For Amy and Kenny Naico, a couple both originally from the Midwest, meeting in the Southwest started a life trajectory that has led them to celebrating the one-year anniversary of their most recent business venture, 26 Souls, Bisbee’s newest beer and wine speakeasy. The local drinking establishment, located at 26 Sowles Avenue- caddy corner from Earl’s Café @ Warner Hotel- opened in the common room of The Oliver House hotel, a bed and breakfast since the 1980s.
Amy, originally from Missouri, and Kenny, hailing from Iowa, met in Tucson where they were both living at the time. “I was very good friends with his dad, Randy, first,” said Amy. “That’s how we were introduced.” The couple got married in August of 2019, after their love affair with Bisbee started in 2015.
And they couldn’t stay away from their shared love of Bisbee forever. They decided to go all in, moving to town in 2021. They sold their house in Tucson and bought one in Bisbee that year. “We love it. We love the slower, small-town pace, the kind people and the community,” said Amy. “The whole town feels like stepping back in time; it’s home.”
The Naicos bought The Oliver House (opened in 1909) two years ago, after it had been up for sale by the previous owner. When they visited Bisbee, they used to stay at The Oliver House quite a bit, and they became friends with the owner. The couple offered to help her keep the place open, without any intention to buy it; however, when no one else was stepping up to the plate to take it over, they decided they would buy it themselves rather than see it sit empty.
Although they never envisioned becoming owners of a hotel and bar, their combined skill sets and previous job experiences make them the right fit for the business they have made their own with the addition of 26 Souls. “We never had a plan to run a hotel and bar, but here we are,” said Amy. “It’s such a great family business.” They both continue to work other jobs as well, keeping them on their toes daily, living the good Bisbee life.
Amy most recently worked in online content and marketing and was also an elementary school teacher, also earning her master’s degree in education. Before these jobs, she waited tables, managed retail stores, delivered pizza and worked in a health food store. She still works in digital marketing, as well as owns another business in Bisbee, Bell, Book & Candle in Brewery Gulch, where you will find her 3-6 days a week depending upon how heavy the foot traffic is in town.
Kenny complements Amy’s background, bringing his experience owning a remodeling business in Tucson. He also previously worked as a butcher at a grocery store, managed a pet store when he lived in San Francisco and co-owned the Bisbee Hatchet House, an axe throwing event space and bar. He also still works at Old Bisbee Brewing a few days a week, delivering kegs and helping them brew or prep to brew their beverages.
The idea to open a bar and name it 26 Souls was somewhat of a trickle-down effect after Kenny’s Bisbee Hatchet House closed. “We still had the beer and wine license, as well as the space in The Oliver House to use it,” said Amy. “So, we transferred it and used the address ‘26 Sowles Avenue’ to inspire ‘26 Souls,’ as 26 people (or more) have died in the house. We wanted to capture the vibe of The Oliver House and have something unique that speaks to a 1920s, speakeasy vibe.”
It speaks to people so much, that their anniversary month has shaped up to be their busiest month, and the Naicos are celebrating by filling up The Oliver House with guests who appreciate how special the over 100-year-old building is. “We are jam-packed with weddings, birthdays and other events where folks have booked the whole house,” said Amy. “So, 26 Souls is closed for quite a few private parties in October.”
Outside of the private bookings, the haunted speakeasy is mostly frequented by locals. “They love the ambiance, the drink selection and that it’s a little quieter than other spots in town,” said Amy. “We also started selling mead, and now cigars, per the request of our patrons. People just love being there and chatting with other locals and our staff.”
Their current “regular” business hours are Thursdays from 4-10 p.m., and Fridays/Saturday from 4 p.m.-midnight. Advanced group reservations are also possible outside of these hours. Please email info26souls@gmail.com or call 520-227-7837 to inquire about booking the space.