The story behind ChillMaps
I'm Tim Katzgrau. I got sober, kept a list of NA-friendly places on my phone, and turned it into the largest non-alcoholic drink finder in the country. This is how it happened.
2022
At the age of 25 I almost died. I drank every day for 5 years and eventually acute pancreatitis and liver failure landed me in the Tampa General ICU for what seemed like an eternity.
The doctor said the only thing that saved me was that I was so young.
Unsurprisingly, I wanted nothing to do with alcohol ever again. But it's everywhere. The world revolves around it and there is a stigma around not drinking, so what would I do?
2023
I kept a list on my phone of all the places that served NA options near me so I could blend in with the “normal people”. Over time, this list expanded beyond what was manageable on my phone. Using my background in web development, I made it into a website, filterable, and began working with brands to add more drinks and options.
It was a tool for myself originally, but I decided to share it with r/NABeer on Reddit. The community was about 800 people back then. I run it now, and it has grown past 20,000 members. The site exploded with users and feedback, and I realized I was on to something worth running with.
2024
The iPhone and Android apps launched. What started as a phone list became a nationwide resource with thousands of users. Venues started reaching out to update their listings, brands wanted to be included, and users sent emails every day saying how much it helped them.
August 2024
Running the site and apps was costing over $1,200 a month out of my own pocket, and I couldn't keep funding it alone. I had two options:
shut it down, or completely change my life.
I chose the second one. I sold everything I owned, left the U.S., and went all in. No investors, no team, no safety net. I've worked on it every single day since, building from wherever I have wifi and trying a lot of international NA beers along the way.
2025
The community stepped up. Supporter subscriptions now keep the lights on and the data fresh. What started as a solo side project is sustained by the people who use it every day.
If you can't afford it, email me and I'll cover it, no questions asked.
2026
Expanded into THC beverages, mocktails, NA wine, NA spirits, and NA beer. One place to find it all. NA Beer Finder, now ChillMaps, is no longer just a beer finder. It's a full directory of alcohol alternatives.
ChillMaps is built and maintained by one person. Subscriber support covers the servers, keeps the data up to date, and funds new features. If this tool has helped you, consider subscribing.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Whether you're a venue owner, a brand, or just someone looking for better options, I'd love to hear from you.
tim@chillmaps.com