7 Women Leading the Way and Giving a Safe Night Out

March is Women’s History Month, and this year we know March was full of moments of reflection, celebration, and reminders of the work that still needs to be done.

We want to acknowledge the role so many women have played in the food and beverage industry and their communities over the past year and shine a light on SAFE Bar Network members led or co-led by women.

HandleBar in St. Louis Missouri, a SAFE Bar Network partner, was founded in 2010 by Tatyana Telnikova. Inspired by her biking adventures around St. Louis, the Handlebar is a bicycle-themed bar and nightclub located in the Grove offering local brews, craft cocktails and a variety of food options including Russian-inspired delicacies - an ode to Tatyana's home of Moscow.

Lantern Brewing in Seattle Washington, a SAFE Bar Network partner, is a woman co-owned brewery in North Seattle with a vast love for the world of brewing

Lori Engdahl and her husband Chris are bona fide craft beer brewers - small, independent, locally owned and operated, and they brew authentic, traditional beer with intent, passion, and soul.

Switchyard Brewing in Bloomington, Indiana, a SAFE Bar Network partner, is a woman co-owned brewery founded by Kristin Cummings and her husband Kurtis Cummings in 2014. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Switchyard was born as a startup on the workbench of a two-car garage in Northern Monroe County. They “set out to redefine the brewery experience by producing hand-crafted, flavorful beers alongside a functional co-working environment that encourages other entrepreneurs to create great things.”

One year ago this month, The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, opened their doors in a mission “to make great food, delicious drinks, and provide a space that supports, empowers, and promotes girls and women in sports and in the community.” The female-owned and led bar also features spirits, beer and other beverages created by women on their menu. You can learn more about SAFE Bar Network partner The Sports Bra in a recent conversation with the owner Jenny Nguyen on KCRW Good Food.

Imminent Brewing, in Northfield, Minnesota, a SAFE Bar Network partner, is a woman co-owned brewery. Laura Meyers and her team are focused on community and brewing incredible beer. They strive to maintain a space in which all humans are treated with respect and dignity.

The Wolf Café in St. Louis, Missouri, a SAFE Bar Network partner, is a woman co-owned cafe, music venue and taproom founded by Denise Biribin and her husband Bob in 2012. Celebrating 10 years of business this past year, The Wolf in Ballwin, MO, also recently opened a taproom featuring craft beer and wine. The company’s mission is “to serve people and the planet!”

Watershed Pub and Kitchen in Seattle, Washington, a SAFE Bar Network partner, is a woman co-owned pub. Kelsey Curran and her husband Ben follow in the proud tradition of some of Seattle’s most beloved watering holes, Watershed Pub & Kitchen aims to serve its community well with the finest craft beers, ciders, wines and cocktails and hearty, wholesome meals prepared with great care. All in a uniquely Northwest atmosphere that is rustic yet classy; cozy yet lively.

Even as woman’s history month winds down, there are easy ways to get involved. You can spend time learning the history of women’s rights in America, write a note to a woman who inspires you, and support women-led businesses and organizations like the SAFE Bar Network.

Interested in learning more about the SAFE Bar Network and our work to give everyone a safe night out, sign up for our monthly newsletter here.

The SAFE Bar Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) you can join the team by donating your time, talent, and money to the mission of giving everyone a SAFE Night Out, just click here.

To learn more about joining the SAFE Bar Network visit safebarnetwork.org/join

SAFE Bar Training conversations are simple, manageable, and they work – but you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out these real-life, Everyday Active Bystanders.

To learn more about active bystander skills check out our blog post, Obstacles. What obstacles? 3 Full Proof Everyday Active Bystander Skills.

For information, inspiration, and resources for a more vibrant nightlife, visit 24HourNation.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment our partners can help. Visit MOCSA.org and RAINN.org

To learn more about the field of violence response and prevention visit PreventConnect.org and NSVRC.org