After residing in Alabama for a little over 20 years, owners Chris Sledge and NeKimba “Kim” Sledge moved back to their hometown of Monroe prior to opening the lounge.

Chris comes from the automobile industry, while Kim has a background in the insurance industry. Chris credits his detailed-oriented and standard safety characteristics to his years of working in the automobile industry.

The husband-and-wife business duo, who are also Caroll High School alumni, noticed there was something missing in the area. They were looking for somewhere to go outside of restaurants; specifically, a place where they could go have a drink, relax, chat and they preferred not to attend a club environment. The couple’s observations produced the idea of opening a space that provided those qualities and something that attracted a nice older crowd kind of scene.

The owners made the lounge to where it adds a unique lively touch to downtown Monroe creating what they call its “own space.” It’s a get away from the noise. Guests can enter the parlor to have a business meeting, meet someone new, a couples’ night, a place for first dates and of course, good drinks!

Parlor 5 is considered Monroe’s newest speakeasy, even in 2025. The owners are still holding true to the theme as far as its old-fashioned furniture and décor. They were going for the old school, Prohibition era and cigar vision. One of the first things you’ll notice about Parlor 5 on the outside is that there’s no signage. Back in the 1920’s, when establishments were “speakeasy,” you had to know someone that knew someone to get in, and there was no signage up. In the 2020’s era, in our downtown Monroe, Chris and Kim are bringing that history back. If you look for the red door on Desiard Street, you will find Parlor 5.

The significance of the number 5 after “Parlor” comes from Chris’s nickname. When he thought of opening the lounge, he flipped through pages of a dictionary trying to find a word that symbolizes what he wanted the space to be. He thought of “Parlor” by its definition, and he realized a lot of people name businesses after themselves. After closing the dictionary and coming up with “Parlor”, he thought about the “5” that comes from his nickname “C5” and that’s how Parlor 5 was born.

Outside of normal business hours, they offer private events on Sundays and Mondays. People also rent out the lounge for a couple of hours before opening for a business meeting or they might want to have a private gathering for their co-workers. The owners previously opened their space up to people wanting to have photoshoots. Kim considers herself a “people’s person.” She enjoys graduation celebrations and watching people celebrate their accomplishments the most because those are usually more family oriented. She becomes interested in seeing how they come in the space and change it up with their own décor.

The parlor’s top sellers are its lemon drop martini and old fashioned cocktail. Chris is a bourbon drinker. The top two drinks that they’ll recommend to visitors of Monroe-West Monroe are their lemon drops and hurricane drinks.

For the non-alcoholic consumers, their mocktails are available, as well as sodas, juices, and water. The lounge offers holiday drinks for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras. They’ll switch up the cocktails based on the holiday season, but if it’s one that becomes popular, they’ll keep it on the menu.

The staff members of Parlor 5 have a strong bond. Mostly everyone who works at the lounge are connected to Chris and Kim’s family in some kind of way. This structure brings a good atmosphere to the parlor and to its customers. By being connected through family, they have their fun moments. Chris and Kim want their bartenders to strive and have good tips. They honor the fact that having a staff that wants to see you prosper is the key to success.

For people who are aspiring or currently in the phase of being a business owner, Chris and Kim would tell them to stick with your plan, ask questions and connect with others who have done a similar venture and ask for assistance. Learn and follow your path.

The parlor has a different style. It’s only open to guests who are 21 and older; including private event bookings since they’re classified as a bar. Either the older crowd loves it, or the younger people have come around to its uniqueness. Customers love going in Parlor 5 before they go out for the main event. They have their pre-drink and they’re gone on their way!

Parlor 5 is open on Tuesdays – Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays – Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 428 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA, 71201.