A sober bar manager in Ann Arbor is redefining what zero‑proof cocktails can be.

In this episode, my colleague April Baer talks with Max Schikora of Echelon Kitchen and Bar about his path to sobriety, the pressures of bar culture, and how he’s crafting some of Michigan’s most thoughtful spirit‑free drinks. 

Max’s story is also a window into a broader shift. More people in the service industry are choosing sobriety, and more restaurants are making space for them. At Echelon, Max helps lead a weekly Ben’s Friends meeting, part of a national support network for hospitality workers navigating addiction and recovery.

He also walked April through one of his favorite creations: a roasted beet cocktail that’s earthy, bright, and built from kitchen scraps that would otherwise be tossed. It’s a drink that captures his philosophy: nothing wasted, everything intentional.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or use Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained counselor.
Find The Dish's suggestion form here, or email us at TheDish@MichiganPublic.org

A sober bar manager in Ann Arbor is redefining what zero‑proof cocktails can be.
In this episode, my colleague April Baer talks with Max Schikora of Echelon Kitchen and Bar about his path to sobriety, the pressures of bar culture, and how he&rsquo;s crafting some of Michigan&rsquo;s most thoughtful spirit‑free drinks.&nbsp;
Max&rsquo;s story is also a window into a broader shift. More people in the service industry are choosing sobriety, and more restaurants are making space for them. At Echelon, Max helps lead a weekly <a href="https://www.bensfriendshope.com/">Ben&rsquo;s Friends</a> meeting, part of a national support network for hospitality workers navigating addiction and recovery.
He also walked April through one of his favorite creations: a roasted beet cocktail that&rsquo;s earthy, bright, and built from kitchen scraps that would otherwise be tossed. It&rsquo;s a drink that captures his philosophy: nothing wasted, everything intentional.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or use<a href="https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/crisis-and-access-line?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=fy26_awareness&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22452851230&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA9Yl-LVTfMu7e8H-WIE9ebIuHHjyM&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAj8LLBhAkEiwAJjbY7yNLfmt6p777UprfDRltTqNw8T2SAv_KUIV84WGXyxoFqj3PtRLZ3RoC-TUQAvD_BwE"> Lifeline Chat </a>to connect with a trained counselor.
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<li><a href="https://forms.fillout.com/t/fRKCYeDpUJus">Find The Dish's suggestion form here</a>, or email us at <a href="mailto:TheDish@MichiganPublic.org">TheDish@MichiganPublic.org</a></li>
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The Dish, hosted by Mercedes Mejia, brings you behind the scenes with Michigan’s most inspiring chefs and culinary talents. Learn how food connects these chefs to their cultures, and strengthens our communities, one dish at a time.

Support our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

The Dish, hosted by Mercedes Mejia, brings you behind the scenes with Michigan’s most inspiring chefs and culinary talents. Learn how food connects these chefs to their cultures, and strengthens our communities, one dish at a time.
Support our work: <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

The Dish, hosted by Mercedes Mejia, brings you behind the scenes with Michigan’s most inspiring chefs and culinary talents. 