Gem City Sober Bar | Photo provided by Whitney Brewer Photography
Gem City SoberBar started as a vision of a community center from Kristen Domke. Two years later, Domke’s plans have come to fruition as the business plans for upcoming events.
Domke is the CEO and sole proprietor of Gem City SoberBar, LLC.
Making a debut
“Dayton is missing mocktails. We need to start moving forward in that direction,” said Domke.
Gem City SoberBar held its grand opening event in November. Over 100 people came out to show support, blowing Domke away.
The organization was able to ring in the new year with LORE Storytelling, where even more supporters came out.
“We reach out to different places that we think we could help and they could help us in return. We’re all about win-win situations,” said Domke.
LORE Storytelling offers classes and consulting for businesses to tell their own story. They are located at 116 W. Fifth St., Dayton, Ohio.
Gem City SoberBar is looking to book many different types of events. They recently hosted at a baby shower and have many different plans for future events.
“We’re always looking for partners and ways to connect,” said Domke.
The background
When inspiration struck, Domke hadn’t originally planned for a sober bar.
UpDayton Project Incubator is a project in which local entrepreneurs can present their ideas of bettering the community. Applicants get the opportunity to pitch their ideas for future support, according to the UpDayton webpage.
“I started something because I wanted a place to go. There’s nowhere to go besides coffee shops and nightclubs and I want that happy medium,” said Domke.
Domke celebrates a year and five months of sobriety by working diligently to get the name Gem City SoberBar out into the Dayton community.
“I never thought people would be interested in this. It’s not just for those in sobriety, it’s for the healthy conscious, and anyone else, really,” said Domke.
Brian Petro of Smart Guy in a Tie Cocktails has been part of the movement since Gem City SoberBar’s opening.
“Working with Gem City SoberBar and Kristen has been a delightful experience. Non-alcoholic drinks, mocktails, have been a growing trend around the country for a while, and it is nice to see it in Dayton,” said Petro. “There are so many people looking for an alternative to cocktails at the moment that SoberBar drinks can be a great alternative to a night out. Or an option at an event for people that do not want to drink.”
Focus group
Gem City SoberBar has plans to ask questions about what the consumer would like when it comes to the environment as well as preferred mocktails.
“Atmosphere and community through connection is it, we’re trying to make that. We want to cater it through the people,” said Domke.
Those interested can email gemcitysoberbar@yahoo.com to inquire about taking part in the focus group.
