North Carolina Man Who Went After Telemarketers Opens ‘The Wrong Number’ Bar

When Omar Khouri's IT company in Winston-Salem suffered a slowdown during the pandemic, he used his time doing something we've all dreamed about: getting even with telemarketers. And it has paid off for him in the form of a new business.

According to Today, Omar Khouri literally spent the pandemic answering annoying telemarketing calls. While he was talking to the callers, he got company info and then sued them. Khouri, whose number is on the 'Do Not Call' list, ended up with over $100,000 and decided to start another business.

Omar bought a dive bar in Winston-Salem called Bull's Tavern and changed the name to...wait for it...The Wrong Number.  He says he had always wanted to own a bar or restaurant and jumped at the opportunity when it became available. Khouri plans for The Wrong Number to be a craft cocktail bar where the drinks are named after telemarketing schemes, such as ‘Car Warranty,’ ‘Debt Relief,’ and ‘Student Loans.'

Tipping will be optional at The Wrong Number. Omar grew up in the Middle East, where tipping is not necessarily the norm. Instead, service industry workers earn an actual living wage. That's what the staff at The Wrong Number can expect and they're on board with it. Khouri hopes to have his new bar open by the end of October.

By the way, if you've had it with telemarketers, too, Khouri says you can get paid too. He says you just have to follow the information on your state’s website about laws regarding telemarketing and be patient. Here's what I found for North Carolina.

In the mood for a cocktail? Well, it is thirsty Thursday! Today March 24th is the national cocktail day. According to Dictonary.com, a cocktail is an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or several spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, lemonade, or cream. If you are looking to enjoy one in the Charlotte area, there are plenty of places to sip them shaken or stirred.

Whether you are looking for a night out or just a stress break, cocktails taste great. We did some research and compiled a list of 15 of the best and coolest cocktail bars in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check out the full list below.

This is the Charlotte speakeasy. You can enjoy a modern cocktail and some grub too. It is located at 2433 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203. You can see more on planning a visit here.

Located at 144 Brevard Ct Ste B Charlotte, NC 28202. They have some cool options including ones on fire! If you don't drink, you can even enjoy a mocktail. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

I love the look of this place. It is an upscale cocktail bar. Located at 127 N Tryon Suite D 28202 Charlotte. You can see more about this cocktail bar here.

Located at 101 W Worthington Ave. #140 Charlotte, North Carolina. If you scan through their Instagram you just might fall in love. They have some gorgeous cocktails. You can see more on this cocktail bar and eatery here.

This is a classic cocktail lounge in Charlotte. It is located at 4237 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28209. You can see more here.

ldlewild is a cozy cocktail bar in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte. It is located at 424 E 36th St Unit 2, Charlotte, NC 28205, You can see more here.

Located at 1221 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205. You can see more on getting a cocktail here.

Located at 1320 S Church St Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28203. The owners designed Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails to be local inside and out. You can enjoy some tasty small plates and innovative cocktails. You can see more about this Charlotte cocktail spot here.

Located at 1957 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204. You can enjoy classic cocktails with a tasty modern twist. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

Located at 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205. This is an eatery and cocktail bar. There is even a hidden speakeasy! You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

Located inside Optimist Hall you can enjoy fruit-forward flavors and creative spins on classic cocktails. You can see more here.

Located at 1500 B Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205. You can enjoy some fine dining and cocktails at this Charlotte spot. You can see more on the cocktails that Soul Gastrolounge offers here.

Located at 933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204. This is a tropical cocktail paradise. You can see more on booking a cocktail trip here.

The flowers on this bar are epic. Located at 123 East 5th Street in Charlotte, NC 28202. There is a dress code for this cocktail bar. You can see more on it here.

This cocktail spot is located at 204 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. They serve food as well. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.