About Us
Olde Courthouse Tavern has only been around since 2011, but our roots in the local community go back so much further.
Learn more about who we are and how we got started.
Our History
With family roots and history dug deep into the soil of Fayette County, a family legacy continues. Larry Graves, a 1967 graduate of Fayette County High School helped his father run a business in Fayette County for decades, Graves Used Cars & Parts. With business in his blood and an entrepreneurial spirit, Larry first bought this building on Fayetteville’s historic Courthouse Square in 1980. It was once home to his original business, Courthouse Antiques.
Once Larry was out of the antique business, the building was rental property and home to various small businesses for a number of years. However, in 2010 a new idea and business venture was born. Graves had a vision of a hometown Tavern. He imagined a place where friends gathered and family met for special occasions such as birthdays. He began the process to renovate his historic building into a local tavern. It was always intended to be a place where good food, good friends and good times could be found. Olde Courthouse Tavern opened its doors March 2011.
Where We Are Now
For more than a decade, OCT affectionately referred to as “The Tavern” by loyal customers, has served the Fayette community.
Now, this family business is entering a new era with the transfer of ownership to Graves’ oldest daughters, Shelley (Graves) Thomas and Andrea (Graves) Mueller. With a strong sense of family tradition, the sisters plan to keep the heart of the vision created by their dad in 2011 but add their own special touches to the business.
The sisters envision a continued goal of quality pub fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere. They want a place where people can come to unwind after work or catch-up with old friends. The menu will continue to offer all of the Tavern favorites, but expect a few new additions.
Being hometown girls with both graduating from Fayette County High School (1988, 1990), the sisters want to give Fayette County residents a reason to stay local on weekends and support this local, small-business. They intend to offer weekly events and entertainment that bring the community together.
