Chicago restaurateur Jacob “Jake” Bickelhaupt, is one of an increasing number of sober chefs in the culinary industry. As a part of the sober chef movement, Jacob Bickelhaupt advocates for creating awareness of alcohol and substance abuse problems within the industry.
Chefs are not the only ones facilitating the movement toward “dry” establishments. In recent years, patrons all over the country are increasingly seeking out non-alcoholic establishments, and not only because they are trying to remain sober.
The movement toward establishing alcohol-free bars and restaurants began years ago when a few entrepreneurs took the initiative to create a place where those in recovery could socialize. Those in recovery who go out with friends while trying to abstain can find themselves presented with several awkward situations. Drinking is a social construct, and when everyone is unwinding with their favorite, recovering addicts can feel left out.
Non-alcoholic establishments provide those recovering from addictions an alternative to the conventional bar or restaurant. For many, these establishments allow them to experience the adult nightlife, something that does not necessarily happen at the movies, bowling, or other family-centered activities. By being able to enjoy the “going out” experience, those in recovery can unwind in a safe space.
However, while recovering addicts might have formed the foundation of this movement, the entire country is catching onto no-proof bars with many millennials opting for alcohol-free libations. Some people love the social interaction part of going out but do not necessarily want to experience a hangover the next morning. According to a 2019 article published in the Chicago Tribune, this movement probably represents a trend toward everyone making healthier lifestyle choices.
Bartenders have become drink artisans who have learned to replicate the burn of gin with a mix of botanicals including English cucumber, angelica root, juniper berries, and coriander berries, or mimic the taste of whiskey with American oak, sugar floss, and other ingredients. Bartenders are not just whipping up mocktails, but creating interesting fusions on old favorites.
Chefs are not the only ones facilitating the movement toward “dry” establishments. In recent years, patrons all over the country are increasingly seeking out non-alcoholic establishments, and not only because they are trying to remain sober.
The movement toward establishing alcohol-free bars and restaurants began years ago when a few entrepreneurs took the initiative to create a place where those in recovery could socialize. Those in recovery who go out with friends while trying to abstain can find themselves presented with several awkward situations. Drinking is a social construct, and when everyone is unwinding with their favorite, recovering addicts can feel left out.
Non-alcoholic establishments provide those recovering from addictions an alternative to the conventional bar or restaurant. For many, these establishments allow them to experience the adult nightlife, something that does not necessarily happen at the movies, bowling, or other family-centered activities. By being able to enjoy the “going out” experience, those in recovery can unwind in a safe space.
However, while recovering addicts might have formed the foundation of this movement, the entire country is catching onto no-proof bars with many millennials opting for alcohol-free libations. Some people love the social interaction part of going out but do not necessarily want to experience a hangover the next morning. According to a 2019 article published in the Chicago Tribune, this movement probably represents a trend toward everyone making healthier lifestyle choices.
Bartenders have become drink artisans who have learned to replicate the burn of gin with a mix of botanicals including English cucumber, angelica root, juniper berries, and coriander berries, or mimic the taste of whiskey with American oak, sugar floss, and other ingredients. Bartenders are not just whipping up mocktails, but creating interesting fusions on old favorites.
