Dad Bod District is taking over the historic Kress building on Hay Street

By Stephanie Meador, posted Jul 16, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Dad Bod Dive Bar stays packed, and now they're expanding to offer even more space for loyal customers and newcomers to enjoy their welcoming vibes. Photo by Dad Bod Dive Bar.

In just over a year, Dad Bod Dishes has become a beloved staple in Fayetteville’s dining scene. They expanded at the end of 2024 when they opened Dad Bod Dive Bar at 444 W. Russell St. Ste 102, and now, owners Keith and Ashley Bowen are taking their vision to new heights with the launch of Dad Bod District in the historic Kress building on Hay Street.

Bowen, a Fayetteville native, has always been passionate about investing in the community that raised him. After a brief stint of living in the Triangle while his wife attended UNC, the couple was considering where to kick-off their business endeavor. When his wife asked him about where they wanted to sow their entrepreneurial roots, his answer was one from the heart.

“My wife was like, ‘these other cities, is that where you want to be? Or do you want to be at home?’ I said, ‘take me home,’” shared Keith.

Now their hometown roots are growing even stronger as they expand their business once again.

Each floor of the new space will offer a unique experience to guests:

The first floor will be a full-service restaurant, featuring an expanded menu with appetizers, entrees and a full bar. The space is designed to provide a welcoming, lively dining environment, building on the popularity of the original food truck and Dad Bod Dive Bar.
The second floor will be a dedicated event space, available for private rentals and home to regular parties, raves and special events. It will also serve as a gallery for local artists and a marketplace for local vendors during select occasions.
The rooftop will offer an elevated dining experience with a separate, tapas-style menu and high-end cocktails. The atmosphere is intended to be elegant and perfect for date nights, anniversaries or special celebrations.

Great eats, great drinks and great company make Dad Bod's a Fayetteville favorite. Photo provided by Dad Bod Dive Bar.

The owners plan to keep the building’s historic Kress sign, honoring its legacy while bringing new energy and opportunities to downtown Fayetteville. The new Dad Bod District aims to revitalize downtown Fayetteville’s nightlife, drawing inspiration from the vibrant scenes in bigger cities like Raleigh and Durham. Bowen is working closely with other local bar and restaurant owners to create a collaborative, energetic environment.

“We believe in investing in our city, investing in our community, and that's what we're here for. We just want to take what we've built, take it to a higher level and add more to it,” shared Keith.

Keith shared that this new chapter was made possible through the support of family, friends and community. He shouted out his cousin Kaleb White and his wife who are both invested in the business, his wife Ashley who plays a big role in the company’s fast-earned success, Mayor Colvin who helped advocate for the Bowens to bring their work-ethic and incredible eats to Hay Street and of course the loyal Dad Bod customer base.

Once opened, “Dad Bod District” will refer to the three distinct experiences offered in the Kress building and the dive bar located on Russell St., all businesses located within a two-block radius. The food truck will cease operations to allow the owners to dedicate more time and energy to running the new space as well as the existing dive bar.

Keith shared that the tentative grand opening will hopefully be sometime in mid-August, barring any issues with permitting or any unexpected hold ups.

Keep up with Dad Bod District as it continues to take shape by following them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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