New outdoor seating spaces to make social district more lively

With the launch of the Downtown Morganton Social District just around the corner, many local businesses may reap the benefits of more foot traffic. Some businesses are intentionally planning for the kickoff by adding outdoor seating and others will start their business this fall in Morganton with a social district already in place.

SIDETRACKED

In preparation for the kickoff of the social district, Joseph Ackerman, owner of Sidetracked Brewery, is working to make final touches on a new outdoor bar for people to gather and sip some craft beer or even a cocktail.

Ackerman said he expects the social district to be a game changer for his business.

Live music, comfortable seating and swings, are all ways that he plans to bring more people together.

He plans to finish the outdoor bar by next weekend, and more changes are coming. Because the social district’s boundaries stretch a little past his business, he will be able to utilize the full courtyard at Morganton Station, which winds between the two buildings and provides more space behind the businesses.

He had always intended to use the space, but ABC regulations prevented it because his business did not share a wall with the outdoor courtyard. Because another business is located between the brewery and the outdoor space, he would have had to pay additional rent to use the area—if not for the upcoming social district.

A beautification grant from the City of Morganton will also help fund the addition of a 30-foot awning and new signage to attract more people.

Sidetracked is located at 609 S. Green St.

THE HEDGE

On Queen Street, husband-and-wife duo Royce Chestnut and Erica Damman are transforming the space to offer upscale diner food.

On the outside, those passing by can see the start of what Damman predicts will be a lively and magical space full of plants and twinkling lights for those who want to sip on a cocktail and enjoy a sandwich. What can’t be seen is the interior, which is also rapidly coming together, with a layout crafted to shape the customer experience.

Damman said The Hedge’s customers will order their food at the counter and can choose from local beers and craft cocktails at the bar. A bar will be looking into the kitchen with seven seats as well as two-top tables and four booths. Damman said the inside will be able to seat around 35 people.

The color schemes will include a pop of color with cobalt blue in the kitchen area and then neutral, muddy tones to flow throughout the rest of the restaurant inside. Food will be served on silver trays or paper boats, with the idea being that people can come for great food without a pretentious environment, Damman said.

Drywall, fixtures, and painting are a few of the steps that still need to be completed, but Damman said she and Chestnut are still planning on a mid-November opening. Her dad and Chestnut have been doing all the work on the project. Chestnut will manage the restaurant, with Damman handling marketing, customer service, and the care of all of the plants that add charm to the space.

Morganton local James Bryant, formerly a sous-chef at Leo’s House of Thirst in Asheville and now at Fonta Flora, will offer a variety of fresh options from fried chicken sandwiches to vegetarian mushroom sandwiches, Damman said.

The outdoor space will seat 50, and the boundaries for the outdoor area are set with a wooden fence and gate. Sun shades will give the area a cozier, more enclosed feel.

The Hedge is located at 203 Queen St.