Cherrity Bar, San Antonio’s first philanthropic hangout, 302 Montana St., throws its official grand opening party 5 p.m. to midnight Friday. The event also marks the official opening of the Ramen Bar at The Cherrity Bar, a kitchen run by local chef Michael Sohocki, owner of Restaurant Gwendolyn and Kimura.
The East Side bar, located next to the Alamodome, opened in April as a new concept for the San Antonio happy hour and nightlife seen: philanthropy through tippling. The brainchild of owner David Malley, Cherrity Bar donates all proceeds to three San Antonio nonprofits that rotate every month. When people purchase a beverage, or spend $10 or more at the Ramen Bar, they’re given a token and can then use to vote for one of the three nonprofits. The organization with the most votes receive 60 percent of the proceeds, but the other nonprofits get a slice of the profits, as well. This month the charities are Habitat for Humanity, Haven for Hope and San Antonio Pets Alive!
For owners David and Pam Malley, who own a commercial property maintenance company, the bar is six years in the making.
Cherrity Bar was partially inspired by Malley’s son, Connor, who has Tourette syndrome. Ten percent of the proceeds also benefit the Tourette Association of America, in honor of Connor. While Malley had already been working on opening the bar, the idea for the charity model came later in the process after learning about three others like it in the U.S. such as the OKRA Charity Saloon in Houston. With the support of his wife, he went for it.
“It’s become my baby and I’m so happy it’s finally coming to the last stages,” Malley said.
Nonprofits interested in the opportunity to win proceeds from Cherrity Bar can apply online at cherritybar.com. Monthly reports that show how the profits are dispersed will soon be available on the website, Malley said.
“Any nonprofit can get their word out,” he said.
The grand opening will feature live music, lawn games and a ribbon cutting and remarks by District 2 Councilman William “Cruz” Shaw.
Featured photo: Bartender Bruce Martin makes a Haven for Cherry (cherry vodka, cherry juice, lime juice and Sprite), which is the Cherrity Bar’s cocktail for Haven for Hope. Photo by Ben Olivo | San Antonio Heron