In The Kitchen

Dive into the Underground

158 on main’s new concept bar supports local charities

by Abigail Smathers | Photography by Lisa Crates

Main Street in Mooresville has found itself with yet another underground treasure, and this time, it’s literal. Last month, 158 on Main owners Gary and Kiera Preston unveiled a bodacious new bar in the basement of their iconic Main Street storefront. Aptly named for its eclectic decor and unadulterated amusement, Dive Bar is a fresher, cleaner take on the classic—you guessed it—dive bar.

Jam-packed with arcade machines, tabletop games, and nostalgic knick-knacks, this joint is a blast from the past that has patrons both young and old kickin’ back like it’s 1986.

From its inception, the Prestons and their team at 158 on Main knew what the space was destined to be. “It was always just a Dive Bar from day one,” says Tara Johnson, Head of Marketing and Business Development for 158 on Main. “[The Owners] are just such creative and fun-loving people. They wanted an environment that was high-energy and fun, where people could just kick back with friends and have a great time.”

Following the success of their upstairs endeavor, Gary and Kiera wanted their next venture to be something that appealed to a younger audience; they wanted a place where people could come and find a channel to interact with the neighborhood. Instead of taking a competitive approach to their new business, however, the Prestons set out to create an intimate and supportive cornerstone within the community. “It’s a reason to come downtown, it breathes life into the area,” Johnson continues. “I grew up here, and it’s just crazy to see what places like this can do for an area [where there was nothing]. Gary always says that rising tides raise all ships; everything we do here is just to grow the community.”

Even Dive Bar’s pay-what-you-can membership fee goes toward bettering the Lake Norman area, with 100 percent of contributions donated to local non-profits that rotate quarterly. In the first week alone, the bar garnered over 1400 unique members collected nearly $4,000 for the victims of childhood abuse and neglect at the Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center.

Aside from supporting a good cause, patrons of Dive Bar are privy to a wide selection of beers from local breweries including D9, Legion Brewing, King Canary, and many others, as well as domestic selections, wine, seltzers, and top-shelf liquor. Food options include concession-style treats like hotdogs, nachos, and chicken tenders for a fun, easy, and foolproof bite that’ll have you back to letting loose in no time.

If you’re looking to have some fun close to home, Dive Bar is located at 158 N Main Street in Mooresville. Doors are open from 3 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, and 5 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Thursday. Be prepared to pay your membership fee, and remember: 100 percent of contributions go to local charities.