Meet the Woman Behind Old Glory & ELEVEN11
From Old Glory to ELEVEN11, Alexis Soler has helped shape Nashville’s cocktail culture. Get to know the woman behind some of the city’s most vibey spots! Image: Minnie Morklithavong
Few people have shaped Nashville’s cocktail culture with the kind of quiet confidence Alexis Soler brings to the table. From the subterranean magic of Old Glory to the intention-filled vision behind ELEVEN11, she builds spaces that favor soul over trends and hospitality over hype. Grounded in consistency, collaboration, and a deep respect for place, her work reflects a belief that the best bars feel lived-in from the very first step inside. Get to know the woman behind some of the city’s most vibey spots — and what she’s dreaming up next.
Old Glory has outlasted so many trend-driven concepts in Nashville. What inspired it, and what do you hope people feel when they walk down that iconic staircase?
Old Glory does not give in to trends. We instead focus on hospitality, being timeless, consistent, and having our own voice to accompany the stunning walk down the stairs.
When conceptualizing Old Glory, we drew inspiration from the beauty of the original building and simply wanted to preserve its soul by integrating the historic boiler room.
Nashville’s cocktail scene has undergone significant evolution over the past decade. From your vantage point, what’s changed the most, and what do you think we’re still missing?
There are a lot of big names entering the Nashville food and beverage space at the moment, which is exciting, but what I really enjoy is being a part of a community of independent Nashville businesses that now have multiple or scaled concepts.
It shows that Nashville will always be a city where small businesses can thrive. I still feel that cozy, dark bars with great hospitality and quality late-night food and drink are a scarcity.
ELEVEN11 marks a new chapter for you. What inspired this concept, and how does it reflect where you see the city — and your work — heading next?
With ELEVEN11, we want to convey connection and a sense of “right place, right time” moment. No matter where you are in the world, you can look at the clock at 11:11 and have a sense of connection to something bigger than yourself, noticing where you are in the moment.
ELEVEN11 is also a culmination of all the standards and values I have accumulated and developed over my career. Last but not least, it’s a true collaboration between my partners, Michelle Pham and Son Pham.
What has been the most pivotal “Say yes, even if you’re scared” moment in building your career?
Working alongside Drift Hotels on their food and beverage has been both rewarding and challenging. I am used to working independently with small teams.
Working with a hotel group has been an exercise in restraint and learning about the needs of hotel guests, as well as working with multiple teams across the continent. And compromising to make the best decisions for the brand has forced me to grow in different ways.
You’ve built some of Nashville’s coolest spaces. When you’re not working, where do you go in the city for a great drink and dinner you didn’t make yourself?
I grab a cocktail at Attaboy or Coral Club, Rolf and Daughters, or Folk for dinner and Kisser for lunch.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
We call it “type 2” fun. It’s not for the faint of heart. I love new experiences, from being a licensed skydiver to taking a mountaineering course in Alaska’s Denali range this summer.
If you could have a drink (or pour one) for anyone — dead or alive — who would it be and what would you serve them?
My grandfather, Jerry Meyers. He passed away over a decade ago, and I realized there was so much I didn’t know about him and our family. I have lots of questions.
What’s a daily ritual that keeps you grounded or sparks creativity?
I am always walking, whether on a hike or around my neighborhood. The forward movement makes me focus and helps me process. If I am on a call, I am most likely walking.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You cannot cultivate a business or a team if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Your business is a reflection of you. Make time for yourself and what fills you up.
Not including faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
I will always have a dog. They embody loyalty and pure love. I need the ability to travel and adventure. And I need workouts.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Bucket-list travel destination? Right now, I have been really into the idea of exploring Scotland or Argentinian Patagonia.
What’s on your nightstand? Haha. Well, a stack of half-read books, water, a sound machine, and whatever energy crystal I am into at the moment.
Favorite podcast or recently read book? Book: Life Lived Wild by Rick Ridgeway. Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.