I had no idea what it was going to be like opening a fully non-alcoholic bottle shop in Chicago, a city built on the backs of bars. The only thing I knew for sure was that if I needed a sober social space to thrive in - then others did too.

In just one year we provided space for over 75 events in our shop varying from Queer Sober Socials, Tarot meet-ups, Live Portrait Drawing sessions, our monthly Variety Show, Blessed. Cocktail Making classes, Open Mics, and more.

You can see a few examples of said events below:

In addition to the events, we also: passed 8,400 followers on instagram + increased our online content + hired staff + expanded the store + launched our online shop for national shipping - I'm Exhausted, but so, so, grateful.

I didn't expect that we would be expanding so quickly after opening, or that the non-alcoholic drink scene was going to explode the way it did. I wanted to make sure we were keeping up with all the new options out there, while also remaining Very selective of the brands and drinks we offer. This past summer we expanded our Beers, Spirits, Wines, and Ready-To-Drink Cocktails selections, and we even added an entire section just for our seltzer and functional beverages. Additionally, as firm believers in harm reduction, we also expanded our CBD and THC offerings.

I'm not very positive what the next move is for the shop. Our two year lease in our space is up in July, and continuing as we are now (sharing our space with the plant shop) is not an option as we've outgrown the size limitations. Ideally our next space will allow us to keep the shop the same size, have enough room for events, and we can also provide NA beers on draft and make some cocktails on the weekends. However with the increasing commercial rent prices, I'm not sure how realistic that all is - we'll just have to see if the stars align.

Thank you to everyone for your support of our little shop. It is only because of you that we're able to keep doing what we're doing. I'd like to keep running the shop for as long as I want to, as long as it continues to bring me and others joy. Ya'll have helped me make that a reality.

2023 has been a journey