Brooklyn’s Former Grand Army Beverage Director Reimagines Wilmington’s Beloved Bespoke as All-Day Italian-Inspired Aperitivo Bar
Robby Dow brings world-class cocktail culture to downtown Wilmington with a draft cocktail program and North Carolina’s largest vintage amaro collection.
[Wilmington, NC — August 25, 2025]
Bespoke, the beloved neighborhood coffee shop at the corner of Second and Princess Streets, has been transformed into a groundbreaking all-day café and aperitivo bar under the vision of owner Robby Dow, North Carolina native and former beverage director of Brooklyn’s acclaimed Grand Army Bar.
Now Wilmington locals and visitors can enjoy innovative cocktails like the Amaro Shakerato, featured in Punch, alongside exceptional espresso service. The newly renovated space blends Italian aperitivo culture with Wilmington’s community charm, creating a destination that seamlessly transitions from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
Negroni Week Pop-Up at Grand Army
To celebrate the launch, Dow will introduce Bespoke with a special pop-up at Grand Army during Negroni Week on September 23rd, in collaboration with Campari. The event will feature a full menu takeover, including Dow’s Night Nurse — a Negroni with Jamaican Rum, Cynar, Campari, Punt e Mes, banana, and coffee.
Design Meets Tradition in Downtown Wilmington
Dow purchased Bespoke in March 2024 and partnered with Chuck Marie Studios and Old School Rebuilders for a thoughtful renovation. The redesign preserves the neighborhood warmth that made Bespoke a Wilmington staple since 2015, while introducing a world-class beverage program inspired by New York’s top cocktail destinations.
“I saw Bespoke as an opportunity to create an American bar that blends Italian bitter drinking culture with coffee culture,” says Dow. “From morning Negronis to evening spritzes, it’s about accessibility and quality at every hour.”
Cocktail Innovation and Amaro Expertise
Bespoke features one of the most advanced draft cocktail programs in the U.S., serving Negronis, Spritzes, and Nitro Carajillos on tap starting at 7 AM. The approach delivers consistency and speed while showcasing serious technical precision.
The bar also boasts North Carolina’s largest vintage amaro collection, featuring rare bottles from the 1960s–80s, available by the pour. Paired with a meticulous ice program—from frozen glassware to hand-cut clear ice—Bespoke balances approachability with excellence.
Neighborhood Service with a Global Standard
In true aperitivo fashion, Bespoke operates with a dive-bar-inspired service model: no reservations, no table service—just skilled bartenders, craft cocktails, and community seating.
Guests can order a vintage Fernet-Branca or simply enjoy the coldest Budweiser in town, reflecting Dow’s vision of combining casual bar culture with world-class cocktails.
Seamless Day-to-Night Experience
Operating seven days a week, Bespoke transitions naturally from day to night:
- Morning – Premium espresso & aperitivo cocktails on tap.
- Afternoon – Light bites and approachable spritzes.
- Evening – Full bar service with Italian-inspired cocktails.
About Robby Dow
A Durham/Hillsborough, NC native, Dow discovered his passion for hospitality at The Crunkleton in Chapel Hill before relocating to New York. During his four years at Grand Army Bar, he rose to beverage director and earned recognition in leading publications such as Punch, VinePair, and Liquor.com.
Dow returned to North Carolina in 2022, contributing to local establishments including Dram & Draught and Seabird, and later helping launch Olivero. In 2024, he purchased Bespoke, where his expertise now defines Wilmington’s cocktail renaissance.
About Bespoke
Located at Second and Princess Streets in downtown Wilmington, Bespoke is an all-day café and aperitivo bar offering coffee service from morning to night, paired with a world-class cocktail program rooted in Italian culture. Since 2015, it has remained a neighborhood hub, now reimagined with a bold new vision.
