The Foundry 1872 Restaurant & Bar

A Nod to History

Historical Landmark: The site where our restaurant stands has a rich history. Originally, in 1865, it was home to the Inkerman Foundry, a prominent 3-story stone structure, renowned for being the largest of its kind in the country. Accompanying it was a wooden building, featuring a showroom, tin shop, and office.

Rebuilding from Ashes: Disaster struck in 1871 when the Inkerman Foundry was engulfed in flames. It rose again as a 2-story stone building, only to succumb to fire once more. In 1884, it underwent another transformation, becoming the Smiths Foundry.

Era of Transformation: After yet another fire in 1904, the ruins lingered until the 1930s when they were cleared to make way for the Smith Brother’s garage, housed in a new cement structure.

Honoring the Past: In homage to this site's storied past, we chose the name 'The Foundry.'

Gratitude to Our Supporters: Our journey to opening The Foundry 1872 wouldn't have been possible without a remarkable group of investors. These individuals, under the 1872 Durham Corp, are dedicated to Durham's growth and prosperity. Their name in our restaurant's title is a token of our appreciation and a testament to their belief in our vision.

Join us at The Foundry 1872, where every meal is a piece of local history served with gratitude