Coffee or Cocktail's? Beantown to Bull-City

*Make sure to check out the video above*

Six 1Seven Social also known as "The Social" is a Black-Woman owned networking lounge. Our Mission is simple, that is to create a social space for business minded people to meet and network over cocktails...or coffee, good food and chill vibes. 

The Social is the premier after work networking spot. Week night drink specials and networking mixers such as performances, game nights, business showers and more makes The Social the place to be every night of the week. 

The Social, a Northern-Carribbean fusion inspired lounge, boast food with bold and delicious  flavors, detail oriented staff and guest satisfaction guarantee's which truly captures the uniqueness of the northern hospitality. Finally, a chill spot in Durham catering to singles, couples and co-workers.

The lounge is a three in one experience allowing people to transition from an afternoon business lunch with colleagues to a romantic dinner later in the evening with their significant other.

We accomplish this by offering three very distinct areas. A bar section with TV's and pool tables and hookah availability, here singles can come and mingle or coworkers can grab a drink during happy hour.  Next is a formal "ish" dining area, here guest can join their significant other or friends for a more traditional dining experience. Lastly "The living room" a comfy lounging space, where guest can host productive meeting's over mellow music, hookah and coffee, they could even try one of our signature hookah Cocktail's like "Coffee n Cream"

Since incorporating in 2020 Six1Seven has successfully hosted 5 profitable networking mixers. The lounge is in the growth stage and we need to raise money for our initial capital investment to move to the next stage of opening our doors. We are seeking to raise no less than $20,000. These initial funds will be used along with the owner's contribution to purchase initial food and beverage, lounge furniture, building signage and some lease hold improvements like painting, lighting etc.

THE DREAM TEAM

Lala Appleberry Owner 

Lala Appleberry brings years of events planning, hospitality experience and bartending to the team. Lala is a master level Social Worker and her understanding of people feeds her passion for customer service and catering. Lala use's her problem-solving abilities to connect with everyone from diverse backgrounds and different ages. Her plan is to use those skills with her hospitality and customer service skills to create  a welcoming and unique place that people will want to come back to again and again. (Full bio under "update" section)

Fun Fact: After incorporating the business, Lala used her private residence in Durham to host the first set of mixers. That's right! She turned her living room into a legit lounge complete with high top tables, LED lighting and Hookah cocktails. Hence the name "The Living Room"

Beatrice Parker- (Events Manager) Beatrice has planned managed and executed large and small private events for public and private sectors. Beatrice has 15+ years in events management. Beatrice's demeanor and always positive attitude ensures we execute mixers and events successfully each time with guest satisfaction at the top of her priority list.

Kel Mitchell- (Kitchen Manager) Chef Kel is an upcoming executive chef. He has worked for numerous restaurants as sous chef in the Raleigh areas. He is a fantastic cook, but more than that he understands how to run a commercial kitchen to produce consistently high-quality and delicious food. With his unique insight on food and flavors he is sure to bring an eclectic menu to the lounge.

Chrissy Bell- (Front House Manager) Chrissy is a skilled mixologist with over 12 years experience working in the restaurant/hospitality industry and key holder responsibilities. Through her experience, Chrissy has been able to create recipes for the most delicious craft cocktails. Chrissy's attention to detail makes her extremely skilled at delivering great customer service and rapport building with guest.

Advisors & Mentors 

Jason Johnson of H.U.B.B Kitchens- Jason has over 15 years of restaurant management experience with successful brands such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and The Capital Grille. Within his roles at the aforementioned companies, he served as either Executive Chef or sous chef, accomplishing over 8 million dollars annual sales in some locations. He has a proven track record of not only managing a profitable kitchen, but also being a certified food safety instructor and a member of the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals.

Lisa Goldblatt Grace, _^LICSW MPH of My Life My Choice- CoFounder and executive director of My Life My Choice, a nationally recognized program addressing and intervening on behalf of exploited children. Lisa created the agency as a seedling with just $30,00 in grant funding. In 2010 Lisa and the team raised a budget of $175,000 and by 2021, $5 Million dollars. Lisa uses her business skills as well as her licensure to foster, grow and manage a million dollar company as well as continuing to pour into her team to foster leadership and independence. 

Dorian Bolden of Beyu Caffe/Group  President and CEO of Beyu Caffe which has been running successfully for more than ten years in downtown Durham, and the retail coffee shop, Beyu Blue Coffee at Duke University. Dorian has managed a $1.4 million development project to move the company into its current location at 341 W. Main Street. Dorian takes pleasure in building a great culture and work environment for the Beyu family and working with aspiring entrepreneurs who are pursuing their dreams.

Your support means so much to us and we thank you for giving to a Black -Woman owned business. 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!