Black-Owned Alcohol-Free Bar Launches Summer Pop-Ups in Charlotte

Dre Thomas will introduce Heartbutter, a Black- and woman-owned non-alcoholic bar concept, through summer pop-up events in Charlotte starting June 25. The first tasting runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CHNO Coffee in Lower South End.

Guests will sample spirit-free cocktails and vote on drinks for the permanent menu.

Thomas, a marketer-turned-entrepreneur, moved to Charlotte in April 2025. She's five years sober. She crowdfunded the launch and is using community investment to fund the pop-ups while scouting for a permanent spot.

"We're building a space for people who want a meaningful night out without losing their edge," Thomas told Axios Charlotte.

The venue will fill a gap in late-night social spaces where alcohol isn't the focus. National polling from Gallup and industry analysis from Datassential show falling drinking rates among Americans. Demand for higher quality non-alcoholic options continues to grow.

Charlotte mixologist Donnell Owens will help craft the cocktails using spirit alternatives like Lyre's and Ritual Zero Proof. Thomas said the drinks will go past juice or sodas to create layered, sessionable pours.

The pop-ups will work as a feedback loop while Thomas hunts for a brick-and-mortar space. Organizers plan to share voting results and menu changes with attendees after each event.

The name Heartbutter comes from Ezekiel 36:26, a verse about replacing a heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Thomas paired it with butter for softness. The name represents that warm feeling when connecting with someone.

Charlotte's alcohol-free options have grown in recent years. Most bars now offer mocktail menus or alternative beverages like THC seltzers. Daytime coffee parties and wellness raves have become part of the city's social scene, but dedicated nighttime spaces that are completely dry remain rare.

The first pop-up will take place at CHNO Coffee at 4612 Gilead St. in Lower South End. Early bird tickets are $35 through May 14. Capacity is limited. A July pop-up at Lottie's in Uptown is also planned.