Central Florida

Sober Bar Bringing Alcohol-Free “Third Space” Experience to Gulfport

The upcoming concept blends zero-proof drinks, functional beverages, and Louisiana-inspired bites in an alcohol-free social setting.

Picture courtesy of Sober Bar.

GULFPORT, FL — Sober Bar is targeting a mid-June opening, with June 15 as the current goal, pending final approvals and inspections, at 3062 Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport, FL 33707. The concept is bringing a non-alcoholic “third space” to the area with zero-proof drinks, functional beverage options, and New Orleans-inspired food, owner Sean Hawthorne told Business Debut.

General manager Collin Horton is also part of the team, with support from Hawthorne’s fiancée, Payton.

What to Expect

Sober Bar is built around the idea of a “third space,” a place outside of home and work where people can gather without alcohol being the focal point. Hawthorne said the goal is to recreate the sense of community found in traditional bars while removing the expectation to drink.

“For us, Sober Bar simply means a bar without alcohol,” Hawthorne told Business Debut. “It’s not about judgment or labels... it’s about creating a great place to gather where alcohol isn’t the centerpiece.”

Guests can expect non-alcoholic beer and wine, coffee, functional beverages, and zero-proof cocktails alongside a hybrid service model that blends counter ordering with table service.

The space will feature a New Orleans-inspired speakeasy atmosphere with a record player, warm lighting, and a focus on conversation and connection.

Live jazz is planned for weekends, with indoor seating for about 30 and additional outdoor seating bringing total capacity to roughly 60 guests, Hawthorne told Business Debut.

Expect a food menu inspired by New Orleans cuisine. Guests can expect items like muffalettas, croquettes, deviled eggs, flatbreads, and charcuterie boards, with lighter offerings in the morning and shareable options in the evening, Hawthorne told Business Debut.

Beverages include a Kava Colada, a non-alcoholic take on a Piña Colada, along with other crafted drinks developed through in-house experimentation.

“We spend a lot of time as self-proclaimed food scientists in the kitchen, finding the right flavor profiles that work well with some of those functional ingredients,” Hawthorne told Business Debut.

“Guests are tired of paying cocktail prices for something that’s basically juice in a nice glass,” Hawthorne told Business Debut. “By introducing functionality, we’re bringing real value to the zero-proof experience.”

The team emphasized that Sober Bar isn’t defined by a single category like a “kava bar” or “coffee shop,” but is a broader concept that integrates multiple beverage categories pared with Louisiana inspired food options.

Opening Timeline

The team is targeting a mid-June opening, with June 15 as the current goal, pending final approvals and inspections, Hawthorne told Business Debut.

Hours

Sober Bar plans to open seven days a week. Initial hours are expected to include morning service from 7 a.m. to noon, followed by evening hours from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 1 a.m. on weekends.