Entrepreneurs Cut Ribbon on Tuscaloosa’s Sanctuary on 25th

A Tuscaloosa couple celebrated their new venture together with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting last week after two months of serving drinks and small plates at the Sanctuary on 25th.

The Thread extensively profiled the speakeasy and restaurant when Matt and Nikki Ray first opened in a renovated church in August.

Their concept has only evolved further since then, with extensive additions to the food menu and the development of an outdoor seating area and stage.

Last Wednesday, the Rays were joined by their children, friends and a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama to officially cut the ribbon on Sanctuary.

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The Rays thanked all those who have helped them realize their dream, from the architects and engineers to the staff who have kept the business running these last two months to the patrons who have stopped in to say hello and try out the concept.

Nikki Ray said the ribbon-cutting and finally welcoming guests to Sanctuary is the culmination of an idea that's been brewing for at least five years.

"I think people thought we were crazy but we kept saying 'Just trust me, just trust me on this," and we hope that now see our vision because this is everything we wanted it to be," Ray said.

Sanctuary on 25th is open now serving tapas, cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine in the extensively renovated and decorated former home of Conquerors Light Faith Center at 1710 25th Avenue.

They open at 11 a.m. daily and close at 9 p.m., except on Friday and Saturday nights, when the venue is open until midnight.