Christian Harris and Brandon Carruth have some exciting plans percolating, including the establishment of Chattanooga’s first zero-proof “mocktail” bar.
The new location on East Main Street near Dodds Avenue will be the second business venture for the duo, who opened Sleepheady Coffee in the James Building on Broad Street in 2019. With the new location, they say they’re looking to expand their brand, reinvent themselves, stay relevant — and keep providing the popular products their customers have come to love.
“Mocktail” bars have gained popularity in recent years, especially on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Harris said. The beverages have the same taste and artfully crafted presentation found in traditional cocktails but are alcohol-free.
“There’s an art to it … just like with coffee drinks,” Carruth said during an interview at the new location taking shape for a September opening. “It’s going to be fun for us to play around and come up with new drinks and recipes and add a whole new layer of why you should come to Sleepyhead.”
Staff Photo by Jennifer McNally / Sleepyhead Coffee owners Christian Harris, front, and Brandon Carruth are pictured Thursday painting the walls of the shop’s second location, Sleepyhead Main + Dodd, which they are aiming to open in mid-September as Chattanooga’s first “mocktail” bar.(READ MORE: Chattanooga-based hot sauce maker Hoff & Pepper launches crowdfunding campaign)