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RFD Social is open in Ponce City Market’s (PCM) iconic rooftop tower. The indoor, multi-tiered bar, gaming parlor, and private events space is owned and operated by Slater Hospitality. The group also owns three other PCM attractions: Skyline Park, Nine Mile Station, and the Rooftop Terrace.
A grand opening soiree is planned for Thursday, July 12 at 7 p.m. The ticketed kickoff—“The Revival of RFD Social”—features Southern storytelling site The Bitter Southerner and the band Quiet Hounds. Tickets are $95 per person and include food, drinks, and a sneak peek at the private speakeasy on the 12th floor.
The evening highlights the tower’s history, including its namesake—the 1920s radio program “Dinner Bell R.F.D.” (Radio Farmer’s Democracy), which broadcast from the 11th floor of what was then the Sears & Roebuck tower. The farming and home advice program aired at noon when area farmers took a lunch break. Host Dewey Burnett rang a dinner bell to start the program. Dinner Bell also hosted local musicians like John Carson and the Wompus Cats.
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Visitors to RFD arrive on the 10th floor via freight elevator and enter the roof through the Parlour (lobby) which features a 77-seat bar and a lounge complete with bumper pool, poker tables, and tabletop shuffleboard. The 4000-square-foot Roebuck Room, a private events space, is located on the 11th floor, with the private speakeasy on the 12th floor.
The Parlour, decked out in the style of a 1920s speakeasy, serves cocktails, frozen drinks, beer, wine, and light snacks. It also serves as a public respite from the weather on the roof.
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The tower’s restoration began in earnest last fall. RFD Social’s opening marks the completion of the renovations on the rooftop.
RFD Social is open during Skyline Park’s regular hours. Admission to enter the roof and tower is $10 per person and includes a wristband good for the entire day.
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday - Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. (21+ after 5 p.m.); Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (21+ after 5 p.m.)
