After nearly a decade of business in the Gulch, Two Old Hippies will close its doors May 31. In a March 1 statement posted to Facebook, co-owner Molly Bedell said the store will be forced to permanently close due to hardships brought on by COVID-19.
Ten years ago, Oregon transplants Molly and Tom Bedell opened Two Old Hippies in the Gulch. Veteran business owners, the pair set their sights on Nashville for their next venture. Older and wiser than when they opened their first store, Molly and Tom joked that at this point in their lives they had become “Two Old Hippies,” and well, it just stuck.
Drawn to the character and vibrancy of Nashville, Molly and Tom set out to open a merchandise store with a Music City twist. With a stage in the back of the store, Two Old Hippies has had live, free music four nights a week, often featuring up-and-coming local artists, since it opened its doors in 2011.
The couple’s first retail venture was in Aspen, where Two Old Hippies’ flagship store stood until 2014. When the lease on the Colorado shop expired in 2014, the Bedells moved their business to Nashville full-time.
“My husband owns Breedlove Guitars and manufactures in Bend, Oregon, so being in a city of music was an obvious choice to us,” Molly said in a statement to The Hustler.
During their time in Nashville, the Bedells said they wanted to create a fun experience for their guests that went beyond just selling merchandise. Inspired by a business back in Aspen called Great Divide Music, which functions as both a music store and location for music lessons, the Bedells decided to host live music at their Nashville location.
“It gave many young artists starting out a place to ‘practice’ without intimidation,” Molly said.
Over the years, the Bedells hosted many famous guests in their store. Two Old Hippies was even a set for the TV show “Nashville,” which was filmed five times in the shop, per the Bedells.
“We always said, walk in as a stranger and leave as a friend,” Molly said. “I have had the pleasure to work with some of the most amazing people, and I have met some of my dearest friends in Nashville.”
While the couple is unsure what is next for them, they said to stay tuned, as only time will tell. In the meantime, Two Old Hippies will be selling all merchandise, furniture and fixtures at a significant discount. Be sure to stop in one final time before May 31 to say goodbye to this Gulch staple.
