Ember & Oak Cigar Lounges Coming to Hickory and Mooresville
The rising cigar lounge brand has plans for two distinct locations.
HICKORY & MOORESVILLE, NC — Ember & Oak, a new cigar lounge concept from owner Steven Liffers and business partner Chris Carey, is preparing to open its first location at 2910 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601 in about four weeks, Liffers told Business Debut.
A second, more upscale Ember & Oak is planned for downtown Mooresville at 107 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115, targeting a February opening following a full buildout.
What to Expect
Hickory
The Hickory Ember & Oak will be a roughly 3,000-square-foot cigar and bourbon lounge with an emphasis on comfortable seating, conversation, and live jazz. Liffers described it as an upscale cigar and bourbon lounge with plenty of televisions for sports, but a focus on networking and socializing rather than a nightclub atmosphere. The space will include a walk-in, temperature- and humidity-controlled humidor and a full retail cigar selection, from single sticks to boxes.
Mooresville
In Mooresville, Ember & Oak will occupy a historic two-story building of about 3,400 square feet on Main Street. “Mooresville is going to be more upscale than the Hickory location, with very high-end restaurants as neighbors,” Liffers told Business Debut.
“Both locations will feature state-of-the-art air scrubbers and ventilation systems,” Liffers told Business Debut, noting the goal is to make the lounges comfortable even for guests who do not smoke but are visiting with a partner or stopping in for a drink.
Concept and Vision
Hickory
Ember & Oak Hickory will pair its cigar program with a full bar built around craft cocktails and a broad bourbon selection. It will host bourbon and cigar tastings, as well as manufacturer events where cigar makers visit to lead seminars and offer specials. Memberships will be available for guests who want personal lockers and added amenities, though the lounge will remain open to the general public.
Mooresville
The Mooresville Ember & Oak will lean further into an evening lounge atmosphere, with an expanded wine and beer list alongside craft cocktails and a significant bourbon program. The two-story space will open with both floors accessible to the public, with plans to eventually convert the second floor into a members-only area. “The primary theme will be an upscale jazz and cigar club,” Liffers told Business Debut. Live jazz is planned on weekends at both locations.
Opening Timelines
The Hickory location is a remodel of a former cigar lounge and nightclub, which has allowed for a shorter turnaround. Liffers said Ember & Oak is targeting an opening there in about four weeks, with a specific date to be announced.
In Mooresville, Ember & Oak is in the permitting phase ahead of a full buildout of the historic Main Street building. The team is targeting a February opening, pending construction timelines and final approvals.
Hours
Ember & Oak Hickory is planned to open seven days a week from 11 a.m. — 12 a.m. Final details on late-night hours and event schedules will be confirmed closer to opening.
Hours for Ember & Oak Mooresville are to be announced as the project moves through permitting and buildout.
Follow Along
Follow Ember & Oak Hickory on Instagram for updates on opening dates, membership details, and event announcements.
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