Former red sox pitcher turned bar owner exposes challenges faced by hospitality amid dry January

As Dry January takes hold, promising a fresh start for many embracing a booze-free month, one bar owner shares the flip side of the sobriety trend. Pat Light, former Red Sox MLB Pitcher turned proprietor of seven bars in Hoboken, New Jersey, recently took to TikTok to shed light on the unexpected impact of Dry January on the hospitality industry.

In a viral video, Pat disclosed the challenges faced by his establishments, emphasizing the typically sluggish week that follows the festive season. Despite being situated in the bustling town of Hoboken, Pat expressed the unprecedented struggle, stating that one of his bars experienced a day of ‘zero dollars in sales’ on 2nd January.

While Pat acknowledged that the day was not typical and his bars usually perform well, the revelation caught both him and TikTok users off guard. Over 700 comments flooded the post, reflecting on the surprising downturn during Dry January.

“There’s a big sobriety movement, and I’m here for it. As someone who doesn’t drink, offer mocktails,” suggested one commenter, highlighting the potential for non-alcoholic alternatives.

Another commenter recognized the broader economic context, stating, “January is a slow time for all businesses due to people spending a lot during the holidays.”

Taking a proactive approach, a third commenter recommended, “Great time to give the staff some time off from the busiest time of the year. Deep clean, do the floors, repairs.”

The conversation also touched on diversifying offerings, with a suggestion to “Offer more non-alcoholic drinks, they don’t need to be boring. Make them look as good as a regular drink in a nice glass and garnish it.”

As Dry January continues, Pat Light’s revelation offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by bar owners navigating the traditionally slow post-holiday period.