The Dallas area is about to get its first AF (alcohol-free) bottle shop: Called Beyond the Bar, it's a new concept that will specialize in "zero-proof" spirits, and it'll open in downtown Richardson this spring.

Beyond the Bar is from the folks behind Beyond Booze Beverage Co., who launched an AF pop-up concept in January, where they began catering at events, presenting about two dozen AF spirits and botanical elixirs including Athletic Brewing Co. AF beer, Seedlip Spirits, and Dallas' own Community NADA IPA.

Co-founder Reid Robinson says that, stoked by the success of that first venture, they felt confident about taking the next step.

"We made the decision that the time was right to share our vision of a fun and inclusive alcohol-free bottle shop and space with a leaning towards mixology and education," Robinson says. "We’ll be partnering with some like-minded businesses including Parch, Starla Wines, Lyre’s, TLC Vegan Café, and Dude Sweet Chocolate. Our opening date is planned for mid to late April of 2023."

Co-founder Julie Wade Robinson says they'll be selling zero proof spirits, botanicals, mixers, AF beer and wine, and a few curated products.

"We have a tasting room as well, so people can sample and purchase individual beverages," Robinson says.

The couple, who previously owned The Forum and Brizo, two side-by-side bars in Richardson, are partnered with Andrea Benningfield and Jennifer Benningfield, who is general manager at Brewed, the coffee shop at Novel Bishop Arts.

Reid says they became inspired by the Andrea's Instagram page, called Zero Proof Dallas.

"There's an exciting alcohol-free movement in the world," he says. "Gen Z and younger millennials are not drinking like we did when we were young. For example, my son is 14 and he has no interest."

"There are plenty of people who still like to go to bars for the social experience, and it's nice to have something else besides a Diet Coke," he says.

Part of the magic for the new storefront is the location, at 101 S. Sherman St. #B, on the corner of Main/Belt Line and Sherman, one block off 75, in the area recently rebranded as downtown Richardson's Core District.

"Our charming 1958 MCM breeze block building is the perfect space to bring the zero-proof lifestyle, spirits, botanicals and much more to North Texas," Reid says.

"We took custody of this 1958 brise soleil beauty in downtown Richardson, and doing interior renovations now," he says. "I've had a crush on this endangered property for nearly 20 years, and am so excited that it will be the home of Dallas' first alcohol-free bottle shop and tasting space."

In addition to the Bottle Shop, they'll continue to plan and participate in local and regional events including their first event with the University of Texas at Dallas for the AIGA organization in early April.