Saskatoon restaurant owners are adapting to shifting consumer habits by embracing non-alcoholic beverages, turning what was once an afterthought into a creative and intentional part of their business. As national alcohol sales continue to decline, these entrepreneurs are finding new ways to cater to health-conscious customers and those seeking social experiences without the buzz.
Loqui's Evolution in Non-Alcoholic Offerings
When Loqui, a trendy restaurant in Saskatoon's Riversdale neighborhood, first opened its doors in June 2024, its menu featured juice-based mocktails. However, co-owner and operator Jackson Skalicky quickly realized the need for a more sophisticated selection. Today, Loqui offers four non-alcoholic cocktails, including house-made ingredients like Tajín lychee syrup and Mexican horchata, which takes two days to prepare. The bar also stocks zero-proof gin and sparkling wine, along with a rotating selection of non-alcoholic beers.
Skalicky noted that the shift was driven by increased demand from health-conscious patrons, many of whom are attracted to the restaurant's vegan options. “There has been a shift from the beginning, and we quickly learned that we needed to make sure we had options available,” he said. The non-alcoholic beverages are now viewed as an extension of the food menu, with careful thought put into each drink.
National Trends in Alcohol Consumption
Statistics Canada data released in March reveals a significant downturn in alcohol sales. Federal and provincial government revenue from alcohol control and sales fell by four percent in the 2024-25 fiscal year, totaling $13.1 billion—a decrease of nearly $570 million, the largest annual drop since tracking began in 2004-05. Retail sales also declined by nearly two percent, despite a two percent increase in prices. On average, Canadians of legal drinking age purchased eight standard alcoholic beverages per week in 2024-25, down from 8.7 the previous year and 9.7 a decade ago.
Blackrose Whiskey Club's Approach
Derrell Hrynchyshyn, owner of Saskatoon's Blackrose Whiskey Club, anticipated this shift when he opened his downtown bar and restaurant in 2023. “A lot of my research and planning was pointing toward that shift in demographics where people were drinking less,” he said. Despite being a whiskey bar with about 500 unique bottles of spirits, Hrynchyshyn ensures non-drinkers have reasons to visit. The bar stocks non-intoxicating spirits that replicate classic cocktails, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience alongside friends.
Creative Mocktails and Zero-Proof Options
Both Loqui and Blackrose Whiskey Club emphasize creativity in their non-alcoholic menus. At Loqui, staff prepare syrups and infusions from scratch, while Blackrose offers a range of zero-proof alternatives that mimic the complexity of traditional cocktails. These efforts reflect a broader trend in the restaurant industry, where non-alcoholic beverages are no longer an afterthought but a key part of the dining experience.
As more Canadians choose to drink less, Saskatoon's restaurateurs are proving that innovation and adaptability are essential for staying relevant in a changing market.
