Sipeos Café & Bar, located at 126 Broadway Lane in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza, will open its doors on November 30, 2024, offering a fresh approach to all-day dining. Emphasizing a plant-forward California-Mediterranean menu, seasonal ingredients, and a thoughtfully crafted selection of zero-proof and low-ABV cocktails, Sipeos offers a refreshing retreat focused on wellness and community. Originally launched as an e-commerce platform featuring a curated selection of non-alcoholic beverage brands, founders Hetal and Dhruma Shah— Walnut Creek residents who embraced an alcohol-free lifestyle — saw an opportunity to create a hospitality experience where everyone can gather and enjoy vibrant, health-forward options.
With 70 seats, including a pet-friendly outdoor patio, Sipeos will provide a welcoming space for health-minded diners to enjoy a communal and social atmosphere. Sipeos is now making waves in Walnut Creek with its seasonal, plant-forward California-Mediterranean menu, featuring fresh mezzes, crisp salads, house-made flatbreads, and grilled skewers. By crafting an inclusive bar program that features a diverse range of zero-proof and low-ABV handcrafted cocktails, alongside beer and wine, Sipeos solidifies its role as an innovative player in the beverage industry, recognizing that guests want options in how they celebrate.
"We wanted to create a welcoming space where people can gather, celebrate, and enjoy thoughtfully crafted food and beverages," said co-founder Hetal Shah. "With a growing interest in diverse drink options, we're proud to offer an inclusive environment that caters to everyone, providing innovative, flavorful alternatives to traditional cocktails."
Sipeos embraces the growing movement among both millennials and Gen Z toward reduced alcohol consumption for personal and health reasons. A 2023 report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) revealed that 35% of young adults aged 18-24 now identify as non-drinkers. In addition to Gen Z, millennials—now in their 30s and 40s—are significantly driving this shift. According to the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR), 61% of non-alcoholic beer consumers in the U.S. in April 2024 were millennials, a notable increase from 45% the previous year.
This change is driven by various factors: people are more health-conscious, recognizing benefits like better sleep, improved mood, and increased energy. Others are cutting back on alcohol to adopt a 'sober curious' lifestyle or simply because there are more high-quality non-alcoholic options available today. Sipeos embraces this movement by offering an inclusive space where guests can enjoy flavorful, sophisticated drinks and dishes without sacrificing wellness or enjoyment.
"Our mission is to redefine social experiences while striving for a balanced lifestyle, offering flavorful NA drinks and a health-forward approach to dining,” added Dhruma Shah. “We believe that everyone should feel included in those moments of celebration."
A Fresh Take on Flavor and Wellness
The plant-forward menu at Sipeos Café & Bar, featuring California Mediterranean flavors, was thoughtfully curated in collaboration with Blair Warsham, a seasoned restaurant industry expert known for creating San Francisco's renowned Wildseed, among other establishments. It features nutrient-rich dishes like the Large Mezze Plate, which includes dip options such as Tuscan White Bean Hummus, rich in fiber and protein, Whipped Feta with tangerine burnt honey, and antioxidant-packed Charred Eggplant with roasted garlic—all served with multi-grain flatbread and fresh, seasonal vegetables. House-made Pinsa Flatbreads, such as the Smoky Margarita and Shawarma Spiced Cauliflower, incorporate hyper seasonal and organic ingredients, while Grilled Skewers offer a balanced, plant-based approach with options like Impossible Kefta and Zhug Slathered Eggplant, providing protein-rich and heart-healthy alternatives to traditional meat dishes.
The bar team worked with West Bev Consulting to create a program that emphasizes refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails, including options like the Pepper Shandy, a blend of Pomegranate and Pink Peppercorn Syrup with NA Kolsch, and the New-Groni, a reimagined non-alcoholic version of the classic Negroni. Sipeos’ beverage offerings reflect their dedication to elevating the NA scene while maintaining a commitment to balance, wellness, and inclusivity.
A Design Rooted in Wellness and Warmth
The design of Sipeos Café & Bar was brought to life in collaboration with ROY, the San Francisco-based design studio known for creating unexpected spaces that cultivate hospitality. The design draws inspiration from Sipeos' mission to promote a holistic, wellness-focused lifestyle. Elements of traditional wellness practices influenced the color palette and textures, creating a serene, inviting atmosphere. The space seamlessly integrates natural materials, such as warm wooden elements on the storefront, to offer a distinct retreat within the bustling mall setting. The layered storytelling in the design fosters a sense of community and self-care, perfectly complementing Sipeos' commitment to balance and inclusivity.
Image courtesy of af&co.
