In the summer of 2023, the North Shore’s first non-alcoholic (NA) bottle shop was nestled in Abby Tofte’s art and gift store, The Big Lake, in Grand Marais. Aptly named Lady Superior Bottle Shop, the store has quickly become a staple for locals and visitors who are looking for a place to purchase NA and THC/CBD beverages, and for those searching for a community that doesn’t focus on alcohol.
Tofte, who has been sober since early 2021, thought about starting Lady Superior after visiting Marigold, an NA bottle shop with locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. There, she was able to try a variety of different NA beverages which is something she hadn’t been able to do before. Additionally, she was looking for a place to build community with others who didn’t drink. While there is a growing trend of people who have gone completely sober or significantly decreased their alcohol consumption, some stigma against being sober exists. “There aren’t many communities for those who don’t drink but fall outside of alcoholic support groups. For those who still actively drink alcohol but want to partake in some NA options, or who are ‘sober curious’,” she said.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Tofte said that after the shop opened, many people shared that they too, were sober or had significantly cut back on drinking, but didn’t know of others like them. People would also come from places like Duluth, to stock up on NA beverages and find community at a place that doesn’t revolve around alcohol. “I knew there was a need in the community for something like Lady Superior, but I didn’t know at what level,” she added.
Tofte started thinking about expansion—something she always hoped would be an option. That reality came to fruition when the store space (formerly the Gunflint Mercantile) next to The Big Lake became available. She purchased that portion of the building and immediately began creating an official home for Lady Superior Bottle Shop. Along with NA and THC/CBD beverages, she also sells hand-curated souvenirs, gifts, and provisions to “commemorate a northern escape” in what she calls Harbortown Goods.
The space opened in May 2024, and consists of Harbortown Goods in one part of the store, and Lady Superior in the other. A small bar sits in the back, open Friday and Saturday evenings, where Abby and her team of knowledgeable, excited, and not-all-sober staff provide tasting flights of NA and THC/CBD drinks, as well as full pours. Customers can even purchase a can from the floor and enjoy it at the bar or in-store during tasting events. “The tastings have been popular for both visitors and locals. We even have locals who bring visiting friends and family to try different drinks and enjoy an evening out in a non-alcoholic setting,” she said. “We’ve started switching up the tasting menu every couple of weeks so repeat customers can continue trying new items,” she added.
Since opening in the new location, Tofte has noticed that a solid community has formed – something that she found surprising. “People come in and tell us they feel welcome and seen. I can’t even count on one hand how many have come in emotional because they find being in a space that doesn’t revolve around alcohol so validating. It’s something I’ve never seen in other retail locations before.”
Tofte created Lady Superior to be a safe space to ask questions in a non-judgmental setting—whether that’s about NA cocktails, wine or beer, zero-proof spirits, or THC/CBD beverages. “Many of our customers (and some employees) still drink alcohol and don’t plan on stopping. But some are curious about THC/CBD beverages, or others want to cut back on how often they drink alcohol and are looking for NA alternatives. This is a place where they can come and not be shamed for drinking (or not drinking) and get their questions answered.”
Two months after opening Tofte is already thinking about what the next year will bring. First, Abby and her team are planning to reimagine the bar area, due to the overwhelming popularity of tasting events. Along with that, Tofte hopes to start offering classes, such as how to make delicious non-alcoholic cocktails or mixed drinks.
On October 5, Lady Superior will be hosting Dana Thompson, co-creator of the Minneapolis-based restaurant Owamni, who recently created Heti (which means “Home” in the Dakota language), which are “low-dose THC drinks created to give you a sense of place by celebrating the plants around us.” Thompson will be joined by Dawn Droulliard, former Chef of Fabulous Catering, and founder of Buzz Oils, which are THC-finishing oils. Thompson and Droulliard co-founded The Modern Indigenous, which “pushes the boundaries of pre-colonial ingredients and highlights indigenous foods in a fresh and modern way with an emphasis on health and wellness.” They will both be offering samples of Heti and Buzz Oils at the event.
Other planned events revolve around “Sober October,” a 31-day personal challenge to give up alcohol, similar to “Dry January”, where weekly meetings will be held in the space, as well as a book group. “These meetings are for anyone who wants to find community in an alcohol-free space. People don’t have to be completely sober to partake.”
Lady Superior will also be serving NA and THC beverages at North House Folk School’s Unplugged concerts on September 19 & 20.
Find Lady Superior Bottle Shop at 12 1st Ave W. in Grand Marais. Learn more about Lady Superior Bottle Shop on Instagram at: instagram.com/ladysuperiorbottleshop.