The Waiting Room, A New Durham Cocktail and Small Plates Concept, Opens in December
Durham, North Carolina - Industry professionals, Nick Singh and Buddy Maynard, are excited to announce the creation of The Waiting Room, a crafted cocktail and small plates concept slated to open this December 2022. The Waiting Room is an inclusive space inspired by Singh and Maynard’s deep understanding and love for community. This relaxing space will be a great place to unwind or visit while waiting for a table at an incredible local restaurant. The Waiting Room is located in Downtown Durham's American Tobacco Campus at 300 Blackwell St.
Singh and Maynard’s friendship developed at a local Irish pub, where they realized they had similar personalities after many nights of food, drinks, and sports watching. The concept of The Waiting Room started in 2018 when downtown Durham began to gain popularity and there was a need for a spot to relax while waiting for a table at Durham's hottest restaurants. Four years later, Singh and Maynard finally found a location for The Waiting Room in 2022, which happens to be the oldest commercial building in downtown Durham. The goal of The Waiting Room is to become a charismatic cocktail lounge that will help drive traffic to surrounding restaurants and businesses. Singh and Maynard are currently undergoing planning for a grand opening in December. More details to be announced.
The Menu
The Waiting Room is primarily focused on being a craft cocktail bar. Singh and Maynard decided to flip the narrative and make the concept of The Waiting Room a place where the food is paired with the drinks, instead of the norm of pairing drinks with food. Their cocktail program will be broken down into three sections: Signatures, Seasonal, and Classics. The bar features over 100 selections of liquor like bourbon, tequila, gin, scotch, vodka, and rum. The Waiting Room will support local distillers and create drinks based on what patrons prefer.
The Waiting Room will also serve small plates and desserts. The goal of the menu is to be small but include items that will hold guests over until their dinner reservations. Patrons are also able to order multiple small plates if they’re visiting The Waiting Room as their main stop. A few small plates at The Waiting Room include Charcuterie, Caviar Deviled Eggs, and Bourbon Salted Caramel Macarons for dessert. Singh and Maynard want all of their small plates to counteract but also compliment the cocktails.
The Vibe
The Waiting Room is located in Durham and will be catered to everyone of the age 21 and older. Along with The Waiting Room’s speakeasy vibe on the outside, the inside will include natural coloring, green barstools, brick walls, window seating, couches to watch sports games, and a bar handmade by both Singh and Maynard.
The two are excited for The Waiting Room to be a place where people can engage with their community, share stories, build relationships, enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious food, and feel right at home.
About Nick Singh
British by birth, Singh grew up in a small town, West Bromwich just 10 miles north of Birmingham, UK. Raised the true British way Singh spent most weekends watching his favorite football team Manchester United and indulging in a proper curry and mix grille at local pubs, thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere. Inspired by the whole hospitality that came with that culture, Singh knew that this was going to be something he could make a career out of and enjoy at the same time. In his early 20’s Singh moved out to the United States in pursuit of learning more about hospitality and administrative side of business, in hopes that one day he will open his own establishment. After managing and consulting for several years and establishments like, Zayka, Trali Irish pub, and The Viceroy. Nick soon found his foot in the door with The Nomad. The Nomad est. 2020 is global street food and cross cultural eatery that Nick opened with his friends on the cusp of the Pandemic. After battling with global struggles The Nomad is on its 3rd year. Singh can’t wait for his new endeavor with Buddy Maynard at The Waiting Room.
About Buddy Maynard
Buddy Maynard is a talented and bright-spirited entrepreneur whose strength is behind the bar after over 16 years of experience in the service industry. Maynard grew up in North Carolina, where he later attended college at Campbell University and received a degree in Political Science. After graduation, Maynard moved to Florida. After a couple of years experiencing life in the sunshine state, Maynard decided to return to North Carolina after envisioning himself opening his own bar. Maynard began bartending at Sullivan’s Steakhouse and now credits their team for teaching him everything he knows about working behind a bar. Maynard now is the Owner, Operator and Beverage Director of The Waiting Room. He is thrilled to begin this new journey alongside his best friend, Nick Singh.
Connect with The Waiting Room on Instagram.
View their press kit here.
Photos available for download here.