Protect Carmel's Dive Bar Legacy

I'm the operator of Sades Cocktails since 1926, the oldest and only true dive bar in Carmel-by-the-Sea. After 10 years working behind the bar, I had the opportunity to purchase it . Now the owner for 7 years and I am still behind the bar!! I’ve poured everything into it— only to watch the new wealthy landlords lie in wait for my lease to run out and force me to close.

This fundraiser is for American traditions and travelers and the hardworking, behind-the-scenes service workers of an elite coastal community. This fundraiser is for the regular folks, the down-to-earth souls, and appreciators of a good dive.

But my wealthy landlords are taking it away from us all! But we can still survive with some help!!!!

The funds along with my savings will be used to relocate, recreate, rebuild, and reappear in the world that doesn’t need another missing piece of history. Sades has survived two world wars and an and a global pandemic — and with everything I have saved (approximately 200k) and whatever you can give I will carry the torch and tradition of Sades into the second hundred years!

the skinny: Carmel only allows for three use permits for bars to operate. These are specific to the location and cannot be moved. So me being forced out means I have no use permit because that stays behind. My Liqour License is owned by me but with nowhere to place it there’s no more SADES. I’ve already hired an attorney to help me legally change the city policy to allow for another drinking establishment.

If I am successful, I’ll then have to rebuild another bar because the one I purchased I have to leave behind which I will get nothing out of…. The landlords are basically stealing my ability to operate for their own personal gain. They did not offer me anything. No ridiculous jacked up rent, no ability to sell my business, simply because they want my use permit (which by crazy city laws is actually theirs.)