We Are Sans Bar

Something is happening across the globe. In big cities and small towns, the conversation about our collective relationship with alcohol has given rise to something we have never experienced before.

The dry movement is a decision to be fully present in a world that distracts us from our purpose, and tells us the solution for deep human connection and fun can only be found inside of a bottle.

We believe history will look back on this movement 20 years from today, and recognize that We revolutionized the wellness and beverage industries, while reshaping higher education and work culture.

We are sober curious. We are sober sometimes. We are in recovery. We are allies of those who abstain for whatever reason.

This movement is about so much more than curated depictions of what it means to be alcohol-free.

This is not prohibition. This is not an impotent rage against the machine of Big Alcohol. This movement is thinking bigger than viral hot takes and call-outs.

Above all, We are inclusive. We welcome all voices, all pathways, and all mental health conditions because shame or loneliness should never be the cause of death for anyone. Ever.

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Sans Bar Founder: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall is the visionary founder Sans Bar. He is a renowned mental health advocate and writer who has dedicated his career to building inclusive, alcohol-free communities. Chris has been alcohol-free since 2007 and began his work as a Substance Use counselor in 2009. His passion for supporting those in recovery led him to create Sans Bar in 2017, a groundbreaking alcohol-free space and community based in Austin, Texas.

Chris has gained national recognition for his innovative approach to building sober communities and has been featured in major publications, including Men’s Health, The New York Times, and USA Today. He's an accomplished speaker and has been invited to share his insights at events such as the Aspen Ideas Festival.

With a track record of success in mental health advocacy and community-building, Chris is a leading voice in the movement to create more inclusive spaces for those seeking a sober lifestyle.

Bar Manager: Valentina Weatherspoon

Meet Valentina, the extraordinary Bar Manager at Sans Bar. With over a decade of experience in some of Austin, Texas’s most upscale bars, Valentina brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Since joining us in November 2022, she’s been the driving force behind our bar’s transformation. Valentina has not only overhauled our menu but also successfully managed our move to our expanded downtown location.

Her passion for non-alcoholic beverages goes beyond the bar’s confines. Valentina consults with bars and restaurants worldwide, sharing her insights and helping them implement their own non-alcoholic beverage programs. She’s not just a bartender; she’s a trailblazer in the world of alcohol-free mixology.