Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shops Are Booming — Monday Morning Podcast
In a city known for its laid-back beach vibes and booming craft beer scene, San Diego is now welcoming an innovative newcomer: Monday Morning, the first non-alcoholic bottle shop in the area, founded by Zane Curtis. Aiming to transform the way locals and visitors approach drinking, this shop promises to offer more than just alcohol-free alternatives; it’s an inviting community space for those seeking a mindful drinking experience centered around non-alcoholic beverages. From globally sourced NA beverages to locally favored brands, Monday Morning is set to redefine social drinking in a way that’s inclusive, flexible, and curated for discovery.
Bringing a Vision to Life
When Zane woke up one morning in mid-summer 2024, he felt an urgency to fill a gap in San Diego’s beverage scene. “San Diego needs something, and it needs it fast,” he recalls. With that thought, he set out to create Monday Morning, a bottle shop dedicated entirely to non-alcoholic (NA) drinks. With a tagline of “Drink Differently,” this new space embodies Zane’s belief that whether people are taking a break from alcohol, avoiding soda, or looking for a different option altogether, they should have access to an array of high-quality NA beverages from around the world. As the first San Diego non-alcoholic beverage destination, Monday Morning aims to make a significant impact.
Finding Inspiration in a Sober Journey
Zane’s journey into the alcohol-free lifestyle began with inspiration from an unusual source, a book he read called Planet Walker, which tells the story of a man who gave up talking for a year and traveled the country playing a banjo. “I’ll try it for a year,” Zane thought, and after his first weekend of abstaining, he bought a banjo and committed to staying sober for a year. As of today, he’s in his 18th month and counting, and as he describes it, he is “unlocking new potential” each day. Inspired by this growth and excited by the challenge, Zane is creating Monday Morning to share this excitement and connection with others interested in non-alcoholic drink options.
What Monday Morning Has to Offer
In Zane’s words, Monday Morning will be the go-to destination for anyone interested in exploring non-alcoholic beverages. Here’s a peek at what customers can expect:
A Curated Selection: Monday Morning will carry brands like Go Brewing, Beaglepuss, Atmos Brewing, and Mash Gang, alongside other specialty beverages that are hard to find elsewhere. Zane also has non-alcoholic champagnes from France and exclusive spirits from Europe, broadening the drink options available locally.
Flexibility and Convenience: Monday Morning offers options to mix and match single cans and bottles, allowing customers to sample NA beverages without committing to a full pack.
Weekly Tastings and Events: Tastings will be held regularly, and there will be a dedicated community area for events. From mixology classes to custom packs, Monday Morning is dedicated to enhancing the tasting experience and creating a welcoming space for everyone interested in non-alcoholic options.
Creating a New Experience
With his sights set on more than just selling beverages, Zane envisions Monday Morning as a community space where people can sit, relax, and socialize over NA drinks. Whether it’s for a date, a casual meet-up, or even a baby shower, the shop provides an alcohol-free environment where people can enjoy their drinks, stay present, and share meaningful moments. This concept grew from Zane’s own experience navigating the NA world and is shaping up to be a unique spot for anyone interested in non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits.
Craft NA Beers: A Game Changer
One of the key challenges in transitioning to an alcohol-free lifestyle, as Zane explains, was finding NA options that matched the quality of traditional alcoholic drinks. Over time, Zane discovered a range of options and was surprised at how high-quality the new wave of NA craft beverages had become. It was a game-changer. This dedication to offering craft non-alcoholic beers is what makes Monday Morning a must-visit for anyone exploring San Diego.
Seasonality and Freshness
At Monday Morning, variety is essential. Zane explains that the shop will embrace seasonality with rotating offerings, ensuring the experience stays fresh. By curating this way, Zane hopes to offer not just beverages but an evolving experience that keeps customers coming back.
What’s Next for Monday Morning?
Since breaking ground on July 5th, Zane and his team have been working tirelessly to bring this vision to life. With the goal of opening in January to align with Dry January, Monday Morning plans to be the perfect spot for those seeking a fresh start to the new year. Currently, they’re in the middle of construction, knocking down walls (both literally and figuratively) to create a space that will serve San Diego’s evolving community of mindful drinkers and those looking for non-alcoholic beer options.
Fostering Connection through Shared Moments
Zane’s vision for Monday Morning isn’t about replacing traditional drinking but about providing more choices. “For people who can drink mindfully, like my wife who enjoys her wine, the shop offers something extra, something unique.” And for those who’ve experienced that “limitation” of alcohol, as Zane puts it, this space is an invitation to explore quality alternatives.
As Monday Morning approaches its grand opening, Zane and his team are ready to welcome the community to explore a fresh take on drinking. “This is about offering an experience that fits people’s lives and values,” Zane shares. And for anyone looking to drink differently, Monday Morning is here to make that journey more enjoyable.
P.S. Curious about what the non-alcoholic buzz is all about? Stop by Monday Morning this winter season to sample a selection of the world’s best NA beverages and meet other mindful drinkers in San Diego.