Carl Radke is defending the name of his new non-alcoholic bar, Soft Bar + Cafe, after “Summer House” fans assumed he was throwing shade at his ex-fiancée, Lindsay Hubbard.
In an exclusive statement to Page Six Tuesday, the reality star said the name was inspired by his European travels, during which he came across several bars that called non-alcoholic drinks “soft cocktails” or “softs.”
“While ‘Soft drinks’ is a term used in the US, it has a different connotation, typically representing soda,” he said.
“I wanted to define a new — and much needed — category and space, having ‘soft drinks’ or ‘softs’ be seen as functional and high quality non [alcoholic] beverages for adults.”
Radke, 39, continued, ”I was sharing this thought during a conversation with my co-founder as we discussed raising the bar in the non-[alcoholic] space, ultimately leading us to the name ‘Soft Bar.’”
The Bravolebrity unveiled the name of his new bar on Instagram Monday, which prompted some fans to accuse him of trolling Hubbard, 37, whom he asked to act “softer” toward him before their split last year.
”Asking Lindsay to be softer to him and opening up a bar named soft. Diabolical honestly,” one fan reacted on X.
“Carl naming his non alcoholic bar ‘Soft Bar’ is one of the most pathetic things the man has done. #SummerHouse,” a second unimpressed user posted.
Several fans shared similar sentiments on TikTok, with one writing, “The bar is a good idea but he’s a d–kwad for calling it Soft.”
Another person added, “Soft was her trigger word
Hubbard, who is now expecting her first child with boyfriend Turner Kufe, previously shot down Radke’s idea of a sober bar in Season 8 of “Summer House.”
“Sorry, I’m gonna have to say no to that one,” she told her then-fiancé at the time.
“Working in the hospitality industry my entire life, representing every single lounge, bar, club, hotel, restaurant … I don’t want that for our future family.”
In June, Radke confirmed he was moving forward with his idea during the “Summer House” Season 8 reunion.
“It feels like my calling,” he gushed. “It’s finally looking at me, and I want to go pursue that.”
According to its Instagram page, Soft Bar + Cafe’s location is coming to Brooklyn, NY, “soon.”
Radke told Page Six they will be having mobile pop-up events in August and into the fall until the permanent spot is open.
