Ashley McBryde is opening a new bar inside Eric Church‘s Chief’s. McBryde, who has been sober since 2022, announces the opening of Redemption Bar, a zero-proof cocktail menu, inspired by “McBryde’s personal path to sobriety and designed as a welcoming space that honors authenticity, connection, and original songwriting,” per a press release.
Redemption Bar is the first of its kind to be located in downtown Nashville.
“When the opportunity to make my mark on Broadway came, I knew I wanted to create a space that champions what’s made a difference in my life; a space that lifts up the brushed aside, and makes sure everyone feels welcome,” McBryde says.
What Inspired Ashley McBryde to Open Redemption Bar
McBryde was inspired to open Redemption Bar from her own experience of wanting to socialize with others, while not imbibing.
“As someone who is three years sober, the typical response to ‘Do you have anything non-alcoholic?’ is either ‘Why did you come to a bar if you aren’t gonna drink?’ or ‘You can have soda water and a lime, I guess,’” McBryde says. “Some of my favorite places to socialize became wildly unaccommodating when the only thing that changed was what was in my cup.
“It was vital that I create a space where not drinking is the forethought – normalized,” she adds. “You can get alcohol drinks in Redemption too, because everyone is welcome.”
McBryde also spoke out about the opening on social meida.
“Broadway’s getting a new kind of bar,” McBryde shares. “It’s called Redemption, and it’s for all of us. Since deciding to live sober, I’ve wanted to create a space that normalizes non-alcoholic options first and is still a real bar. A place where people can connect, unwind, and hear original songs. Redemption is coming soon to the 5th floor of Chief’s. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
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When Will Ashley McBryde’s Redemption Bar Open
McBryde’s Redemption Bar will open on August 28. It will be located on the fifth floor of Chief’s. As with other parts of Church’s popular venue, Redmeption Bar wil also offer live music, especially by talented songwriters. Chief’s is lcoated at 200 Broadway.
Why Did Ashley McBryde Become Sober
McBryde has been vocal about her sobriety, although she initially waited almost a year before announcing she had quietly quit drinking several months prior. On her three-year anniversary, the Grand Ole Opry member shared more details, revealing there was one painful incident, one she refuses to disclose, which became the impetus for her to cut alcohol out of her life.
“Today marks three years. Since my last drink,” McBryde writes. “My last time being ‘that guy’ in my social and professional circles. The last panicked phone call for help. The final slip up that caused the intervention from those that love me and the shift in me allowing me to say ‘that’s enough.’ The details are known by those who are deserving of such painful information. Gratitude is the guiding light today. Grief is okay. A version of me had to die off so I could become myself. I have love for her and every other version of me that had to exist so I could stand by this waterfall today.
“Thank you for the ability to stand here,” she continues. “Celebrating by connecting to Mother Earth was just the kind of party I needed. If you’re struggling , reach out. You aren’t alone and don’t have to be. You’re gonna be delighted at how many of us there are. I love you, keep going.”
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When McBryde announced her sobriety, she said she realized alcohol was only harming her life and career, without providing any real benefits.
“Turns out it was just really detrimental,” McBryde says on Apple Music Country’s Today’s Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen.
“And then when you’re finding out the reasons that you’re going so overboard all the time was because of your inability to feel something that your brain was like, ‘I can’t do it. I can’t do it,'” she recalls. “I’m like, ‘Well, that’s weak. I’m not going to accept that. I’d rather just hurt.’ This morning I was at the boxing gym working out with my coach. We were doing something that was hard, and he said, ‘Are you okay? Do you need a break?’ And I said, ‘I know how to hurt.’
“I do now,” she adds. “I mean, I knew how to hurt before and add extra to it for no reason. And now, when I’m uncomfortable, I say out loud, ‘I know how to be uncomfortable.’”
Photo Credit: Katie Kauss