AMERICAN Pickers star Mike Wolfe gave an emotional speech and thanked his fans for their support after announcing his “tough” decision to close his Tennessee antique store, The U.S. Sun has learned.
Mike, 60, announced he is closing Antique Archaeology Nashville to “focus on new projects” on Friday, April 18.
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One of those projects is the American Pickers star’s Columbia, Tennessee bike stop Columbia Motor Alley.
The U.S. Sun can reveal exclusive photos of Mike and his girlfriend, Leticia Cline, celebrating the first Cars and Coffee event of the year at his bike shop on Saturday, April 19.
Cars from vintage Chevrolet Corvettes to Mustangs began lining up at 7am around the streets of the small town.
Mike showed up at around 8am in a vintage black Impala with Leticia driving behind him in a matching beige car of the same make and model.
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Mike appeared to be in high spirits despite the business setback the day prior, as he spent the morning and afternoon chatting with fans, taking photos and checking out the cars.
Fans who came out for the car show enjoyed free coffee and a band playing music.
Throughout the morning, Mike got on the microphone to hype up the crowd, as he looked forward to “making memories” with fans.
Mike even joked, as he said of his employee, “Look for the guy in the cowboy hat. If you see him, tackle him! No charges filed! You guys want to rock out some more? Here we go!”
At one point, Leticia was hard at work inside the store selling merchandise from $32 Antique Archaeology oil can candles to $25 shirts.
Mike appeared to be stressed out over a glitch with the card machine for purchases, as he accepted cash before resolving the issue.
At the end of the event, Mike got back on the microphone and thanked everyone in attendance with a heartwarming speech.
He said, “The city loves this event. We love this event. Maury County tourism loves this event.
“We just want to say thank you guys so much for embracing the car culture and the history of this community. Give these guys a hand and thank you guys all for coming!”
After fans headed out, Mike, Leticia and an employee went for lunch at a nearby restaurant to celebrate the successful day.
Cars and Coffee takes place every third Sunday of the month.
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OUT OF BUSINESS
The event marks the first time Mike made a public appearance since he announced the closing of Antique Archaeology Nashville.
Mike announced the store closing on Friday over social media, as he began the lengthy post, “After nearly 15 amazing years, we’ve made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City. This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people. The community. The visitors from all over the world who came through those doors, shared their stories, and reminded me every day why I started this journey in the first place.
“I’ve been so proud to be a part of this neighborhood, this city, and this chapter of life. But sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going — and where your heart is calling you next.
“For me, that’s family. It’s slowing down a little, staying rooted, and focusing on the new projects that are pulling at my soul. I’m not disappearing — not even close.
“I’ll still be picking, sharing, and selling online and at our original LeClaire, Iowa store. But I’ve learned over the years that it’s easy to spread yourself too thin, and balance is something we all chase in one way or another.
He ended, “This isn’t goodbye — it’s just a new rhythm. I’ll forever be grateful for every moment in that Nashville space, and for all of you who made it more than just a shop. You made it home.”
The closing comes after Antique Archaeology Nashville has faced backlash from customers.
Customers have complained about the amount of merchandise compared to antiques being sold and the expensive items.
SHORT NOTICE
The U.S. Sun reported Mike’s staffers were told of the closing just one day before the public, giving them just a week to find other employment.
A source told The U.S. Sun, “This is their last week with Antique Archaeology. They found out the day before everyone else.
“Mike tries to be hands on in every store he owns. He’s trying to consolidate a little bit so he could spend more time with his family,” the source said.
The insider revealed staffers appeared shocked and upset over the news.
Employees of the Le Claire, Iowa store were informed of the closure weeks prior, a second source revealed.
Mike will “see the store off” on Saturday, April 26 and greet customers before the official final day on Sunday.
Mike still owns Antique Archaeology in his hometown of Le Claire, Iowa.
TAKING A STEP BACK
Mike recently announced his break from American Pickers in an interview with People.
“For 15 years, we have just been going and going and going,” he explained. “I think we’re going to have at least four or five months off, so it’s going to be good.”
Mike said how their longest break from filming yet has been “a month around Christmas.”
The History Channel star admitted to turning down “a lot of stuff” over the past 15 years because he was “overwhelmed.”
He explained of the time off, “It’s been 20 years of my life, American Pickers has been. And so now kind of slowing down into it, I’m reflecting a lot, like so many people do my age.
“That’s why really it’s a celebration of me turning 60 and I’m like, I’m doing this. You want to do another show? I’m doing another show. You want me to have a part in the scripted project? I’m doing it. I’m excited about the next chapter of everything.”
Mike Wolfe’s businesses
Mike Wolfe has created a business empire featuring real estate, antique stores, and more.
MIKE’S BUSINESSES
Mike has been bringing businesses and tourism to the sleepy town of Columbia.
In addition to Columbia Motor Alley, Mike also runs vacation rental Two Lanes Guesthouse, a restaurant, and is the landlord of many buildings.
Within the last few years, other businesses have followed in Mike’s footsteps and opened in Columbia, including Build a Donut Bakery and restaurant Prime and Pint.
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A town source told The U.S. Sun in August 2024 that locals are divided over the change, “It’s kind of interesting because a lot of people don’t want change and some people do, so we’re in that flux. The town is changing rapidly.”
The town is in the process of building a six-story parking garage across the street from Columbia Motor Alley.
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