The town of Fuquay-Varina in southern Wake County celebrated its first weekend of its new social district.

Fuquay-Varina started its social district last week

It runs Thursday and Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Revelry sits at the top of the Fuquay district side

The three-day Sip ‘n Stroll allows locals to grab a beer, walk out and head somewhere else Thursday through Saturday.

The first leg of the Fuquay district is Revelry. The Quirings, who own the barber shop, said they feel like the social district was a hit.

To them, the one of its kind barber shop for the young and old that comes with adult beverages on tap, there is such a thing as prime real estate for small businesses.

“Mat and I always saw this corner as almost a dream spot. We used to drive by it when it was a pawn shop, and we would always be like, 'that would be the best spot for a barber shop just right there on the corner,'” Kelly Quiring said.

Kelly Quiring said it’s been a glove fit for her and her husband Mat Quiring, a barber and fellow co-owner, since opening in 2018.

“We’ve seen a lot of things throughout the years here at the shop,” Kelly Quiring said.

Since they started the business, they’ve transitioned from walk-ins only to schedule by appointment.

Now, the couple said they signed Revely up to be a part of the newly formed social district because they feel it will bring added foot traffic to their storefront. 

“I think that it was really exciting. Thursday, there was definitely a big energy in the air,” Kelly Quiring said.

“People being able to pass each other on the street and 'hey, welcome to the club' kind of thing,” Mat Quiring said.

The social district is set up through colored signage. If you see a yellow sign, it means beverages are welcome, but there may not be any offered inside.

A light blue sign means beverages are sold here and outside drinks are allowed. A red sign means outside beverages are not allowed inside the establishment.

“If one business is doing well, then they're right next to another business that's getting that visibility. And when people come to visit them, they'll see the next business and maybe come back,” Kelly Quiring said.

The social district will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. A town spokesperson said they anticipate these districts will be very successful, given that similar initiatives in other communities have resulted in increased foot traffic and sales.