A new shipping container bar is finally in the works, opening soon in downtown Raleigh
A new bar built from nearly two dozen repurposed shipping containers is finally underway in downtown Raleigh.
Construction is beginning at the forthcoming Embargo, which is located at 701 Glenwood Ave. near Peace Street.
“We are really excited to be in a densely populated area and provide an elevated drinking and entertainment experience,” owner Jonathan Seelbinder told The News & Observer.
The concept was announced in 2022 as The Yard, The N&O previously reported.
“It just kind of fit that shipping container theme,” Seelbinder said of the new name. “And very unique. That was very important to what we were doing.”
While the focus is on creating a new nighttime entertainment spot for Glenwood South, Embargo will open at noon on weekends and at 3 p.m. during the week.
When will the new Glenwood South bar open?
Seelbinder, a Raleigh restaurateur behind Local Icon Hospitality Group, which owns The Merchant and Virgil’s, among other concepts, said the project was delayed because they had to hire new architects and contractors. The 14,000-plus-square-foot establishment is now expected to open in early 2025.
Not much has changed in terms of the layout of the project, which will consist of 20 to 22 repurposed, modular shipping containers, Seelbinder said.
They’re working with a fabricator based in Austin, Texas, to build out the boxes, which will be delivered to Raleigh with the plumbing, electrical and other work already completed.
“That allows us to, when this thing comes together, really play giant Legos,” Seelbinder said. Embargo is also working with Olive Architecture, BDG Engineering and Fuquay-Varina-based Cornerstone Builders on the project.
Five of the containers will be used as bars, and some may also have games such as corn hole inside. That, along with DJs and live bands, will provide entertainment.
The majority of the containers will contain seating and lounging space. Decking added atop some containers will provide additional room for hanging-out. It’s all needed, because Seelbinder expects Embargo to accommodate at least 400 people.
“We think after proof of concept that we will expand into other locations and cities,” Seelbinder said.
Will Embargo serve food?
Complementing the bars, Embargo will have four food options. The former service station on the property will be converted into a kitchen, and there will be three food trucks serving customers on site on a long-term basis — at least a year or two at a time.
While the specific vendors and cuisines haven’t been determined, Seelbinder said they have developed a range of concepts over the years, offering dishes including sandwiches, tacos and burgers. They may also bring in some of the area’s well-known, chef-driven concepts.
“We’ll be pretty choosy in who we’re bringing on site because it will be a great place to have a food outlet,” he said.
In terms of design, Embargo will have a modern, clean and trendy look. It will feature murals by local artists and plenty of “Instagrammable moments.”
“Bringing this concept into the heart of Raleigh is exciting for us, and it’s just what I’ve done all my life. I’ve spent 25 years in the industry,” Seelbinder said. “This is maybe one of the most exciting and robust projects that I’ve ever done.”
This story was originally published September 13, 2024 at 2:32 PM with the headline "A new shipping container bar is finally in the works, opening soon in downtown Raleigh."
