Smith’s Olde Bar gets a new partner, and a new lease

Smith’s will remain open after signing a new lease with Selig Enterprises, the building’s new owners.

Photo credit: COURTESY SMITH'S OLDE BAR

After a tumultuous six months, it’s official. Smith’s Olde Bar is here to stay.

Last week, Dan Nolen, current owner of the bar, and his new partner, Atlanta developer Charlie Hendon, signed a lease with Selig Enterprises. Selig had purchased Morningside Strip Center, the building that houses Smith’s, when the property went up for auction last August.

Nolen was served a 60-day eviction notice from the building’s old owners last year. After going to court, he was able to broker a deal for a lease extension. He hoped to buy time to sign a new lease with the new owners. Since early December, Nolen and Selig have been working toward this lease agreement. Until this point, Nolen had partnered with Mike Reeves 50/50 in ownership of the bar. But after a 22-year-run, Reeves sold his half of the shares to Hendon before parting ways on good terms.

Hendon, who is president of Hendon Properties, which is a “brokerage and management firm specializing in retail-oriented real estate,” is a fan of his new investment. “Smith’s has been a staple of the Atlanta live music scene for decades, a springboard for local musicians into broader audience appeal and a local hangout where you can kick back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors,” Hendon said in a press release. “Smith’s Olde Bar is still that and more.”

The bar’s new duo plan on making structural improvements — including a new roof and HVAC system — and tweaks to both their food and bar menu. But rest assured, Smith’s will continue to stay Smith’s. “We are keeping what’s great about the venue and subtly improving upon it,” Nolen says. “Smith’s Olde Bar will remain a neighborhood bar and live music scene with an improved customer experience.”

Smith’s will remain open while renovations are being made.