• Our Story

Our Story

Plant Bar was born out of a shared vision to create a friendly, local, non-alcoholic space where people could connect more deeply—with each other, with themselves, and with the plants that nourish them. In partnership with The NOHM Collective, we opened our doors in 2018, pioneering a unique concept that blends natural health, education, and community. Since our doors first opened, we have grown into a vibrant hub for conscious consumption, where every cup and conversation is an invitation to slow down, savor, and reconnect.

Our journey began in Asheville, where we established our first location – Asheville Dispensary Elixir Bar – on Haywood Road, nestled in the lively, art and culture-focused neighborhood of West Asheville. What started out as a purely NOHM elixir menu grew to include Gong Fu Cha, herbal and Boba tea programs in 2022. These offerings were obsessively and passionately crafted by our Head of Bar, Nikki, who is a certified herbalist and Gong Fu Cha teacher.

We later expanded to Chattanooga, setting up shop on Manufacturers Road in NorthShore to provide more herbal access to the Tennessee areas of Appalachia. In August of 2024, we made our debut inside The Marquee in Asheville, focusing on specialty coffee and tea in the apex of art, creativity and culture in River Arts District. Unfortunately the Marquee location was lost in the flood of Hurricane Helene, but the spirit of our RAD bar continues to live on. In November of 2024, the elixir bar relaunched as Plant Bar to highlight our deep dedication and passion for the wide spectrum of plants that exist behind our bars. Each location is still housed in and partnered with Asheville Dispensary, adding another layer to our commitment to health and holistic wellness.

From the start, we wanted Plant Bar to be more than just a café; we envisioned it as a community center for learning and connection around the plants you consume. We want you to linger, ask questions, and hold authentic conversation with us – or just grab a cup to go if that’s your flow for the day. We’re here to support you in deepening your own relationship to plants and health, however that may look. Our passion for plant medicine fuels everything we do, and we’re thrilled to share that journey with you every time you walk through our doors.