Carl Radke's new business is "loading."
On November 20, the Summer House cast member shared an Instagram Story of himself hard at work in what appeared to be a back room or in-construction zone, likely of his forthcoming non-alcoholic bar and cafe concept, Soft Bar + Café. The entrepreneur rocked a Soft Bar baseball cap from the company's merch line and appeared locked into getting work done.
We love seeing what's going on behind the scenes, but we can't wait to see how Carl and his team are designing the front of the house. Judging by the company's website and merch, the interior aesthetic might feature cool green and blue tones with added neutral elements.
Details on Carl Radke's Non-Alcoholic Bar
Since wrapping Summer House Season 8, Carl announced in July 2024 that he'd be pursuing the non-alcoholic bar concept. (He discussed his desire to open a "café and bar that serves only non-alcoholic drinks" in Part 2 of the Summer House Season 8 reunion).
After that announcement, Carl revealed the inspiration behind the name during an interview with Page Six. "While 'Soft drinks' is a term used in the US, it has a different connotation, typically representing soda," he shared with the outlet. "I wanted to define a new — and much needed — category and space, having 'soft drinks' or 'softs' be seen as functional and high quality non [alcoholic] beverages for adults."
He continued, "I was sharing this thought during a conversation with my co-founder as we discussed raising the bar in the non-[alcoholic] space, ultimately leading us to the name Soft Bar."
On the company's Instagram page, Carl shared more details about the idea behind idea behind creating a "third place" for "mindful consumption."
"A mindful consumption bar and cafe is all about being intentional," Carl shared in the Instagram video. "[It's] about being aware [and] educated about what you're putting in your body. It's really about your mind and body experience and how we support that. So, it's with good drinks, good environment, healthy ingredients, and more options for those that are looking to not drink alcohol."
Moreover, the Instagram video caption reads, "We prioritize mindful consumption, and our non-alcoholic menu will include functional beverages (including soft cocktails, mushroom coffees, and more) and delicious, healthy bites to keep you nourished and energized."
When Does Carl Radke's Non-Alcoholic Bar Open?
An exact opening date has yet to be announced, but the official Instagram account confirms the business will open in "early 2025."
Where Is Carl Radke's Non-Alcoholic Bar?
Carl hasn't yet shared the brick-and-mortar location of Soft Bar + Café, but the company confirms it will be in Brooklyn.
"It feels like my calling," Carl said during the Summer House Season 8 reunion about entering the non-alcoholic space after getting sober himself. "It’s finally looking at me, and I want to go pursue that."
