Longtime Athens fixture Hendershot’s is officially under new management. Founder Seth Hendershot celebrated his last day of ownership with an all-day party on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
"You know, this was going to be a last day for us, when were going to close down,” Hendershot said. “And it was going to be bittersweet. I was ready to move on, but I was very sad that we couldn’t keep it going.”
He says the decision was easier than expected, thanks to new management stepping in.
“And as fate, fortune, luck, whatever would have it, this young, wonderful couple stepped in and agreed to purchase the business and so it’s turned into this day of joy and celebration and my heart is full. Like I just, I can’t believe it’s working out this well for everybody. Not just for me, but for them, for the community. Yeah, sometimes, we get a win.”
During the event, the new owners, Dave Martin and Lexi Torres, were introduced. They are said to be keeping the original name.
Athens’ Poet Laureate Amanda Dzimianski was among the well-wishers participating in the sendoff.
“Hendershot's is one of my top three favorite places in the city of Athens,” according to Dzimianski “It feels like a community living room.”
Hendershot's has been in Athens for over 15 years.
