CHRIS TOAST & THE JERKS

96 months ago

The idea for Sans Bar to me came back in 2015, and I was excited to bring this concept to a culture that seemed to silently crave a new experience. I finished a business plan, and had this great vision of a cozy bar downtown that looked like every other trendy establishment. I applied to incubators, contests, and loan programs all to no avail. When I would pitch the concept of a sober bar, people would politely smile and give me every reason why a sober bar wouldn't work. "Why would people want to go to a place that doesn't offer alcohol?" "Isn't that just a coffee shop" "How can you make money if you don't serve alcohol?" I had good replies, but I let those questions get in my head. I forgot why I wanted to pursue this dream in the first place. With no real money I felt it would be foolish to even try to move forward. I gave up. • • • Fast forward to the fall of 2018. I was moderately happy at my job, but my dream kept me up at night. It was calling me to try again despite everything I had been told before. I just had to go for it, because someone needed a place to go where they could feel a little less alone. I gave in. • • • In December, we had our first pop up and had 7 people show up. I felt like we had the whole city in the building! No business experience. Zero start up capital. Since then we hosted 200+ during our SXSW, catered luncheons and graduations, and have partnered with some of the most fantastic companies in the world. I have cried, failed, lost sleep, and been stolen from. I have also danced, laughed, prayed and deeply connected with strangers. NEVER GIVE UP. #thesansbar #mystory #smallbusiness #soberbar #recoveryjourney #experiencestrengthandhope #livemusic #teetotal #entrepreneur #austin

96 months ago

Tis the season for sandals and shades! It may be hot outside, but next week we're gonna be ice cold inside Sans Bar. We have some great local live music on tap (more about that coming up this week), and some winter themed drinks created just for this night. Remember to bring extra cash and/or extra food to help us reach our giving goal of 200 pounds or $200 dollars to @ctxfoodbank. This is a going to be a very special night and we hope to see everyone at the bar!! #thesansbar #fridaynight #soberbar #recovery #soberliving #recoveryisworthit #livemusic #musiciansinrecovery

96 months ago

The truth is we use all kinds of things to change the way we feel. Exercise, shopping, sex, and yes even alcohol. The problem with those is once the workout is over, the register rings, or we take that last sip, the feeling is gone. Maybe that is the real problem. We keep looking for temporary solutions to an immortal desire to manifest lasting change. • • Giving is different. Giving extends our positive intentions beyond the present moment. Join us next Friday and give to families who need our help. • • • • #thesansbar #giving #recoveryquotes #sober #soberbar #austin #foodbank #socialimpact #soberfam #teetotaler #sobercurious

96 months ago

Freedom to love. Freedom to hope. Freedom to dance. Freedom to give. Freedom to fail. Freedom to rise. Freedom to liberate. Happy Independence Day!! • • • • #fourthofjuly #freedom #thesansbar #recovery #sober #letfreedomring

96 months ago

Happy 4th of July Eve (not sure if that is a thing, but it is now)!! So, the winter holiday season can mean so many things. For most it means a time to reflect on the year that was, for others it is a precarious mine field of office parties and booze filled parties. What can get lost in the bustle and shuffle is the spirit of selfless giving. We decided to celebrate this #dryjuly by creating an opportunity to connect through philanthropy. Our goal at Sans Bar is to be the change we want to see and that is why we are setting a goal of donating 200 pounds of food or $200 to the Central Texas Food Bank. This is an especially good time to give because through matching gifts, $10.00 can provide 80 meals to our Central Texas friends. So come, be fully present and party sober with us next Friday • • • • #thesansbar #christmasinjuly #giving #community #austin #foodbank #fooddrive #texasproud #givingseasonallyear #jinglebellrock #recovery #soberliving #soberfam #eastatx #mindfulness

96 months ago

Happy Monday!! This city. Much has changed over the years, but Austin still feels like a big town. Truth is, the nature of life is change. While not all change is comfortable, (I'm glaring at you Mopac) circumstances don't have to dictate WHO you are. We still love tacos and football and live music and swimming in the summer. That's who we are, no matter how big this city gets. One thing that will never change is our gratitude that for the 512. #thesansbar #austin #texasproud #mondaymotivation

97 months ago

Sans Bar is back in action 7/13 for a good cause. Join us for a festive night of community and connection as we give back to our wonderful city. Our goal is to raise $200 or 200 pounds of food and water for the Central Texas Food Bank. #thesansbar #christmasinjuly #community #eastatx

97 months ago

No one STAYS better alone. We need each other to inspire, encourage and motivate when the road to better living gets tough. Whatever your unhealthy lifestyle was, staying in recovery means staying connected to others on the same journey. #thesansbar #recovery #sportsquotes #sobercurious #healthylifestyle #soberfam #mentalhealth #recovery #austin #worldcup

97 months ago

Tonight is the night!! We are opening up the bar for a very memorable night. @willowspeakmusic is just the kind of musician you KNOW is headed for greatness. We have @minglemocktails chilled and ready to serve. Skip the line and buy your tickets on our website thesansbar.com #thesansbar #friday #soberbar #eastatx #joinus #sobersinglemixandmingle

97 months ago

Be kind, be mindful and stay present. #thesansbar #mindfulness #liveauthentic #kindness #sober #teetotaler #bekind