Kava Konnection pours plant beverages to foster a bar environment sans alcohol
Kava, an earthy beverage made from the ground root of the Piper methysticum plant native to the South Pacific, is known to have a calming, anti-anxiety effect without the sensory-numbing characteristics of alcohol. It’s also designed to be enjoyed with others, making it an alternative to alcohol that is growing in popularity.
Co-owner Gabriel Coggins opened South Carolina’s first kava bar, Kava Konnection, in a strip center on Wade Hampton Boulevard. He says it’s a combination of the physical effects and the culture of kava that has driven increased interest and diversity of customers over the last several years.
“Kava culture definitely has trends and has been evolving and growing since we began this journey in 2015,” Coggins says. “For instance, general reception and hesitancy have improved dramatically since we first opened. Even though alcohol culture is quite ingrained, it seems that the tides are changing. More people are becoming receptive to kava as a healthy alternative and more are seeking something different for their night out.”
Sobriety is becoming less of a stigma as popular bars across the country advertise mocktail lists and offer alcohol alternatives. Kava bars take the alcohol-free movement a step further, allowing imbibers to remove the potential temptation and gather with friends who are all drinking non-alcoholic beverages.
Coggins planned the Kava Konnection’s seating and gathering areas to mirror the social element of drinking culture.
“Regarding the environment, we purposefully designed our layout to encourage connection,” he says. “Group seating, bar seat options, and a lack of digital distraction all complement the socializing effects of kava and encourage social interaction. Unlike alcohol bars where things can become more volatile as the night progresses, the nature of kava’s relaxing effects encourages positive interaction and fosters long-lasting connection.”
The kava menu itself is, of course, as important to the overall experience, especially for the growing number of new kava drinkers.
“Being the first and only kava bar in South Carolina has allowed us to define what kava culture means for our state,” Coggins says. “We like to joke that our kava bar is where Southern hospitality meets island vibes. Beyond our welcoming and accepting environment, we pride ourselves on providing an eclectic menu that features kava beverages for all palates. While traditional kava is an earthier taste and generally consumed for the effect versus the flavor, we offer a variety of alcohol-inspired, kava-infused ‘mocktails’ to help bridge the familiarity gap and to introduce new customers to kava.”
New to the Kava Konnection?
- Kava bar staff are trained to provide education, ordering guidance, and quick service.
- Kava is unique in providing a relaxing and socializing effect while maintaining your faculties.
- Kava is praised for its muscle-relaxing and tension-melting properties.
- Kava is non-addictive, which makes it a suitable alternative for those striving to remain sober while still enjoying a relaxing night out.
- Also available are an assortment of herbal teas, kombucha, kratom options, coffee, and non-kava beverages.
Kava Konnection, 150 Wade Hampton Blvd., Suite H, Greenville, 864.568.5550, thekavakonnection.com
Photography by Jack Robert Photography
