CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Michie Tavern, the restored 18th-century landmark located just outside Charlottesville, has officially been purchased by local businessman Hasmukh Shah through Shah Family Holdings. The sale marks the end of an era for the MacDonald family, which has owned and operated the historic property for the past 58 years.

For Shah, the purchase represents more than a business investment.

“I’ve admired this property for close to 30 years. Every time I’d drive by, I’d look at it,” Shah told Cville Right Now. “It’s a great, historic property. How often do you get a chance in your lifetime to help preserve something so rare?”

Shah said he views his role as one of stewardship rather than ownership.

“I feel privileged to own it – but really, to be a guardian of it,” he said.

For generations, Michie Tavern has been a favorite stop for visitors touring the Charlottesville area, offering a combination of Virginia history, traditional Southern cuisine and colonial-era hospitality. The landmark has become a familiar destination for tourists visiting nearby historic attractions as well as local families celebrating special occasions or introducing out-of-town guests to one of the region’s signature attractions.

Former owner Greg MacDonald said finding the right buyer was one of the family’s highest priorities.

“We’ve been looking very hard for a buyer who was the right fit for this business and that was harder to find than we thought,” MacDonald said. “We couldn’t be more pleased that we found somebody local, community-oriented, and committed to continuing what we started here many years ago.”

MacDonald noted that his mother and stepfather purchased the property in 1968, when it was “a little rundown museum,” and spent decades restoring and preserving it while building it into one of Central Virginia’s best-known historic attractions.

Shah emphasized that customers can expect little to change during the ownership transition. Restaurant operations, the tavern pub and the gift shop will continue operating on their regular schedules and the existing staff will remain in place. MacDonald will also stay involved for a period to assist with the transition and help ensure continuity for employees and guests alike.

“I have no intention of changing anything,” Shah said. “I don’t need to. It’s a well-functioning, well-oiled machine.”

 

Shah said preserving both the property and its workforce were among his first priorities.

“I started thinking about preserving what’s here, preserving the jobs, and continuing to serve the community,” he said. “One thing I want to make sure of is that the people who’ve been here for so many years will still have their jobs.”

MacDonald said continuity will extend beyond the ownership change.

“A big part of Michie Tavern is the staff. I’m the only employee stepping away—everyone else is staying and continuing what we’ve built,” he said. “Hopefully they’ll see nothing different and won’t even know there’s new ownership.”

Company leaders say the transition has been carefully planned to ensure a seamless experience for employees and visitors.

“From the operations side, I can’t imagine the transition going any smoother,” Chief Operating Officer Jace Gonnerman said. “We’re all committed to staying the course. We have something that works and that people love.”

Chief Executive Officer and President Darin Garrison, who joined the organization following the sale, said preserving the tavern’s identity is central to its future.

“You don’t often hear this with a business, but I think the right move here is to preserve it and let it remain the same,” Garrison said. “It’s got a good thing going.”

Originally opened to the public in 1927, Michie Tavern has welcomed generations of travelers seeking a taste of Virginia’s past. Known for its hearty Southern buffet, historic atmosphere and educational exhibits, the site has become an enduring symbol of Charlottesville’s rich cultural heritage and an important contributor to the region’s tourism economy.

Historian Clay Jackson said the tavern’s appeal extends well beyond its menu.

“Anybody can sell you fried chicken,” Jackson said. “What makes Michie Tavern special is the experience.”

Shah said preserving that experience is already underway. Shortly after acquiring the property, he said it was placed into the Michie Tavern Preservation Trust to help protect it for future generations.

“Our vision is to preserve it for the foreseeable future,” Shah said.

As Michie Tavern begins its next chapter, local ownership remains firmly in place, offering confidence that one of Central Virginia’s most cherished historic destinations will continue welcoming visitors for years to come.