This story originally appeard in print under the headline "Hookah bar gets a new look"
A local business owner has decided to start from the ground up on his latest Athens establishment.
Since Camel Hookah opened in October, the establishment on 11 W. State St., has seen new floors, light fixtures, seating and many other updates for this semester.
Ata Abdel Rahman, who owns the hookah bar, as well as Jerusalem Mediterranean Grill on West Union, said he wanted the place to feel more comfortable with a middle-eastern theme.
“After the remodel, business has been very good,” Rahman said.
But these changes are only the beginning. Rahman said he hopes to have his food license by March to sell smoothies, cappuccinos, coffee and ice cream to give it more of a café feel by day and a hookah lounge at night. Snacks, candies and non-alcoholic beverages are now available to purchase.
The hookah bar’s current hours are 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. With a food license, Rahman hopes to open at noon and close around 2 a.m. to beat the rush of weekend partiers.
As Camel Hookah is improved, Rahman plans to add more than just decorations.
“We’re soon going to make our own house blend flavor of hookah which we will mix ourselves,” Rahman said. As of now, Camel Hookah offers a wide variety of Starbuzz hookah flavors and uses all-natural coals called Coco Nara. It also sell a variety of liquid flavors for electronic hookah.
Jonathan Barrett, an Athens resident and student at Hocking College, said he comes to Camel Hookah everyday.
“It’s a very relaxing, innate place,” Barret said.
Athens resident Tiffany Jones said she likes to come during the day when it’s quiet. She said Camel Hookah has more of a relaxed atmosphere, whereas other hookah bars she has been to are more party oriented.
Camel Hookah is new and improved. The colorful walls and disco lights bring ambiance to the room. The new booth seating divides up the space allowing groups to be private from others. On the other side of the hookah bar is couches with a more open feel. There are several TVs and an available PlayStation to rent for hourly increments.
“We have nice workers, nice music and a nice atmosphere,” Rahman said. He even recommends non-hookah users to stop by and enjoy the new atmosphere.
“We’re looking forward to what’s to come,” Rahman said.
Hookah is for customers ages 18 and older.
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