Crafting Community: Alley Twenty Six

Shannon Healy from Alley Twenty Six has been serving up craft cocktails and inventive libations in downtown Durham since 2012 and created a line of specialty cocktail syrups that has amassed a loyal following. He has also been a committed partner to many downtown businesses, nonprofits, and community groups throughout the years and shared how these connections helped to cultivate such a vibrant culinary and arts culture. 

Carolina Theatre: You have been involved in the culinary scene in Durham and Chapel Hill for more than 20 years. What made you decide to open Alley Twenty Six in 2012?  

Shannon Healy: In 2009, my boss at the time, Gene Hamer of Crook’s Corner, encouraged me to open something of my own. The more I thought of it, the more I fell in love with the idea. 

CTD: Alley Twenty Six was nominated as an Outstanding Bar Program for the James Beard Foundation Awards. What was it like to be nominated for such a prestigious honor?  

SH: Surprising and humbling. Historically, I thought that you had to campaign to be recognized, especially from a smaller market like Durham. As the first in the category from North Carolina, it was a real honor to represent Durham and the Triangle. 

CTD: You have been a supporter of the Carolina Theatre and the OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival for many years. How did your partnership with the theater begin?  

SH: I don’t remember whether it was Treat Harvey from The Carolina Theatre or Scott Harmon (who was on the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Board I believe) who reached out, probably both. It was an event that a lot of our regulars were excited about and it has always exemplified the best of Durham as a community.  

CTD: What was your favorite part of competing with Nicole Oxendine (Empower Dance Studio) at the theater’s 2023 fundraiser, Dancing With The Carolina Stars? Was there friendly competition between you and your wife, Alley Twenty Six co-owner Andrea Moore?  

SH: When I tell the story, it’s always about my wife, Andrea conning me into it. But in all honesty it was a wonderful experience. Nicole and I both opened our businesses downtown around the same time and we have been friends for over a decade. So getting a chance to hang out with her while we rehearsed, and all the other contestants day of, was very special. 

CTD: You support many nonprofit organizations and local businesses. Why are these partnerships so important to Durham and how will they help to shape the city’s future?  

SH: Community is about partnership. The people of Durham have been incredibly supportive of us, working with non-profits who are doing good work is a privilege. When we first opened, the most common question I got was “Is it safe”? I knew that would change if enough other folks opened cool places that people would be willing to come downtown for. So growing Downtown as a dining and entertainment destination has always felt like a team sport. 

CTD: What is your favorite specialty cocktail and what was the inspiration behind it?  

SH: My favorite thing to do is to chat with someone about things that they like (and don’t) and make them something bespoke. As far as a drink with a backstory, right now we have a Persimmon Pudding Hot Toddy on the menu. A few years ago, I was asked to join a bunch of chefs and the like in a dinner honoring chef Bill Smith, whom I had worked with at Crook’s Corner. When Bill had taken over the helm of Crook’s kitchen there were a ton of dishes already associated with the restaurant, including Shrimp and Grits. Bill Smith’s favorite recipe that he “inherited” was for Persimmon Pudding. So I make a clarified spiced persimmon milk punch with Conniption Navy Strength Gin, then use that as the base for a Hot Toddy with whipped cream on top (which is how the pudding was served). Now as soon as the first “not hot” day of the year happens, people ask me about that drink. 

Your support helps us to work with many local businesses and build a connected culture of arts, community, education, and entrepreneurship throughout Durham and the Triangle. We are grateful for your generosity and dedication to all the small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that inspire the downtown community every day.  

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