Downtown Ocala bar, nightclub, speakeasy sold to new owners

A bar, nightclub, speakeasy, and event venue housed in one of Ocala’s historic buildings have all been sold to new ownership.

Former owner Bryan Caracciolo announced the sale of the four businesses earlier this week to the new owners, Johnny and Rachel Sanchez.

“I am happy to announce Johnny Sanchez and Rachel Sanchez as the new owners of The Lodge! There is no doubt they will bring The Lodge and its brand to new heights,” reads a statement posted by Caracciolo on social media.

The sale includes The Lodge, the LOFT, Anti-Monopoly Drug Store Speakeasy, and the Magnolia Room. All four of the businesses are situated at 36 S Magnolia Avenue, in the heart of downtown Ocala.

Caracciolo opened The Lodge at the former Starbucks location in 2018. He opened the LOFT and Anti-Monopoly Drug Store in 2020. In his statement, the business owner said it was a “lot of work to create something from nothing.”

“Taking the main corner in downtown that sat inactive for years with a downtown business capacity that was less than 60% and building a nightlife and entertainment destination around it. Growing from just The Lodge our first couple years to LOFT, then Anti-Monopoly Drug Store Speakeasy and Magnolia Room. Watching Downtown explode around our success the past 7 years. Watching the line to get in wrap around the block for our special events. Helping staff go on to open their own places. So many memories that all just started with a concept that I had dreamed of for years that ultimately led to Brick City Hospitality Group employing well over 100 people. The Lodge Ocala is the true original,” said Caracciolo in his statement.

Caracciolo and his company, BWC Construction, have been behind several projects in and around Ocala over the past decade since the organization was founded.

In July, Caracciolo announced the sale of Cantina Tex-Mex & Tequila, which he opened in downtown Ocala in 2021.

That same month, he also sold Marmadukes Lodge in Leesburg, which was another complete restoration job by his team.

In addition to numerous commercial projects, BWC Construction also recently completed the Watula South Townhomes in downtown Ocala, and in 2021, it built the Tuscawilla Apartments across from Lake Tuscawilla.