Asheville News

Town Pump Tavern closed and up for sale in Black Mountain

Jason Sandford June 13, 2011

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

The Town Pump Tavern, one of Black Mountain’s most well-known and longest running bars, is up for sale. The Black Mountain News reports:

The owners of the Town Pump Tavern, siblings Julie Smith and Steve McMahan, are selling the bar and the building that houses it.

They are asking for $78,000 for the bar, which includes the business, “good will,” assets, and inventory. They are selling the building for $300,000.

They have owned the business for two years.

“I’m starting a family and Steve wants to fish,” Smith, who is four months pregnant, said. “When we bought it, our intentions were to keep it forever. At the time, we were both single. Now, we’re both married, and I’m pregnant.”

The story goes on to say that Town Pump Tavern will have its 30th anniversary next year. The location was formerly home to McDibb’s, a trail-blazing music hall that laid the foundation for many a singer/songwriter in Asheville lo those many years ago.

Here’s the Mountain Xpress classified ad for the business.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Could The Cars play Moogfest 2011?

Word on the street: Avett Brothers back at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville

3 Comments

obiwan June 14, 2011

I remember seeing Jerry Jeff Walker there in 1984 or 85. Great show – decent place. Had my own bar/eating establishment then with live music on weekends – The Jersey Shore Deli on Weaverville Highway. Lots of Malcolm Holcombe, Sam Miller type singer songwriters. Didn't have a whole lot of time to go to other places, but made time for Jerry Jeff.

Reply
Orbit DVD June 13, 2011

Saw the Truckers, Patterson Hood solo and Blue Mountain there. Great bar.

Reply
Doug Sahm June 13, 2011

Sounds like two people who had no business owning and running a bar in the first place. Selling off a landmark after only two years because you want to go fishing? Seriously?

Reply