Clarkesville Welcomes the Old Towne Pub

Southern Cuisine Clarkesville Welcomes the Old Towne Pub

by Ed Nichols

Anew business has opened its doors on the square in Clarkesville, Georgia. It is unlike any previous or current business in the history of this quaint town. The Old Towne Pub opened its doors February 23, 2022 and became an instant success. The pub exists today due to the dream of one man and it is thriving because of the hard work of him, his family and tremendous staff. They have created a friendly pub where when you enter you are greeted like a long-lost friend. Greg Guthrie, a native of Clarkesville and successful entrepreneur had a dream of opening a pub on the square for many years. He grew up walking the streets and side roads of this small town and as a man has invested his life in the town. Greg has owned several businesses in Clarkesville, most recently the Century 21 franchise, which he just sold before opening the pub. Last year after semi-retiring he made the decision to make his dream a reality. He already owned the historic building so he began remodeling the center section, previously a thrift store. The building dates back to the 1890s and was built by E.P. West and Company and began as an all-purpose general store. Through the years it has housed businesses owned by successive family members: the Asburys, the Stewarts and the Careys. In the early 50s it became a grocery store and later it was known as Carey’s, a clothing store for men and women. In the 1990s Carey’s closed and Greg purchased the building, renting the spaces. In June 2021, with the help of family members, Greg began tearing out the interior walls and stripping the exterior walls down to the original 1890s bricks. Several years ago Greg bought a very unique 21 ft countertop with shelves and cabinets that came out of an old country store in south Georgia. He stored them in anticipation of someday installing them in his pub. A north Georgia Sheriff gave him an authentic moonshine still and he collected other artifacts, keeping them all in storage. After many weeks of laboring, Greg with his wife Angie, their son Scott, daughter Samantha Gore and her husband Tommie and sub-contractor Wendall Wade, the pub became a reality. The name Old Towne Pub was selected for this new venture. The name implies a historic interconnection to may of the businesses and buildings in downtown Clarkesville. Upon entering the front room of The Old Towne Pub you’ll find booths and tables that give the appearance of an intimate cafe. Further in you’ll be find the bar area where you’ll be amazed by the antique bar and ornate shelving and cabinetry. Stools line up facing the bar with hightop tables and chairs across the way. A true pub doesn’t have televisions, rather it is a place to gather and “talk” politics, sports, business, the economy and solve the world’s problems. Greg has however installed televisions, necessary for his customers to enjoy major sporting events. The Old Towne Pub has quickly become a favorite dining and gathering spot for the locals and has welcomed many tourists and visitors who have walked through their doors. Their diverse menu offers diners short dishes or full meals, has a large assortment of draft beers, wines and liquors and a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. I recently asked Greg how it feels to have his dream come true. He smiled and said, “Some days I am amazed how the pub came together. From the design, layout and construction to finally opening the doors to the public. I now know that Clarkesville was ready for this pub.” Greg’s dream has proven to be a great addition to this little historic town, a friendly setting to enjoy a meal and/or have a drink with friends. It’s a friendly pub that welcomes you like a long-lost friend. You’ll find the Old Towne Pub located at 102 Water Street in downtown Clarkesville. Their website offers visitors a look at the menu as well as other information and you’ll find it at www. oldtownepub.com, you may also call 706-949-4669 and be sure to follow them on Facebook.

Ed Nichols is a writer and author of several fiction books. He is a resident of Clarkesville and his love for the town is apparent when you meet him. He has enjoyed watching the pub evolve and has his seat at the bar, with his wife Judy, to chat with friends and enjoy a meal as well. You can find Ed’s books at Amazon Books.com and in local bookstores. For information on his books, book signings, or speaking engagements on fiction writing, contact him at ednichols@myemc.net.