Traditionally, the end of the workday signaled one thing: the need for a drink to unwind and reset for the next day. But now, this ritual is being redefined with the launch of Aftershift, a limited-edition non-alcoholic beer crafted for moments of relaxation, created in collaboration with five renowned chefs: Chris Shepherd, David Chang, Ashley Christensen, Sarah Grueneberg, and Chris Cosentino. This refreshing beer, brewed by Athletic Brewing, aims to support mental health awareness and foster a healthier alternative to traditional post-work alcohol consumption.
Designed for Mental Health Awareness
Released in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Aftershift was created with a purpose beyond just being a delicious beverage. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold will be donated to the Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Chris Shepherd. This foundation provides mental health care and crisis assistance to restaurant workers across the country, an industry often faced with high levels of stress and mental health challenges.
A Refreshing and Low-Calorie Experience
Aftershift is golden in color, brewed with kaffir lime leaves and grapefruit, offering a slightly sour, refreshing taste that makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day. The beer has a low alcohol content of less than 0.5% and only contains 55 calories, making it a light and healthy option for those looking to relax without the effects of alcohol.
The Chefs Behind the Beer
The creation of Aftershift was a collaborative effort between the five chefs, who spent considerable time tasting and refining the recipe through multiple rounds. Rather than working together in person, the chefs communicated their feedback via phone and email, making tweaks to the beer’s flavor profile, including the hop dosage, flavor balance, and finish. Although designed with chefs in mind, the idea behind Aftershift transcends restaurant culture—anyone who has completed a long and tiring task can relate to the need for a relaxing moment.
“A shift can be anything,” says Chris Shepherd. “When you’ve finished something—yard work, a long day, whatever—that moment when you just want to sit down and eat something good. People deserve that personal reward.”
Changing the Culture of Post-Work Relaxation
In the past, winding down after a workday—especially for chefs—often meant heading to a bar for a drink. However, Aftershift reimagines this ritual, offering a healthier and more mindful alternative. Shepherd highlights the challenges faced by those who work late hours, such as chefs, and how alcohol-based rituals may not always be the best option.
“You get off work at midnight or one in the morning, and you go to a bar, have 12 cocktails, and end up alone at home, hot and sweaty,” says Shepherd. “Most people get off work at five and go to bed around 10. But if you get off work at one in the morning, the same five hours of relaxation will put you in bed at six in the morning—now you’re in a bad mood. That’s when you need to talk to someone.”
Aftershift was designed not just to replace alcohol, but to offer a more thoughtful and supportive option for people looking to unwind. Shepherd imagines a shift in how we think about after-work activities, suggesting, “Why can’t we go to a bar and have a midnight kickball game? Isn’t that normal?”
Supporting Mental Health in the Restaurant Industry
In 2020, Shepherd helped launch Behind You, a program through the Southern Smoke Foundation that offers free mental health care to restaurant workers in more than 10 states and Washington, D.C. The program provides up to 20 therapy sessions per person in partnership with university psychology departments.
“We started this brand because people didn’t have anything to turn to—alone, nervous, at six in the morning, with nowhere to go,” Shepherd says. “This beer isn’t going to solve that problem, but it’s part of the shift.”
Supporting the Cause
As part of the effort to address mental health in the restaurant industry, $50,000 of Aftershift sales will directly support the Southern Smoke Foundation. Shepherd believes that creating better rituals and support systems is the key to making lasting changes. “For some reason, people listen to chefs,” he explains. “When you have a team that can really stand behind great food, and it’s from a brand that people trust, it’s a no-brainer.”
A Limited Edition Experience
Aftershift is available exclusively on the Athletic Brewing website, while supplies last. This limited-edition beer is not only about providing a refreshing drink but also about changing the way we view after-work relaxation. With a focus on mental health, community, and support, Aftershift is more than just a beverage—it’s a step toward changing the culture of post-work rituals for the better.
Related topics: