Ceniza, an up-scale cigar, spirits, and savories lounge concept, is the latest venture to join the Cambridge Square community in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Owned by Chattanooga residents and husband and wife team, Danny and Brittany Alcala, Ceniza is slated to open in the spring of 2015.
Cambridge Square is a mixed-use community being developed by Barrier Properties. It is at the corner of Ooltewah-Georgetown Road and Lee Highway. Ceniza will be the ninth member of the community’s tenant family. It will occupy a total of 4,500 square feet— split between two levels — in an 8,000-square-foot building that will break ground this summer.
“This announcement is exciting for a couple reasons,” said Jim Cheney, marketing director for Barrier Properties. “The Alcalas are going to introduce a dining and entertainment experience that currently does not exist in the market, and we are also able to commence construction on a new building which will begin to frame-in the public square. This announcement will kick-off what we anticipate to be a very busy summer at Cambridge Square.”
Ceniza is the Alcalas' second lounge concept, the first being a speak-easy venue called the Foxhole. It is located in South Beach outside Miami. While the vibe at Ceniza will not evoke the trendy, fast-paced South Florida scene, the fundamental operations that have made the Foxhole successful will be implemented in Ooltewah.
“We have eagerly watched as the demand for non-chain oriented dining and entertainment venues has increased in Ooltewah,” said Mr. Alcala. “Our goal is to create an atmosphere that caters to people who are looking for something fresh and vibrant. Cambridge Square provides a great back drop for Ceniza, and we are very excited about starting the building, planning our space, and becoming engaged with the community.”
Ceniza will be a destination for patrons looking for the top brands in hand-rolled and hand-made cigars from around the world, unique wines, brandies, scotches, and cognacs, as well as live music. Executive Chef, Eddie Amoedo, born in Cuba raised in Miami, is bringing a menu that consists of a variety of Cuban style sandwiches, Caribbean-Cuban infused small plates and tapas.
The space will have both ground floor and upstairs seating as well as outdoor patios on both levels. A mezzanine will separate the two floors and offer an aerial view of the downstairs bar. The space will also be equipped with a state-of-the-art ventilation system to allow non-smokers to enjoy the space without feeling overwhemed by the cigar smoke.
“We plan to make this a very fun, active space,” said Ms. Alcala. “We want people to come in, relax, and be themselves. We want to provide a venue outside of downtown Chattanooga for people who want to have a good time, eat good food, and be entertained.
“We are not a bar or a club,” Ms. Acala said. “We are targeting a demographic who has acquired a more sophisticated taste and wants a location to enjoy an evening out with their friends, significant other, or even conduct a more casual business meeting. We’d like to be the go-to location for professionals living and working in the Ooltewah and surrounding areas.”