50 October 2021
Thomas and Yates decided the Livery building
at 147 Maxwell Street was perfect because
of the building's history and its location in
downtown Fayetteville.
lounge serves as a private venue for members
only. Several memberships at different price
points are available to anyone and can be
purchased in the parlor or online.
Walking through the doors of the retail
parlor and into the lounge area evoke the
feeling of having traveled to a swanky
speakeasy where a few quick knuckle taps
get those "in the know" through a hidden
door. omas and Yates succeeded in
capturing the atmosphere they envisioned.
ey maximized the vintage horizontal
space that once traded cotton. Leather
furniture – wingbacks, sofas and bucket
seats with tabletops – are thoughtfully
arranged between the long vintage brick
walls of the Livery.
e crown jewel and centerpiece of the
lounge is a custom-made, full-length bar in
a deep mahogany, so dark and glassy that
it shines like a concert piano. It looks like
something found in a vintage pub in New
York.
e owners had the 39-foot bar custom-
made by Charles' Cabinets, out of Four
Oaks, and assembled by hand onsite.
omas pointed it out like a proud father.
e Livery has full ABC permits and sells
fine spirits and wine that pair well with
their cigars. e bartender and waitstaff are
dressed in black and all smiles.
A video post of one of the jazz nights can
be seen on Facebook, showing a room filled
with smoke and lively tunes while happy,
laughing patrons enjoy cigars, swaying and
bobbing their heads in rhythm. e Livery
Cigar Emporium has a taste of charm from
out of a time capsule and fits just right
within the diverse puzzle of Fayetteville and
its musical traditions.
omas and Yates said they plan to
expand their business beyond the historic
bricks of the Livery and may add a comedy
night to their events. eir vision has
breathed new life to the historic district, and
they look forward to what the future will
bring.
Charles Canady is a writer from
Fayetteville. He can be reached at
CharlesCanadythewriter@gmail.com or
Facebook.com/charlescanadythewriter
