David Tart

In this episode of Teague Talks, Teague Hunter sits down with David Tart, developer and partner at Raines, for a candid conversation about adaptive reuse, resilience, and building hospitality with purpose. David shares his path into the industry — from an “accidental” start at twenty-five building his first Hampton Inn, to partnering with Grey Raines to help grow Raines into a leading hospitality platform. He discusses developing through cycles like the Great Recession, COVID, and hurricane recovery, restoring a historic golf course at Waynesville Inn and Golf Club, and the story behind The Lantern Hotel — a mission-driven hotel where nearly a third of the team is made up of individuals with special needs. Whether you’re an owner, operator, developer, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights on discipline, partnership, and building hotels meant to last. In this episode you’ll hear about: • Turning a historic fire station into The Lantern Hotel • Building a mission-driven hotel with a special needs employment model • Partnering with Grey Raines to grow Raines • Developing through the Great Recession, COVID, and hurricane recovery • Restoring a historic Donald Ross golf course at Waynesville Inn & Golf Club • Building assets meant to be held forever, not flipped • Staying disciplined and focused on familiar markets Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping hospitality.