A Phone Booth, a Dial Tone, and a Nod to My Dad

When I opened Board In Birmingham, I wanted it to feel like more than just a restaurant. I wanted it to feel personal — like a story you step into every time you walk through the door. And one of my favorite stories lives right in the corner of the space: a vintage phone booth from 1973.

It all started while I was deep in the decor phase, scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, typing in the word “vintage.” I didn’t have anything specific in mind — just hoping to stumble upon something that felt right.

And then it popped up.

An old wooden phone booth. From 1973. It had history, personality, and more than a little nostalgia. I knew right away it belonged in the restaurant.

But it wasn’t just about aesthetics. It reminded me of my dad.

He worked for BellSouth for 37 years. He worked hard, every day, to provide for our family — and seeing that booth felt like a quiet way to honor all that work. All those phone lines and connections he helped build over the years… it just felt full circle.

A Conversation Starter — Literally

Today, that booth has a home inside Board In Birmingham. It’s got a working phone — complete with an old-school dial tone — and something we call our “phone book in the making.”

Guests are invited to step in, pick up the phone, and write in the book:

• Who you are

• Who you called

• What you told them

Some write something heartfelt. Some write something funny. Some just pick up the phone to hear what a dial tone sounds like — especially the younger ones who’ve never even heard one before.

It’s become this unexpected little ritual. A moment to pause, laugh, remember, or just connect in a way we don’t often do anymore.

It’s More Than a Booth

To most people, it’s just a quirky piece of decor. But for me, it’s a piece of my family, a nod to my dad’s legacy, and a reminder of the days when phones weren’t smart, but they were personal.

We’re all about connection at Board In Birmingham — over wine, over cheese, and yes, over the occasional pretend phone call.

So the next time you visit, step into the booth. Pick up the receiver. Leave a message. Write your name.

And think about who you’d call — if just for a minute.

Especially your dad- wish him a Happy Father’s Day.

📸 Snap a pic in the booth and tag us: @BoardInBirmingham

🧀 Come for the charcuterie. Stay for the story.