Durham

Speakeasy & Prohibition-Style Bar Coming to Durham

Red Phone Booth plans a May opening in downtown Durham, marking the brand’s first North Carolina location.

DURHAM, NC — Red Phone Booth, a prohibition-era-inspired bourbon bar, cigar lounge, and restaurant is preparing to open in downtown Durham, franchise owners Ralph Mensah and Michael Thomas told Business Debut. The concept is planned for 125 Orange St, Durham, NC 27701, with construction currently expected to wrap up toward the end of April.

Mensah said the project is underway in the historic district, with a two-level buildout totaling about 4,100 square feet.

What to Expect

Guests will enter through a red phone booth and use a secret code for access. Inside, expect a classy speakeasy ambiance with leather seating and low lighting.
Mensah said the first floor will feature the general seating area, while a more private space known as the “mafia room” will be located upstairs.

The concept will allow cigar smoking, and the lounge will use state-of-the-art air filtration systems intended to keep the air clean.

Mensah and Thomas said the Durham location will offer a food menu alongside a craft cocktail bar with an emphasis on bourbon. Mensah said Neapolitan pizza is expected to be a highlighted menu item.

The pair said the Durham project is a passion play for them as longtime bourbon fans. Mensah added that he and Thomas are dentists by trade and this is their first time branching into the food and beverage industry.

Membership packages will be available for guests to enjoy perks from priority entry, sofa reservations, member pricing on cigars, exclusive access to rare spirits, invitations to tastings and events and much more.

The brand was founded in 2016 by Atlantan restaurateur Stephen de Haan. Since its inception, they have grown to locations in Tennessee and Texas. This will be the first location in North Carolina.

Opening Timeline

Construction is projected to be completed toward the end of April, Mensah said. The team is targeting a May opening, but noted timelines can shift with construction.