The Beyu Caffe space, center, in downtown Durham has sat empty since last summer. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios
Michelle Vanderwalker and Sean Umstead, the James Beard-nominated bar owners behind Kingfisher and Queeny's, are bringing a sports bar to downtown Durham.
Why it matters: The new bar, called E.O's Athletic Club, will take over the former Beyu Caffe space, a restaurant that closed last year after 14 years in the heart of downtown.
Driving the news: Umstead said he has long wanted to open a sports bar somewhere in downtown Durham, but Vanderwalker would only commit to the idea if they promised to show women's sports 50% of the time.
What they're saying: "There's a lot of sports bars that ... don't feel particularly welcoming or comfortable," Vanderwalker said. "So designing a place that feels comfortable for everyone, including people who are new to sports, and that fosters joy and enthusiasm around sports is really exciting."
Zoom in: It will also mean designing a bar around televisions for the first time, Vanderwalker said, as well as nailing the sound design so that it is a pleasant experience regardless of what game is on.
The menu will be focused on bar foods, like chicken wings and a New Jersey-style bar pizza.
The bar is asking people to submit photos of their youth sports days to use as part of its decor.
What's next: The hope is to open this fall for basketball season.
