Ian and Carly Blessing are known in the alcohol-free world as two of the kindest and most genuine people around. They’ve built a business from the ground up doing what they love—offering great tasting beverages with perfectly balanced flavors—while keeping family and community at the forefront. The rapid growth of All The Bitter, their alcohol-free bitters brand, can be attributed to their flavorful line of products, now ubiquitous in the world of alcohol-free mixology; their background as sommeliers at one of the world’s top restaurants; and their very real and personal approach as stewards of the alcohol-free world. AFTER’s editor-in-chief, Nicole Pietrandrea Hough, sits down with Ian and Carly to learn more about their story and all the latest happenings at the brand new All The Bitter Zero Proof Market and Lounge in Chico, California.

Nicole Pietrandrea Hough for AFTER Magazine: Welcome Carly and Ian. I’m so thrilled to be here with you both. I’m a big fan of All The Bitter!

Ian and Carly Blessing, co-founders, All The Bitter: Thank you for having us!

Nicole: You’re welcome! You have a really transformative story. I’d love to start with a quick overview for anyone who doesn’t already know it. How did you get started on this journey?

Ian: Carly and I met almost nine years ago when we were both working at The French Laundry [in Napa, California]. I had started as a new, scared, food runner and Carly had already been there for a couple of years and was training me. One thing led to another, we fell in love and had kids. And that led us to quit drinking…

Carly: …well a lot happened in between…