Sarah Oak Kim Builds Community Through Our Bar Atl
In a city renowned for its rapidly evolving nightlife, Sarah Oak Kim’s journey stands apart—not because she pursues fleeting trends, but because she fosters enduring connection. Her dedication during the pandemic and her commitment to Atlanta’s Historic Martin Luther King Jr. District have reshaped Our Bar ATL into more than a drinking establishment; it has become a trusted neighborhood presence.
From bartending at age 18 to co-owning one of Atlanta’s expanding local bars, Kim has spent years understanding what draws people repeatedly to a space. That insight guided her decision to launch Our Bar ATL with business partner Feze Mentus, designing an environment centered on belonging rather than popularity.
Kim opened Our Bar ATL on March 1, 2020, only to encounter an exceptionally difficult start for any new venture. Just two weeks afterward, the COVID-19 shutdown compelled businesses nationwide to suspend operations.
“It was definitely one of the biggest challenges we faced,” Kim said.
The pandemic marked just the initial hurdle. The owners also navigated financial strain, staffing gaps, permit and licensing complications, public safety matters, and the complexities of converting an empty space into a fully functioning local bar.
Despite these difficulties, Kim maintained that consistent effort toward cultivating the right environment would ultimately yield results.
“I realized that you can curate something special if you put a lot of effort into it,” she said.
Today, Our Bar ATL has evolved into a recognized gathering spot within Atlanta’s nightlife landscape. Although the business operates mainly during evening hours, Kim emphasized that surpassing the city’s most fashionable venues was never the aim.
“We’re not trying to be the trendiest place in Atlanta,” she said. “People come back because it feels good, and it’s genuine.”
Mentus, who first met Kim in 2016 while working security, later joined her as business partner and co-owner. He noted that sustaining the business through its formative years has always remained something they value deeply.“It’s a privilege and rare opportunity to remain here,” Mentus said. “Many businesses assume paying rent grants them belonging, but that isn’t always true. Most of our achievements stem from local community members, which guides how we define progress.”
According to Mentus, that community involves longtime residents, visitors, neighboring businesses, and even individuals facing hardship who frequent the area. Cultivating connections with these people matters just as much as providing beverages.
The site itself holds distinctive significance. Our Bar ATL occupies Atlanta’s historic Martin Luther King Jr. District, a detail Kim notes as a reminder that the business should enrich the neighborhood.
“I like to believe Dr. King would feel pleased that a place like Our Bar ATL exists in his area,” Kim said. “I hope he’d admire our efforts on behalf of the community.”
Even the interior layout reflects the owners’ outlook. Rather than positioning the bar along a wall, it stands at the room’s center.
“The bar acts as the space’s focal point,” Kim said. “It unites everyone.”
This spirit of connection continues to shape the business. What began as an aspiration during years in hospitality has evolved into a neighborhood hub where regulars recognize one another and visitors quickly feel at ease.
As Our Bar ATL gains broader recognition, Kim and Mentus stay committed to their original purpose: building an authentic neighborhood dive bar celebrated for outstanding hospitality, strong service, and an inviting environment. Their journey illustrates how persistence, community backing, and genuineness can matter as much as any formal strategy.
TAGS#
- Our Bar ATL
- Atlanta Small Business
- Entrepreneurship
References
Linked Sources
Source #1
Headline/Title: Our Bar ATL Official Website
Hyperlink: OurBarAtl
Source #2
Headline/Title: Our Bar ATL Instagram
Hyperlink: OurBarAtl