Former brewery owner charged in assault now suing employee in same incident

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The former owner of Edward Teach Brewing, who was recently charged with assaulting a LongHorn Steakhouse employee, is now suing that same employee in a separate civil case.

Court documents filed in New Hanover County show David “Gary” Sholar alleges he was assaulted and battered by a LongHorn employee while eating lunch in the restaurant’s bar area on July 23, 2025.

In the civil filing, Sholar, who is identified as the plaintiff, claims the employee “unlawfully initiated contact” and “applied force to [his] body” without consent or legal justification. The complaint currently lists the defendant as “John Doe,” with Sholar’s attorney stating the name will be updated once the employee’s identity is confirmed.

The same July 23 incident is at the center of Sholar’s criminal case. According to Wilmington police, Sholar is accused of throwing a porcelain plate at the employee’s head after being told it was a health code violation to feed a dog inside the restaurant. Court documents state the plate cut the victim’s scalp, causing a hairline skull fracture and requiring several stitches.

Sholar was charged with assault inflicting serious injury.

The civil documents include an order granting Sholar 20 days to file his full complaint and a civil summons notifying the defendant that they will have 30 days to respond once served.