Wilmington’s latest culinary venture, Sauce’d, located at 224 S. Water St., will open doors to the public Nov. 18 and feature two staples: cocktails and fries.

Business partners Jeremiah Ramos and Courtney Osgood are concept creators by profession, helping hospitality-based business owners. They assist with opening new establishments or breathing new life into existing programs and thought it was time to use their skills to embark on their own venture.

Originally both from New York, Ramos and Osgood are combining their Northern roots with Southern pizzaz from Ramos’ Florida upbringing to create a Miami art deco-meets-New York City rooftop bar vibe.

“What you’ll find aesthetically it’s something you’re not going to find around Wilmington currently,” Osgood said. “The vibe is a little bit of what we both love – bright colors, a light airiness, and it’s on the water so you’re getting that warm, tropical vibe.”

Ramos’ creative culinary side will highlight 20 signature cocktails, as well revive interest in the classics. According to Osgood, the plan is to highlight North Carolina distillers in their recipes. Sauce’d will also offer a wide selection of unique wines and local brews.

“The cocktails are reflective of some fun, different flavor combinations and profiles. We’re cocktails first; food second,” Osgood said. “But we do want to feed you.”

Being a lifelong lover of fries, especially while enjoying a cocktail or two, Osgood loves the simplicity of their current food concept: four different types of fries (original, waffle, sweet potato and yucca) and 12 different homemade sauce options.

The pair hopes to add a brunch menu and additional offerings in the spring.

“Wilmington has an off-season – we’re in it now – so we’re going to open with limited hours and days now, and come spring we envision our real new grand opening, with more to come,” Osgood said.

Sauce’d is available for private parties and events and offers both indoor seating as well as an outdoor, partially covered patio.

Sauce’d will be open 5 p.m. to midnight Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.