Sans Bar Elevates the Spirit-Free Experience with Meaningful Connections, Virtual Events
Chris Marshall has learned a lot during this pandemic. For one, he’s learned to truly appreciate virtual events, something that he resisted jumping aboard several months ago. They have helped him connect with people living a sober lifestyle globally, from his hometown in Austin, Texas, to as far as London and Australia.
He’s also learned how to express himself and stand as a leader in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by a racist police officer. “Prior to this year, I’ve always wanted to talk about what it is to be a Black man in this country, what it is to be a Black man in the recovery community, in the sobriety community, because often I am the only one in the room during events,” says Marshall, during our LIVE! Culinary Series episode, whose Sans Bar spirit-free concept appeals to those living a sober lifestyle.
“The events that transpired in June forced me to say what I need to say about [amplifying Black voices in this space]. I found myself on a stage, in a sense, that I had never been on before where I had this platform and I needed to use my voice. It was incumbent upon me to use my voice to say that these spaces I see myself in that I want to see more diversity. I want to see more people of color in these spaces.”
During the lively 19-minute episode, we also discuss his upcoming virtual events, which include spirit-free “happy hour” experiences, booze-free recipe courses, an Austin-inspired live-music show and more. Check it out to hear his story as well as how you can help Sans Bar. With a lockdown imminent through December in Austin, Marshall and others will need all the help they can get.