As Russia launched what appears to be a full scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine this week, one Las Vegas eatery has decided to fire shots of its own kind.
Vodka shots, that is.
Evel Pie in downtown Las Vegas is boycotting Russian made vodka and is replenishing its stock with spirits sourced from Ukraine.
Starting Saturday, the Evel Knievel-themed venue at 508 E. Fremont St., will sell $5 “F@ck Putin” shots, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, according to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
That’s in addition to the bar staff pouring out the remainder of its Russian vodka when it opens at 11 a.m. Saturday, managing partner Branden Powers said.
He’s calling on bar owners globally to follow suit to express solidarity on behalf of the restaurant industry.
“Our focus first and foremost is helping the Ukrainian people,” Powers said. “Second, trying to make it not so much focus on the good Russian people and the Russian citizens that are obviously a great part of our community here in Las Vegas, but focusing on Putin and seeing if there’s a way for the international community and businesses and bars and restaurants and do something that could send a message.”
As for which specific entities will receive the proceeds, Powers and the bar’s co-owners decided on the International Committee of the Red Cross, he said. But if they’re able to find a Ukrainian-based charity, they’ll look into donating funds there as well.
“We’re really trying to find orphanages or children, charities or things so for the money that we do collect, it can get in the right hands and to the Ukrainian people,” Powers said.
Replacing the Russian brands they had in stock, Evel Pie will instead serve Nemiroff’s honey pepper-flavored vodka, Powers said. The brand was established in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but production dates back to 1872, according to its website.
“It’s really smooth and flavorful,” Powers said, adding that ownership will look into serving other flavors and other Ukrainian spirits in the coming weeks. “We will continue to offer this as long as there’s a need, and as long as Putin illegally occupies the Ukraine.”
Until then, Powers — who also co-owns Golden Tiki near Spring Mountain Road and Valley View Boulevard — hopes fellow restaurateurs will follow suit in trying to send a message, one shot at a time.
“It has no place in the world we live in,” Powers said of Putin’s aggression. “So he needs to be gone. Russian soldiers need to put down their weapons and withdraw.
“I mean, I’m just a pizza guy. I’m not here to give military advice, but the whole thing is ludicrous.”