In March 2023, a new type of business and gathering spot emerged on the nightlife scene in Thunder Bay, and it is still hopping today. This hot spot gained attention not just for the good vibes and coffee and snacks, but also for its mission and patrons. The business started with the name Howl at the Moon: The Dry Saloon. The late-night coffee shop quickly shortened its name to Howl at the Moon and has become a safe space for people living sober lifestyles to socialize.
“I decided that I wanted to create a space where people could come together in recovery and celebrate that recovery,” said Jody Loos, founder of Howl at the Moon. “[Having a place like this] helps people to really have a better chance at succeeding.”
Thriving in sobriety is a wonderful achievement, but Loos knows, as someone who worked in the bar scene in Thunder Bay for years, that it can also be lonely.
After quietly becoming sober himself, Loos continued bartending as a profession and helped community members who came to him for support. “For the first time in my life, I was now sober, but I was still bartending,” said Loos. “I was really tired of losing my friends. It was like I was doing harm reduction from behind the bar. People came to me who didn’t have the resources to get sober. They didn’t know where to start, and they didn’t know anyone who was sober.”
Loos continued to do this for six more years, but he also continued to see friends relapse. After noticing several people falling off the wagon because they missed the camaraderie of local bars, Loos got the idea to create a space where sober individuals could be around others and participate in fun activities, but without the temptation of alcohol. In January 2023, a space became available for rent, and the rest is history.
Howl at the Moon sells fresh coffee, local tea, soft drinks, and bar snacks such as hot dogs, onion rings, chips, and chocolate bars. The decor includes a disco ball, big-screen TVs, and original artwork in a makeshift gallery for artists in recovery. The space has a capacity of 75 to 80 people, and it can sometimes get that full.
There are often events that draw in not only people in recovery, but also those who are sober-curious. Karaoke, comedy shows, live bands, drag shows, game nights, sharing circles, movie nights, trivia nights, and video game nights are just some of the options available. Howl at the Moon’s Facebook page often has updates about new activities and events. “It feeds my spirit to see that transition for people. It’s teaching people how to party sober,” said Loos.
Howl at the Moon, or just “Howl” for the regulars, is a passion project for Loos and the others who keep it going. “Dedicated volunteers help make this work,” said Loos. Looking ahead, Loos is providing remote Howl at the Moon events in rural communities. He also does consulting work for cities and businesses outside Thunder Bay.
“Some words to describe Howl at the Moon are compassion, healing, community, sobriety, wellness, and growth. They all go hand in hand with what we’re trying to do here,” said Loos. “The most rewarding part of this is to see people thrive in their recoveries and showing them what they can do sober. I’m sick of going to funerals and losing people to addiction.”
Howl at the Moon is located at 8 Cumberland Street South in Thunder Bay. Loos also records a podcast related to wellbriety and sobriety that can be found at ratracepodcast.com.
Jody Loos can be contacted about Howl at the Moon event ideas, or even just to talk sobriety, at [email protected].
