Snug new zero-proof speakeasy in Richardson will combine AF with art

A Dallas-Fort Worth pioneer on the zero-proof front is expanding: Beyond the Bar, the AF (alcohol-free) bottle shop that opened in Richardson in 2023, is debuting a new spinoff that will combine zero-proof spirits with art.

Called Snug Space, it's a combination gallery and zero-proof "third place" that'll open next to Beyond the Bar, featuring art, events, pop-ups, and alcohol-free drinks.

According to co-owner Julie Wade Robinson, they'll debut the new space on May 18, which also happens to be the day they'll celebrate the one-year anniversary of Beyond the Bar.

"Snugs were Victorian aged spaces where women could imbibe and have their salon in private, typically a secret safe space inside a pub or tavern," Robinson says.

Robison opened Beyond the Bar with her husband Reid Robinson, partnered with Andrea Benningfield and Jennifer Benningfield, as a destination in the AF world, selling zero proof spirits, botanicals, mixers, AF beer and wine, and a few curated products.

In the new venture, they're partnering with Curiosities, the gallery/antique store on Garland Road in East Dallas for art and objects, as well as have more maker events and pop-ups.

"Partnerships, education, and inclusivety have become our key ingredients to building a new kind of social and third space without the booze," Robinson says. "All are welcome, no matter if they're sober curious or just looking for a change."

That inclusive approach has brought in all kinds, he says.

"It's been heartening to see the broad spectrum of communities embracing our little but growing mom, mom, mom, pop shop including Gen Z to The Silent Generation, oftentimes sharing an alcohol-free cocktail in our tasting room," she says.

In the year since they opened their shop, they've partnered and popped-up with organizations such as The Phoenix (sober activities community), UT Dallas, Meow Wolf, Foundation 45, ATTPAC Jazz in the Park, Alamo Drafthouse, City of Richardson (Culture in the Core, Light Up Lockwood, Lunar New Year at DFW Chinatown) Cooper Fitness Center, City of Dallas Parks & Rec, Jeng Chi, and TLC Vegan Cafe.

They've also hosted dozens of in-house events like Soberoke Karaoke, maker workshops for our Sunday Sober Social, and their wildly popular Zero-Proof Cocktail 101 classes, teaching patrons about alc-free mixology.

"We're also going to lean into tea tastings, and working on some fun pop-ups with area restaurants in the Richardson CORE District," she says.

And here's a nice coup: They've been asked to provide a zero-proof hospitality basket for Nile Rodgers on May 18, when he's in town to perform at the annual Wildflower Festival.

"Nile has been sober for decades, and is a hero," Robinson says. "We're going to have our anniversary party and opening with a Disco theme with Mark Ridlen and friends spinning Nile's adjacent tunes from 4 to 8, then we're going up the street to see Nile."

As a prelude to their opening, they'll be part of The Great Curious Cocktail Party, a booze-free event that takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S. on May 15.