Rum Runners to Bring Dueling Pianos to Area

The chain will close its Durham location because of problems with the building and open one on Rosemary Street in the former location of Molly's Bar.

Rum Runners will be located in the Bank of America building next to NV and below another new bar, yet to open, called Billiards and Things.

James Auerbach, who handles corporate development and marketing for Rum Runners, said the company always had a desire to branch out to the Chapel Hill area.

"Chapel Hill is a perfect location for us," he said.

Auerbach also said the company decided to bring the Rum Runners franchise to Chapel Hill because of the college atmosphere.

"We saw it as a perfect opportunity to be close to campus, next to Franklin Street and in the middle of the downtown mix," he said.

Both Rum Runners and the managers of the Bank of America building say they are optimistic about the location, the business the restaurant will do and the future crowds Rum Runners will draw to Chapel Hill.

The property manager of the Bank of America building, Manning Outen, said the managers sought a business that would bring more people to the building and all of its venues.

"We wanted to do something that was successful, and we thought that Rum Runners would be the most successful," he said.

Aaron Nelson, president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, said Rum Runners will contribute to the creation of an atmosphere for many varied tastes.

"I think it's an exciting addition and will add to the diversity of downtown," he said.

The focus of Rum Runners' entertainment lies in its dueling pianos and the audience participation.

Emily Harper, a junior at Meredith College, said she went to the Rum Runners in Raleigh for the entertainment and the 75-cent drink specials on Thursdays, but she said it is important to arrive early to beat the crowds.

"It's definitely a college place," she said. "It has a really neat atmosphere."

Harper said the pianists play on either side of the bar, trying to outdo each other.

She said they encourage the audience to be involved, and sometimes the entertainers will bring people on stage who are not singing along.

Harper said the staff is energetic, and Auerbach called the employees "the staff that rocks."

Rum Runners will have programs that cater to college students on Monday and Tuesday nights, like open mic night and '80s night.

Rum Runners is open Wednesday through Sunday, when it does the most business.

Nelson said the bar will attract more young professionals to downtown life, as well as college students.

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.