As one business in downtown Wilmington’s historic Murchison Building is for sale, another recently changed hands. The Confession Room Cocktail Lounge and Banquet Hall started soft-opening hours in late July at 201 N. Front St.
Owner Joe Cina said they recently redesigned the space as an upscale cocktail lounge.
Before that, it was String & Key, which opened in 2025 as a venue for drinks, dueling pianos, and other music performances.
Cina said they’ve kept some aspects of the business, including music and dueling pianos. He said there will also be free events, ’80s nights, and shag and line dancing. But he is also adding a food element, with a special menu from Ruth's Chris Steak House for customers that can be scanned and ordered via phone.
Unique self-serve bar business for sale in downtown Wilmington
The steakhouse chain is located across the patio from The Confession Room. While the bar does have an entrance on Front Street, the main entrance is at the back of the Murchison Building.
“And Ruth’s Chris will deliver to us because we are so close,” he said.
The historic property is also home to businesses like Wine Knot Sky Bar & Cocktail Lounge on the ninth floor. On the first floor at the front of the building, the Pour Taproom is for sale.
Cina said The Confession Room is also an ideal location for things like weddings and parties.
“We are going to be focused on using the space for private events,” he said.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New bar, venue opens in a unique downtown Wilmington space
