Chris Marshall's Sans Bar: Building Community Without Alcohol
The real truth is, I don't think people come to Sans bar because they don't want to drink. They come to Sans bar because they want to be around other people.
Imagine walking into a bar where the buzz isn't from alcohol but from genuine human connection. That's what Chris Marshall envisioned when he founded Sans Bar, a non-alcoholic haven in Austin, TX. In this episode of 'The Sobriety Blueprint', host Jonathan Sylvester chats with Chris about his journey from early addiction to sobriety and his mission to create a space where everyone, whether in recovery or simply sober-curious, can feel welcome.
Chris opens up about his own struggles with alcohol that began at a young age and how getting sober in 2007 changed his life. He went on to work in the treatment industry, which eventually led him to launch Sans Bar. This unique venue has gained national attention for its inclusive environment and its focus on fostering real connections.
Chris shares that when you step into Sans Bar on a Friday night, you'll be greeted warmly, the music will be at a comfortable volume, and you'll have a drink in hand before any money changes hands. He believes that the real product Sans Bar offers is connection, something often lost in traditional bar settings. This episode also dives into the broader implications of social disconnection and how spaces like Sans Bar can help bridge that gap.
Whether you're on your own path to sobriety or just looking for a new way to socialize, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.