By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
It has now been three years since Ken and Lori Hill opened up Athens Alehouse and Cellar on Washington Street, and they have worked hard to build community, provide a place that is kid-and-pet friendly, and sponsored street events that have been fun for all. In just a few weeks, they are going to open what is affectionately being referred to as “Athens Alehouse and Cellar 2.0.” The “new” building will have three times the capacity of the present one. They are preserving the original floors, brick walls and tin work and will eventually have seating in the former mezzanine floor, so common in stores from the late 19th century.
For several years, the building formerly occupied by Diesel and Lola, just across from the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse sat vacant. There were a few outfits who looked into re-opening it, but to no avail. It had been a long-time dream of the Hills to own their own building as well as their own establishment. They also wanted to create a legacy for their kids, and when the building, which is located at 113 S. Marion Street in Athens, became available, they moved forward to make the purchase. Besides wanting to have something to leave to their four kids, Ken told me, “We wanted to invest in Athens.”
It is never a walk in the park to take on the “reno” of a building that came into being in December of 1884, but it is coming together, and it is going to be great. What was discovered in the process of putting in a 300-square-foot patio that will provide covered outdoor seating were two 19-foot 2x4s from back in 1884. You know what they are going to do with them? They are going to make rope swings that will be strong enough for just about anyone! “That’s where I am going to be. I can hardly wait,” I told them. Ken and Lori told me they are wanting to make Athens Alehouse 2.0 like Cheers, “where everybody knows your name.” This is a place where families can go, there’s chalk available for the sidewalk, and water dishes next to the door for Fifi or Fido. “You can sit outside or inside and feel like you are a part of the community,” Ken added.
Additional aspects of the “reno” are getting rid of all asbestos, restrooms which are ADA-compliant, a full kitchen and refurbished tongue-and-groove woodwork. There will be cozy seating, a to-go window, and the ability to order online with a QR code. And right now each Wednesday, they are taking applications for the new staff, kitchen, floor, and bar. It is extremely important to the Hills that the staff be an extension of their vision and the friendly atmosphere that exists at the present location.
One of the ways that the “Cheers” vibe will be preserved will be by the gentle encouragement to “put your phone down,” as Ken says. That will happen through the use of paper, for example, when they play Music Bingo. There will be old-fashioned board games, and encouragement to participate in a “fun, family atmosphere.” As always, there will be live music and many street events.
Lori told me about the food, which is going to include the charcuteries of the present as well as 12 kinds of sliders. Some of the slider “flavors” will include cordon bleu and sloppy joes, and there will also be what they are calling “bowls and boards.” The charcuteries will be various sizes and selections, and the bowls will qualify as being an entree. “The bowls will be steak, chicken, and shrimp and rice,” said Lori. She also talked about the desserts, and to start, there will be banana pudding dip with mini vanilla wafers, along with funnel cake fries. Eventually they will add cakes and other sweet selections.
The “ale and cellar” center of “2.0” will be at a 19-foot bar, which will serve from a selection of 50 beer options and 16 draft beer choices. The slushies will continue, as well as several types of wine, both
foreign and domestic. Eventually Ken and Lori want to have a boutique approach to serving specialty gin and bourbon available.
Ken said, “The Alehouse does a rare job of having something for everyone.” He also explained the difference between an alehouse and a pub. “An alehouse is a HOUSE, a place where everyone can go and be comfortable,” he said. Then he added, “The Alehouse belongs to everybody.” The best way to describe the goal for “2.0” is that it will be a “better version of itself.” Very soon we are going to get the chance to explore and experience that for ourselves, and Athens will CHEER!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
September 6, 2024
