CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors honored the longtime owner of Michie Tavern, Greg MacDonald, recognizing the Albemarle-County staple for its excellence in customer service, culinary experience and historic preservation.   

MacDonald and his family, owned the tavern for 58 years, but recently finalized its sale to local businessman Hasmukh Shah.   

Amid this transition, the Board honored MacDonald, his family and the landmark with a resolution, passed and read during Wednesday’s meeting.

“Greg MacDonald has made a meaningful and lasting impact to Albemarle County through his dedication to historic preservation, tourism advancement, and the continued vitality of one of the county’s treasured establishments,” the resolution, read by Scottsville supervisor Mike Pruitt, stated.

The proclamation called attention to Michie Tavern’s noted hospitality, impact on the area’s tourism economy, and commitment to preserving its historic image throughout the tenure in which the MacDonald family owned the property.   

MacDonald said he never expected to receive such an honor, and made sure to emphasize that he was only one of many members of his family who played a role in transforming the tavern from museum back into a dining spot during the time he owned it.

“Our goal was pretty simple,” MacDonald said, “to enhance the visitor experience, and create a place that local would enjoy coming to and attending, a place they could be proud of.”  

MacDonald also made sure to thank the many staff members he had the privilege of working with over his tenure, including three who had worked with him and his family for 40 years. 

Each of the supervisors had anecdotes and perspectives to share on their own experience with the Tavern, all of it complimentary. 

Recalling the first time she visited, Jack Jouett Supervisor Sally Duncan confessed to thinking “this is the coolest place, why didn’t I come sooner.” 

“It is a real cultural touchstone that you have maintained, both new and old, that is continuing to lead the way in building our cultural cache in this community,” supervisor Pruitt shared.   

Whitehall Supervisor Ann Malek stated that she hoped to get a historic marker placed at Michie Tavern. The original building, constructed in 1784, was reopened to the public by the Conte-MacDonald family in 1968.   

“I feel very lucky and I feel very blessed,” MacDonald shared of the recognition.