Do Hookah Bars Have an Uncertain Future?
Sometime over the weekend, the lone Hillsborough Street hookah bar-Marrakesh Cafe- closed its doors with a sign indicating that Shakedown Street is set to replace it. The possible factors leading to its demise aren’t few and far between: a decline in business on Hillsborough Street since roundabout construction, the looming loss of the ability to sell food with the smoking ban, and increased local competition.
Less than two months ago, local cantankerous commentator Raleigh Gawker proclaimed: Hookah Bars Totally Spaced Out On Smoking Ban, a reference to the recent bill preventing smoking in most establishments where food is served. Marrakesh Cafe fell into the category of hookah bar that also serves food, so it was a good bet they would have been adversely affected by the recent legislation.
I have no idea what led to the owners to close the doors for good. Anecdotally, I can say that in the several times I walked past that business was slow. I’ve been to two other hookah bars in town, and thoroughly enjoyed myself each time (as a non-smoker). It was a nice alternative to the traditional loud and crowded bars. Admittedly, without alcohol the environment did seem slightly lacking.
Regardless, it seems a shame that these places didn’t find some sort of exemption in the legislation. As of next year, their only option will be to discontinue the sale of food, which may disable their business.
As for what will take its place: A hippie joint whose name is based on either a Grateful Dead album or the place at a music festival where food/drugs/alcohol can be obtained. A visit to the web site (warning: music) features the dancing bears and jam music in the background as well as a link to apply for employment. The requirements for employment read like a playlist from the Hippie Hour on WKNC: Love for Grateful Dead, Phish, Bob Marley, Allman Brothers, and Keller Williams.
It will be interesting to see how this place stacks up against The Farmhouse, another bar/food joint whose name is also based off of a jam band album (Phish).
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10/06/2009
I was hoping Marrakesh would have modified their business to just become a good Moroccan restaurant. They already had that theme going and could have easily dropped the hookah category and fill a cuisine void that Raleigh has.
10/06/2009
Rob, in the early days all the food Marrakesh served was from Neomonde. Don’t know if that was always the case.
Great article, John.
10/06/2009
Hookah is a huge part of that culture. They shouldn’t focus on the food sector. To bad this crap legislation doesn’t have any exceptions for this.
10/08/2009
The one time I ventured in to Marrakesh, they were blaring the Middle Eastern equivalent to G105 so loud that conversation was pointless. In general we didn’t feel welcome. With nice evening weather most of the year here in the south, a hookah bar should do just fine keeping the smoking section on the patio. I have been to very large, bustling cities where hookah bars have successfully placed 2-3 small seating areas right on the street for smoking. I’d like to see some Raleigh proprietors master the art of running very small, very low key establishments.
12/10/2009
I don’t see why there is a smoking ban in bars! You go there to drink, why can’t people smoke inside as well? Smoking and drinking go hand in hand in my eyes. It’s the same problem in Louisville…alot of the bars and clubs are losing business due to the smoking ban.
12/10/2009
”I don’t understand why” is what I meant to say…forgive my typo.