Forget everything you know about Durham’s nightlife. This June, the Bull City is getting a dose of 1920s glamour that’ll make you want to dig out your best vintage suit and practice your Charleston. Red Phone Booth, the nationally acclaimed speakeasy that’s been making waves from Atlanta to Miami, is opening its first North Carolina location right in the heart of Downtown Durham. And trust me, this isn’t your typical cocktail bar.
A Hidden Portal to the Prohibition Era
Picture this: You’re walking down a Durham street, and you spot a restored London red phone booth. You step inside, dial the nightly secret code, and suddenly you’re transported back a century to an era of jazz, intrigue, and some seriously good drinks. That’s the Red Phone Booth experience in a nutshell.
This concept has already conquered six cities nationwide, and Durham entrepreneurs Dr. Ralph Mensah and Dr. Michael Thomas are bringing the magic to North Carolina for the very first time. As locally owned operators, they’re not just importing a concept, they’re weaving it into the fabric of Durham’s already vibrant food and beverage scene.
“With Durham’s creative energy, walkable downtown and culture of innovation, it’s the perfect home for Red Phone Booth,” said Stephen de Haan, Founder of Red Phone Booth Hospitality and Roaring Franchises. And honestly? He’s not wrong. Durham has always punched above its weight in the hospitality industry, and this addition raises the bar even higher.
The Spirit Collection That’ll Make Collectors Weep
Let’s talk about what’s behind that honey onyx bar. We’re not just talking about a well-stocked shelf, Red Phone Booth Durham will feature over 400 premium spirits. Rare bourbon? Check. Japanese whisky that’ll make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about whisky? Absolutely. Tequila selections that go way beyond your college margarita days? You better believe it.
But here’s where things get really interesting: every cocktail is crafted with 100% fresh-squeezed juices, double reverse-osmosis ice (yes, the ice matters), made-to-order garnishes, and house-made tinctures and bitters. This is the kind of attention to detail that separates a good cocktail program from an exceptional one.
Members and their guests will also have access to exclusive tasting events led by industry experts, think rare bottle showcases and educational experiences that’ll deepen your appreciation for what’s in your glass. For restaurant operators and food and beverage directors looking to level up their spirits programs, these events offer invaluable insights into current beverage industry trends.
A Cigar Program That Respects the Craft
Durham’s tobacco history runs deep, so it’s fitting that Red Phone Booth is bringing a world-class cigar program to the city. The venue will feature a temperature and humidity-controlled walk-in humidor stocked with over 200 premium cigars.
What sets this apart? Red Phone Booth prioritizes quality over quantity, with continually rotating inventory to ensure freshness and variety. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just cigar-curious, the selection caters to every palate and occasion.
And here’s the kicker: they’ve installed Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology throughout the space. This creates a cleaner, safer lounge environment, a game-changer for anyone who’s ever left a cigar lounge with their clothes smelling like an ashtray. It’s the kind of forward-thinking hospitality technology that shows this isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s about delivering a truly modern luxury experience wrapped in vintage packaging.
Italian Comfort Meets Southern Hospitality
A speakeasy needs more than just drinks and cigars, it needs food that matches the vibe. Red Phone Booth Durham will serve Italian-inspired small plates and freshly made Neapolitan pizzas, designed for sharing and savoring over conversation and cocktails.
Think elevated comfort food that pairs perfectly with a smoky Old Fashioned or a crisp Italian spritz. The menu is built around the idea that food and beverage services should work in harmony, creating an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. For food and beverage managers looking for inspiration, this approach to menu innovation is worth studying closely.
The Neapolitan pizza program alone is worth the trip. Authentically prepared and designed to complement the drink program, these aren’t your typical bar pizzas, they’re crafted with the same attention to detail as every other element of the Red Phone Booth experience.
Design That Tells a Story
Walking into Red Phone Booth is like stepping onto a movie set. Every detail has been considered, from the custom Italian leather seating to the intimate fireplaces that cast a warm glow across the space. Hand-painted ceilings feature fine art by renowned artist Christian Waggoner (yes, the Star Wars/Lucas Arts artist), adding an unexpected layer of sophistication.
The honey onyx bar serves as the glowing heart of the space, while the private “Mafia Room” offers an exclusive setting for events and gatherings. It’s the kind of design that doesn’t just create a space: it creates an atmosphere, a mood, a feeling that you’re part of something special.
For hospitality managers and restaurant operators, this level of design thinking offers valuable lessons in creating immersive guest experiences. The food and beverage industry increasingly recognizes that ambiance isn’t just decoration: it’s a crucial component of the overall service delivery.
More Than Just a Bar: It’s a Community
Red Phone Booth operates on a membership model, which means it’s building a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and a touch of mystery. Members get access to exclusive events, rare spirit tastings, and a space that feels like their own personal hideaway in the middle of a bustling city.
But you don’t need to be a member to experience the magic: members can bring guests, making this an ideal destination for date nights, client meetings, or celebrating special occasions with friends. It’s the kind of place where connections are made, deals are sealed, and memories are created.
For procurement directors and institutional buyers in the food service industry, Red Phone Booth represents a fascinating case study in premium positioning and experience-based hospitality. The brand has successfully created demand through scarcity and exclusivity while maintaining approachability.
Your Invitation to Something Extraordinary
As Red Phone Booth Durham prepares for its June 2026 opening, they’re now accepting an exclusive number of memberships. This is your chance to be part of Durham’s most anticipated hospitality opening before the doors officially swing open.
The venue is also hiring hospitality professionals who want to be part of one of the country’s most exclusive lounge concepts. If you’re passionate about craft cocktails, premium spirits, and delivering world-class service, this could be your opportunity to join a brand that’s redefining luxury nightlife.
Durham has always been a city that appreciates authenticity and quality: from its farm-to-table restaurants to its thriving craft beverage scene. Red Phone Booth is the perfect addition to this ecosystem, bringing a level of sophistication and theatricality that complements rather than competes with the Bull City’s existing offerings.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot, a food and beverage professional seeking inspiration, or a visitor wanting to experience Durham’s most exclusive new destination, Red Phone Booth promises an experience that goes beyond just drinks and cigars. It’s about stepping out of the ordinary and into a world where every detail matters, every moment is intentional, and every visit feels like a special occasion.
The secret’s out: Durham is getting a speakeasy that’s anything but ordinary. The only question is: will you be there when the doors open?
For more information on memberships and career opportunities, visit Red Phone Booth.
Meta Description: Red Phone Booth speakeasy opens in Durham, NC June 2026. 1920s Prohibition concept with 400+ spirits, premium cigars, and Italian fare. Memberships now available.
Meta Tags: Red Phone Booth Durham, speakeasy Durham NC, luxury cocktail lounge, prohibition bar, premium cigars Durham, craft cocktails, Durham nightlife, food and beverage trends, hospitality industry, membership lounge
Hashtags: #RedPhoneBoothDurham #DurhamNightlife #SpeakeasyLife #CraftCocktails #FoodAndBeverage
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
