Inspiring Conversations with Morgan Humphrey of The 500 District

Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Humphrey.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The 500 District all began with 505 Cafe. We started with a small cafe, running it for a few years before expanding to open The Venue at 501 next door for larger events. The Venue features a reception space on the main level and a ceremony space upstairs. A year later, we transformed the upstairs of the cafe into two Airbnb units, available to the public and also used to host wedding parties.

As the district grew, we opened “The Trap Door,” a speakeasy in the basement of The Venue. This space is open to the public Thursday through Saturday and also serves as a fun gathering spot for groomsmen on wedding days.

To top it off, we renovated a duplex a few blocks away, turning it into our Guest House. One side sleeps 12 people, while the other sleeps 4. It’s the perfect space for wedding parties or any occasion.

My sister and I are proud owners of this venture, and sometimes it still feels unreal to us!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but together, we’ve fought through every challenge. There have been ups and downs along the way, and one of the toughest parts has been finding good help. Just when we think we’ve found the perfect team, someone moves on to the next step in their journey. The food industry is tough to navigate. Every obstacle has only made us stronger. We love our small town and want to keep it thriving! Our community is what keeps us going!

We’ve been impressed with The 500 District , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are The 500 District, a unique and vibrant collection of four businesses that work together to provide an exceptional experience for our guests. Our offerings include 505 Cafe, The Trap Door, The Venue, and four beautifully renovated Airbnb properties, each contributing to our diverse and inviting atmosphere.

At 505 Cafe, we specialize in serving up delicious brunches, a full coffee bar, and refreshing mimosas – the perfect way to start your day. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a light bite, our menu has something for everyone.

The Trap Door is our speakeasy-style lounge, where we focus on small plates and handcrafted cocktails. It’s an intimate, cozy spot that offers a unique dining experience, perfect for a night out with friends or a special gathering. Our curated menu and expertly crafted drinks set the tone for a fun and memorable evening.

The Venue at 501 is our dedicated event space, where we specialize in hosting weddings, corporate events, and large gatherings for up to 250 people. With both a ceremony space upstairs and a reception space on the main level, we offer a full-service experience, including a liquor license to handle all your bar needs. We’re committed to making every event run smoothly, with plenty of flexibility to ensure each celebration is one-of-a-kind.

Our four Airbnb properties are the perfect complement to our district, providing clean, well-stocked accommodations for guests looking for a comfortable place to stay. We take pride in offering cozy, welcoming spaces where our guests can relax and feel at home during their visit.

What sets us apart is the seamless integration of all our spaces – from casual brunches to intimate gatherings, large events, and overnight stays. We provide a range of services under one roof, creating a one-stop destination for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a night out, or simply looking for a cozy place to stay, The 500 District has you covered.

What we’re most proud of is the unique experience we’re able to offer our community. From the local atmosphere of 505 Cafe to the elegance of The Venue, and the laid-back vibe of The Trap Door, we’ve built a place where people can connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories. Our commitment to service and quality is at the heart of everything we do, and we want our guests to know that we’re here to provide an exceptional experience every time.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, we see the hospitality industry continuing to evolve, especially with the rise of technology. While it’s true that some cafes and restaurants are adopting tech-driven solutions like scanning barcodes to place orders, we don’t want to follow that trend. With the rise in minimum wage and the evolving dynamics around tipping, we believe in the importance of maintaining a personal touch.

At The 500 District, we remain committed to offering our guests the experience of being served by real people — smiling faces, attentive service, and the genuine human connection that technology simply can’t replace. We value our team and want to continue providing jobs that allow for meaningful interactions with our guests, something that we believe is at the heart of great service.

Additionally, we’d love to expand our offerings in the future by acquiring more Airbnb properties. As the demand for unique, comfortable stays continues to grow, we want to provide even more guests with the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality that defines The 500 District. Expanding our accommodations will allow us to continue serving guests in new and exciting ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://the500district.com