Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Ogorek.
Hi Nathan , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Eighty Eights Coffee and Cocktail was born out of improvisation from four entrepreneurs brought together by chance and opportunity. Eighty Eights Hospitality Group consist of four partners who came together to create something different for the city a Charlotte. Our idea was simple an elevated experience for an sophisticated audience. While one of out partners was visiting Williamsburg, NY he stumbled upon a St Mazie’s, a Jazz Bar and restaurant. The experience was so unforgettable it launched the idea behind Eighty Eights. From that moment we knew we wanted to create more than just a bar – We wanted to design a space where live jazz, handcrafted cocktails, and warm hospitality come together to offer something unique for the city.
Daniel Fulco, who runs another Charlotte staple Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden, took the lead finding and leasing the space near in the outskirts of Noda. Kurt Sowers of SoCo Group was brought in to build out the space. Kurt’s keen sense of intentional design, attention to detail, and ability to blend modern elegance with timeless character helped bring our vision for Eighty Eights to life. Nathan Ogorek was brought in due to his business acumen and hospitality experience. Justin Dehart a coffee aficionado and financier rounded out the hospitality group.
Charlotte is a transplant city known for banking and breweries and often criticized for a lack of culture. We felt there was room for a venue that celebrated artistry in both music and mixology, while also giving guests a place to slow down and connect. That idea became the heartbeat of Eighty Eights. Our journey has been about curating an atmosphere that feels timeless — where you can enjoy the richness of live jazz in an intimate setting, sip on carefully crafted cocktails, and know you’re part of something special.
Walking into Eighty Eights, you’re immediately transported into a speakeasy-inspired setting where timeless charm meets modern sophistication. A grand white oak bar stretches across the room, crowned by a canopy of glassware that catches the glow of candlelight and conversation. The walls, dressed with rich wainscot wood and exposed brick, add both warmth and texture, grounding the space in a classic, elevated style.
Velvet drapes frame hidden corners, where details like a vintage telephone booth spark curiosity and add a playful nod to the past. At the heart of the room, a crystal chandelier shimmers above a polished grand piano, setting the stage for live jazz that fills the air with energy and soul.
The real magic comes from the live jazz from local and national acts that grace our stage. The Charlotte Jazz scene is extraordinary. Artists such as Braxton Bateman, Harvey Cummings, Buff Dillard, & Tim Scott put of show stopping performances that fill the room with soul and rhythm. Each performance transforms the room, creating an energy that’s both intimate and electric. Whether it’s a soulful solo on the grand piano, the smooth sounds of a saxophone, or a full ensemble bringing the space to life, the music becomes the heartbeat of Eighty Eights. It’s in those moments — drink in hand, lights low, surrounded by community — that our vision truly comes alive.
We opened our doors on September 27th, 2024, and now, as we approach our one-year anniversary, it’s humbling to look back at what has unfolded. From the very first night, with a line out the door, it was clear that Eighty Eights had struck a chord in Charlotte. Since then, I’ve watched couples fall in love over date night, friends raising glasses in celebration, birthday toasts, girls’ nights out, and true music lovers losing themselves in the sound of live jazz. Eighty Eights is something special, and the city has embraced us with an overwhelming amount of love and support.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I think that’s true for any small business. Building Eighty Eights from the ground up came with its fair share of challenges. From navigating construction delays and design decisions, to the uncertainty of opening a new concept outside of Charlotte’s normal entertainment districts, there were plenty of moments that tested our patience and resolve.
One of the biggest challenges for us is our intimate size—our 1,900-square-foot space seats around 85 guests, which creates a cozy, close-up jazz experience but also limits capacity. With full seated service, our team maintains high standards for every guest, which is a priority, but it also means that managing lines and turning tables can be tricky, especially since performances often keep guests engaged in their seats for the entire set. Balancing guest experience with efficient service is something we navigate every night.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a deep love for music and the connection it holds between the performers, the audiences, and even strangers in the same room. I love how it brings people together. That sense of a shared experience is something I’ve always valued. Eighty Eights is the belief that it’s not just about hosting a night of music, but about creating a space where people can slow down, feel present, and connect—with the music, with each other, and with the moment.”
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality was a major motivator when opening Eighty Eights. For us, hospitality is at the heart of everything we do—it’s about making every guest feel seen, heard, and truly valued. Every interaction, from the moment someone walks in to when they leave, is an opportunity to create a memorable experience.
Pricing:
- 10.00 cover on Weds/Thurs/Sunday
- 15.00 cover on Friday/Saturday
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eightyeightsclt.com
- Instagram: eightyeightsclt
- Facebook: Eighty Eights CLT
