Meet Samuel | Sober bar owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Honestly, one of the biggest things was just how I was raised. Even as a kid, my parents always told me I was going to do great things, and I think that stuck with me. It gave me the mindset to dream big and go after more. I also keep a kind of “vision board” or list of goals, and that helps me stay focused when the hours get long or things get tough. At the end of the day, I remind myself that the time I’m putting in now is really just building a better tomorrow.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is all about creating a safe, sober, and welcoming space for everyone-no matter your background, age, or walk of life. Back in the mid-20th century, almost every neighborhood had a local hangout spot where people could meet up, talk about community issues, and just enjoy being around each other. That’s the kind of place we’ve built, and it’s been an honor to see the community really embrace us in that role. People come for the drinks, sure, but just as much for the connection and sense of belonging.

In the beginning, before the community fully saw us as their local hangout, we made it a priority to collaborate with other local businesses-especially new ones. Those partnerships helped us grow while also helping others, and torther we created more momentum than we have on our own.Along the way, I’ve learned how important it is to really listen to the community. When you’re a neighborhood spot, you’ve got to stay present, pay attention, and adapt to what people want and need. That’s how you build something lasting.

What I hope people take away from our story is simple: having a place to come together matters. When people connect, share, and support each other, it builds understanding and joy. That’s what we’re here to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a best friend was visiting
Denver for a week, I’d mix in some of the city with the outdoors. We’d spend a day downtown checking out Union Station, Larimer Square, and some local eats. I’d definitely take them to Red Rocks either for a concert or just a hike. A day trip up to Boulder or Golden for the mountain vibe. Around Denver, we’d hit RiNo for the murals and nightlife, grab food at spots like 54thirty Roof top or Tap Fourteen, and maybe catch a Rockies game if it’s the season. It’d be a mix of good food, live music, and getting outside-that’s Denver at its
best.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t have done this without the support of my parents-that’s really the foundation of everything for me. On the business side, though, I absolutely have to give credit to my coworkers. They’re the heart of what we do. They’re the ones who turn it from just a “normal” business into a place where people feel genuinely welcome-like they’ve known the bartender forever. Together, we’ve built something that feels more human, and that’s what makes it special.

Big shoutout to Michelle Monastra, Joe Monastra, Carlie Prell, Connor St. Augustine, Caleb Cowie, Cate Petersen, Emily Moore, Jack Murtagh, Jeremiah Kennedy, and Tara Noel. I couldn’t ask for a better team

Instagram: @MountainKava