BOB APPETITE –
Jan. 19, 2026 – Drinking and the service industry have long been tightly linked — a reward after a double shift, a ritual woven into late nights and a balm that cements relationships. For many, consuming alcohol isn’t so much a choice as it is part of the culture, where the end of the day is marked by the first shot poured. For some, that consumption can swell into something that touches everyone around them.
Though the journey toward sobriety rarely follows a straight line, in Richmond, a subtle shift is underway as more food and beverage workers question habits that once felt immovable. Together, these accounts from local service industry employees offer a glimpse into a world where people are redefining their relationships with alcohol, and a community learning that stepping away doesn’t mean standing alone.
