The McWatering Hole opened in Ashville at the beginning of February. Owner, Ashley McWaters, a former dispatcher for St. Clair County, said she’s looking forward to building a safe and cozy place for the community. 

After the shutdown of Canoe Creek in Ashville, McWaters wanted a coffee shop to return to the area, and dreamed of opening her own coffee shop for years. With help from her mom and sister-in-law she was able to make it a reality. 

She said she was also motivated to leave dispatching behind after the stress it caused her. 

The job changed when Mcwaters’ ex-husband, Officer Nick O’Rear, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 5, 2020. She said she lived in constant fear of what might be on the other end of the line.

“I wasn’t the same dispatcher anymore,” said McWaters. “I couldn’t stay there knowing I could be on the other end of the radio of an officer down call.”

The chance to do a different kind of work is something McWaters said she is deeply grateful for. With little barista experience under her belt, she described the process of opening her shop as “learning as I go.” 

Since opening, McWaters said the community response to the new coffee shop has been amazing. 

“I’m seeing people I went to school with, worked with and family members coming in. It’s been so heartwarming to see everyone come out and support a local coffee shop,” said McWaters.

Her current goals for the future of the shop are to make it a place where people want to come and hang out. She said she’s working hard to craft the perfect atmosphere for her customers that keeps them wanting to come back. 

“It’s a really cozy environment, I have regulars now, even after one week, that I know by name. It’s so exciting,” said McWaters. “I want people to come in and feel at ease and welcomed.”

The McWatering Hole is located at 36245 US Hwy 231 in Ashville. Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The shop can be contacted at (205) 594-1060.

McWaters is offering different treats of the day, which are various types of cookies, scones and muffins. Cold drinks, teas, smoothies, iced coffees and hot drinks are all part of the drink menu. More information about the business and menu can be found at the McWatering Hole’s Facebook page.