathering place. We pride ourselves on providing a level of customer service where guests feel like part of our family.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We have ample dog-friendly outdoor seating, and our town is open container with plenty of parks and green spaces where To-Go beverages may be enjoyed.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@fountainonmain.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefountain_acworth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Fountain-Acworth-100759912049107/
Image Credits:
Chris Henderson
