NAUGATUCK, Conn. — Every local business tells a story. They’re stories of hard work and dreams realized, and in the case of one shop in Naugatuck, it’s a story of recovery.
3-21 No Kiddin’ at 172 Church Street is home to a growing inventory of over 100 brands and 300 flavors of beverages and functional products.
“It is the first full non-alcoholic and functional drink store and social sober space,” said Bobbie Malatesta, owner of 3-21 No Kiddin’.
The stories inside are shaped by struggle:
"My mom is in recovery for alcoholism,” said Johnna Granton of Naugatuck.
"I used to reach for the bottle at night to unwind to get that anxiety taken away,” said Carly Bartek of Naugatuck.
Along with the drinks, Malatesta also has plenty to share herself: Overcoming addictions to gambling and alcohol.
"Sneaking into Foxwoods at 19 years old,” said Malatesta. "2016 was like a blur. If I wasn't at the casino, I was drinking, vice versa. I would go to the casino, lose all my money, and go to the bar to forget that I lost all my money."
After recovery in rehab, Malatesta found her fresh start in opening 3-21 No Kiddin’.
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“3-21 is my clean date from gambling. 2017,” Malatesta explained. “Once I quit gambling and drinking, I realized the only place you could go without the commotion and activity of kids is bars and casinos. Well, I didn't fit in those places anymore. So 'no kid in.'"
"We all know that problems and addictions are an issue, but I had no idea there was so little as far as people being able to go somewhere,” said Stephanie Fusco of Naugatuck.
In the year since opening, the shop has become a kind of sober haven. Malatesta said she has "zero regrets" and that her journey taught her the tools to communicate with everyone who walks into the shop.
"I feel like my recovery is a rebirth," Malatesta said.
That new life’s mission fills Malatesta’s cup these days, and behind her goals is her mother, Sharon San Angelo, cheering on her daughter’s dreams.
"She's doing a great job. She's Bobbie the Awesome, that's all you can say about her," San Angelo said. "She does a world of good for everybody that meets her.
However, in the business of recovery, the smiles sometimes come with setbacks.
"I'll be honest, this is the most uncomfortable I've been in my entire life," Malatesta said. "I'm used to being able to buy what I want, go where I want, do what I want – and all of that is gone right now. But I can be here from five in the morning until midnight and I'm dancing around singing and playing and happy."
A clean slate also means there is plenty of room on the shelf for success.
Looking forward, Malatesta is launching a membership box to ship nationwide. She also said she’s already decided Netflix will produce a movie about her story one day.
Malatesta also hosts a podcast in which she shares her relationship with both alcohol and gaming in an effort to spread awareness. She talks about her recovery story and invites guests to talk about theirs as well.
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Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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