A veteran bartender, Josh came up with the idea of creating a zero-proof space during the pandemic. After a stint at Friendship House, a substance abuse treatment center, he recently opened Ocean Beach Cafe, an alcohol-free bar in San Francisco. Josh talks about adult non-alcoholic beverages as a massively booming industry, “Since we haven't had a movement like this in our lifetime, it's destigmatizing non-drinking and building awareness of the hundreds of brands that have come out to solve a need. Alcohol is not required to have a great time and be social with interesting beverages that can now be made with new products. This means there is a shift in perception of drinking culture itself. Alcohol no longer must be the default for social situations. There is now a desirable choice where there once wasn't many at all.” Josh adds, “There’s a thousand reasons to not want to drink as much. These special events are different and tantalizing and they will be happening all over the world. I can't wait to help put together another successful Sober in the City event to show what's going on in this exciting industry!” Susie Streelman, the event organizer, followed Josh’s welcome with these powerful words: “My name is Susie. I drink differently. And I would like a seat at the table. At Sober in the City, Sacramento Edition, we all had a chair at the table.” This are just a few of the comments made by attendees: “It felt magical! I loved the 3 different spaces, the coffee cart and the goody bags. The city scene backdrop for photos was a lovely surprise!” “Absolutely loved the event and look forward to the next! Some of my closest sober sisters have expressed interest. Hugs & love.” “I really want to say thank you for hosting! You did a fantastic job. I had a really nice time and came home with a few new friends.” “This was my first endeavor with something like this and I am so glad I went and was there to meet this beautiful group of women. I would love to know of future events and plan on attending.” Thank you so much for creating such a classy event! It was beyond my expectations! Can’t say enough about how amazing this event was!” “Sober in the City Sacramento was the most fun event. We met amazing women, heard great stories and saw women from all age groups, all professions. We are all on the same path- it was so empowering!”
“Amazing job with the event. The first event was awesome but It was obvious that this one was really leveled up. I heard nothing but rave reviews from everyone I talked to who was there. I was happy to be a part of the team!”
A few nore words from Susie:
I never expected to be promoting an alcohol-free lifestyle. In fact, that just seemed a little too odd. Why would anyone be interested in that? I was really just signing up for another “bite size break” by joining the SoberSis community of women. What I discovered was joy and freedom in going alcohol free but along the way, I also discovered that restaurants need a lot more education and prodding in providing adult zero-proof options. I didn’t give up dining or social events, but often craved something sophisticated in a pretty glass when out among friends. My dream was to create an all-inclusive experience that caters to someone wanting to go sans alcohol for at least one night. I am thankful and excited to be a small piece of the alcohol-free social experience! In addition to Josh and Taylor, Nancy Guzman, owner and creative director of Balance Me Out Now (@balancemeoutnow) offered handcrafted coffees such as espresso martinis, cappuccino lavender lattes, and others: “I have a sign in the coffee trailer that says “less sugar more flavor.” It encourages people to think about their drink, especially the drinks they consume on the daily.
I asked Nancy what inspired her to become a coffee creative:
“It was more like a push. I was teaching art and a guest teacher at a charter school in Sacramento. When Covid hit and the schools shut down, my job was terminated. I wanted to find something I could be creative in and pour my love into and I thought about how coffee brings people together. I thought and dreamed about partnering with other small businesses, figuring as I grow, they grow too. And then I thought about how people love to give and support their community if it’s convenient. So, with every purchase, they do!
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