Charlie Hodge Buys Asheville Dive Bar Ole Shakey’s

Introduction

Asheville, North Carolina, a city renowned for its vibrant food and beverage culture, is witnessing a notable shift in its hospitality landscape. In a move that blends nostalgia and innovation, Charlie Hodge—former bar manager at Portland’s Clyde Common and founder of the acclaimed craft cocktail bar Sovereign Remedies—has purchased Ole Shakey’s, a classic dive bar on Riverside Drive. This acquisition, following Hodge’s recent exit from Sovereign Remedies under a new employee-ownership model, marks a new chapter for both Hodge and Asheville’s bar community.

The Characters: Hodge, Sovereign Remedies, and Ole Shakey’s

Charlie Hodge: From Craft Cocktails to Dive Bars

Charlie Hodge is a well-known figure in Asheville’s beverage scene. He first made his mark as a bar manager at Portland’s Clyde Common before relocating to Asheville to open Sovereign Remedies, a bar celebrated for its apothecary-inspired cocktails, herbal tinctures, and stylish ambiance. In early 2025, Hodge sold Sovereign Remedies to a collective of employees, ensuring the bar’s mission continued under new leadership.

Sovereign Remedies: A Craft Cocktail Haven

Sovereign Remedies, located at the corner of Market and Walnut streets, quickly became a destination for those seeking inventive, herb-infused cocktails in a setting that blends antique lighting and a convivial, slightly retro vibe. The bar’s commitment to quality and creativity set a high bar for Asheville’s cocktail culture.

Ole Shakey’s: Asheville’s Dive Bar Staple

In stark contrast, Ole Shakey’s—nestled on Riverside Drive, overshadowed by its neighbor The Bywater—stands as a quintessential dive bar. Known for its unassuming exterior, pool table, jukebox, darts, and root ball court, Ole Shakey’s has a rough-and-tumble history and a loyal local following. Until recently, it didn’t even serve liquor, focusing instead on beer and the simple joys of a no-frills watering hole.

The Acquisition: Motivation and Vision

Hodge’s purchase of Ole Shakey’s is less about reinvention and more about preservation. He describes the bar as “a beautiful and perfect dive bar,” and is adamant about not transforming it into a second Sovereign Remedies. Instead, Hodge is securing a liquor license to expand the drink offerings while keeping the bar’s character intact.

His vision is clear: Ole Shakey’s will remain a place where locals can enjoy affordable classics—think Old Fashioneds and cold beers—play pool, listen to the jukebox, and watch the river drift by. Hodge wants to avoid the national trend of building “fake dive bars” from scratch, emphasizing that authenticity comes from age and history.

Contrasting Philosophies: Craft vs. Classic

The juxtaposition of Sovereign Remedies and Ole Shakey’s highlights two distinct philosophies in Asheville’s bar culture:

Preserving Asheville’s Bar Diversity

Hodge’s decision to keep Ole Shakey’s true to its roots speaks to a broader desire within Asheville’s hospitality community: to preserve the city’s diverse bar scene. While craft cocktail bars have flourished, there’s a recognition that dive bars like Ole Shakey’s serve a vital, irreplaceable role in the city’s social fabric.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ole Shakey’s?

With Hodge at the helm, Ole Shakey’s is poised to reopen soon, with a renewed focus on quality drinks and community. The bar’s rough edges—both literal and figurative—will remain, but patrons can expect a more consistent experience and an expanded beverage menu. Hodge aims to make Ole Shakey’s a welcoming spot for both longtime regulars and newcomers curious about Asheville’s dive bar heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the history of Ole Shakey’s in Asheville?

A: Ole Shakey’s is a longstanding dive bar on Riverside Drive, known for its laid-back vibe, pool tables, and loyal local following. It has a reputation as a no-frills, classic Asheville watering hole.

Q: What changes will Charlie Hodge make to Ole Shakey’s?

A: Hodge plans to secure a liquor license to offer a broader drink selection but otherwise intends to preserve the bar’s authentic dive bar atmosphere, including its name, decor, and community feel.

Q: How does this acquisition affect Sovereign Remedies?

A: Sovereign Remedies is now employee-owned and will continue to operate independently. Hodge’s purchase of Ole Shakey’s marks a new venture separate from his former cocktail bar.

Q: When will Ole Shakey’s reopen under new ownership?

A: The timeline depends on liquor license approval, but Hodge hopes to reopen within a few weeks of the purchase.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Ole Shakey’s by Charlie Hodge represents a thoughtful nod to Asheville’s bar history and a commitment to maintaining the city’s diverse hospitality offerings. By preserving a classic dive while bringing his expertise in quality drinks, Hodge bridges the gap between Asheville’s craft cocktail renaissance and its enduring dive bar tradition. The result is a win for locals and visitors alike, ensuring that Asheville’s bar scene remains as vibrant and varied as ever.