Cru Lounge's Nationwide Expansion Continues with Opening of Cru Durham!

Cru Lounge is Coming to Durham, North Carolina!

Cru Lounge, the acclaimed hookah and lifestyle destination known for its electrifying fusion of premium shisha, chef-curated small plates, and innovative crutails, has officially unveiled its newest location at 112 Hunt Street in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, and is expected to open late November 2025. Cru will transform the vibrant downtown scene into an unmissable nightlife epicenter. Nestled amid the city's thriving cultural corridor, this expansion brings Cru's signature urban edge and upscale hospitality, honed across locations nationwide, to Bull City's discerning night owls, with no cover charges, no minimums, and an open-door policy that invites everyone to vibe from sunset hookah sessions to late-night revelry. What elevates Cru to the pinnacle of Durham's nightlife is its masterful alchemy of sensory indulgence: imagine plush lounges pulsing with curated DJ sets and live vibes that rival global hotspots, paired with exotic hookah blends.

Dimitri Parker Expands Cru Lounge with Third Location in Durham, Redefining North Carolina Nightlife

Dimitri Parker, a dynamic entrepreneur and hospitality innovator, is elevating North Carolina’s nightlife with the opening of his third Cru Lounge location in Durham, NC, at 112 Hunt Street. As the owner of thriving locations in Charlotte (3428 N Tryon St) and Fayetteville (114 Gillespie St), Dimitri has solidified his position as Cru Lounge’s largest franchisee and a trailblazer in the state’s hospitality scene. This new venture in Durham strengthens his legacy as the visionary who introduced the upscale lounge experience to North Carolina.

Growing a Nightlife Empire Across North Carolina

Dimitri’s journey with Cru Lounge began in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, with the opening of the Charlotte location, a game-changer that brought a fresh nightlife concept to the Queen City. With its stylish ambiance, premium hookahs, and craft cocktails like the Cru Rita, the Charlotte lounge quickly became a favorite for locals and visitors alike. In 2023, Dimitri expanded to Fayetteville, delivering a high-energy venue with nightly DJs, large-screen TVs for sports, and a menu featuring crowd-pleasing dishes like lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and lollipop lamb chops.

Now, Dimitri is bringing his signature style to Durham, a vibrant hub of culture and innovation. The new Cru Lounge Durham, located at 112 Hunt Street in the heart of downtown, promises the franchise’s hallmark experience: no cover charge, no drink minimums, and an atmosphere that blends sophistication with accessibility. Guests can look forward to exotic hookah flavors, delicious crutails, and chef-inspired small plates perfect for late-night gatherings.

Pioneering the Lounge Scene in North Carolina

Dimitri Parker didn’t just open lounges, he sparked a revolution in North Carolina’s nightlife. Before Cru Lounge, the state’s scene leaned heavily on traditional bars and clubs. Dimitri’s vision of upscale yet inclusive lounges, combining premium cocktails and hookahs with a welcoming vibe, transformed the landscape. His Charlotte and Fayetteville locations have become community staples, drawing crowds who no longer need to travel to bigger cities for a top-tier nightlife experience.

The Durham opening is a testament to Dimitri’s ability to scale his vision while keeping it authentic. As Cru Lounge’s largest franchisee, he’s setting a standard that’s inspiring similar venues across North Carolina. But Dimitri remains the one who started it all, and his influence in the state’s hospitality market is undeniable.

What to Expect at Cru Lounge Durham

The new Durham location is set to become a cornerstone of the Bull City’s nightlife. Nestled in downtown, it aligns with Durham’s creative energy, offering a chic setting for craft cocktails, inventive dishes, and hookah sessions. With plans for further Cru Lounge expansions in 2025, Dimitri’s vision continues to reshape North Carolina’s hospitality scene.

Join the Vibe in Durham

Get ready to experience Dimitri’s latest creation at Cru Lounge Durham, projected to open late November 2025 at 112 Hunt Street. We’ll announce the official grand opening date soon, so stay tuned for a night filled with craft cocktails, premium hookahs, and the signature Cru vibe. Follow Cru Durham @Cru_RDU on Instagram for updates on opening, events and specials. Whether you’re a Charlotte regular or new to the Cru experience, Durham’s lounge is sure to deliver an unforgettable night.

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