Discover How Chemist Spirits Turned Adversity Into Community Connection
Asheville’s vibrant beverage scene is no stranger to innovation, but few stories capture the city’s spirit quite like the recent evolution of Chemist Spirits and their Antidote Cocktail Lounge. After Tropical Storm Helene brought severe flooding and left much of Asheville without potable water, the team at Antidote stepped up in a big way—offering free water, coffee, and even Wi-Fi to neighbors in need.
This act of service did more than help the community recover; it inspired a fresh direction for the business. Antidote now boasts a full cafe menu, featuring coffee, tea, pastries, and creative zero-proof mocktails like the Cold Brew Old Fashioned and Cold Brew Mojito. As General Manager Philip Szobody put it, “A part of what inspired me in this journey was creating a space where anyone in our community could stop in and find a beverage that they enjoy and suitable for their lifestyle.”
As the article by Tiana Kennell notes:
“Antidote, a three-story Prohibition Era-style cocktail bar inspired by a turn-of-the-20th century apothecary, opened in 2018. It has contributed to the diversification of the downtown area, known as the South Slope brewing district, due to its high volume of craft beer breweries.”
The article also highlights Chemist Spirits’ upcoming expansion to a second location in historic Biltmore Village, their commitment to local partnerships, and the way adversity has strengthened their resolve to serve Asheville with creativity and heart.
Want to read the full story? Visit the Asheville Citizen Times for the complete article by Tiana Kennell.
A latte sits on the bar at Antidote Cocktail Lounge at Chemist in downtown Asheville, June 25, 2025. Credit: Josh Bell/Asheville Citizen Times
