The Velvet Hippo, established in August 2023 in downtown Durham, NC is the dream of a partnership of five women with deep affection for the hospitality industry, the Durham community, each other, and our dogs (hence the name, which refers to pit bull-type dogs, often called Velvet Hippos).

From left to right in the group photo are Alison Domnas, Claire Lyons, Leslie Matista, Sarah Matista, and Amy Lyons Floyd. How it all fits together: Claire and Amy are sisters, Leslie and Sarah are sisters, Claire and Leslie are married, and Alison has been a sister-friend to all of us for many years.

After years of planning and dreaming over drinks at each other’s homes, the stars finally aligned for us to come together and create the bar we’ve always wanted. Our mission has been to create a space that feels like a vacation just around the corner for our guests, a second home for our regulars, and an inclusive place where our team members can grow their careers in hospitality.

The visual design of the bar is a reflection of our imaginations, our travels, Leslie’s obsession with plants, and a fruitful collaboration with The Assemblage Studio. Our goal was to create an ambiance that matches our menu — laid-back but elevated; both accessible and full of whimsy at the same time.

Throughout all of our lease negotiations and layout redesigns over the course of nearly two years, the one element that Leslie (also our GM and bar ops expert) held firm on was that at the heart of this colorful space there would be an indoor/outdoor bar with plenty of space inside and out for regulars to hang out and chat with their favorite bartenders. We’re so glad she stuck to her guns, because that’s our favorite part!

One important “person” we haven’t introduced yet is Griffin, Claire and Leslie’s pit mix and the handsome gentleman in the photo above, whose distinguished form Sarah sketched and made into our logo. If you’ve seen our coral neon sign (by Hex Neon) in the 3rd-floor window of 119 Orange Street, you’ve seen Griff in all his glory!

The final element that makes our space what it is? A badass group of friends, family, partners, and regulars who lend us their support, give us their feedback, introduce us to their friends, and create a whole damn vibe in here night after night. We love and appreciate you all!