Kava in the News

Member Spotlight: David Kovatch, CEO & Founder

The Sacred Vortex in Cleveland, Ohio

What inspired you to open your kava bar?

My own healing journey inspired it. I’ve been on a sobriety and healing path for over 12 years, and one of the hardest parts wasn’t just giving up alcohol—it was finding a place where I still felt like I belonged. So much of our culture revolves around drinking. I wanted to create a space where people could experience connection, music, laughter, and authentic community without alcohol. That’s why I opened the first kavas bar in Ohio. Sacred Vortex isn’t just a business—it’s a home for people who want to heal, grow, and be accepted exactly as they are.

What part of running a kava bar feels most meaningful to you?

Watching people transform. I’ve seen strangers become family, people in recovery find hope again, and individuals who felt isolated discover a genuine sense of belonging. Those moments remind me why we’re here. Through Sacred Vortex and MOSHI, we’re building something much bigger than a place to grab a drink—we’re building a community where healing happens naturally through connection.


How do you find balance between running a kava bar and your personal life?

It’s definitely a challenge because this isn’t just my career—it’s my calling. I have to intentionally create time to recharge, stay connected to my own spiritual practices, spend time with the people I love, and remember that I can’t pour into others if my own cup is empty. Balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about staying grounded so I can continue serving my community from a healthy place.


What’s one thing you wish more people understood about kava culture?

That it’s not about replacing alcohol with another substance—it’s about replacing isolation with connection. The heart of kava culture is slowing down, having meaningful conversations, supporting one another, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. The drink is simply a catalyst. The real magic is the community that forms around it.


What do you hope to see in the future of kava culture?

I hope kava bars become as common as coffee shops and are recognized as places where people can gather without the pressure to drink alcohol. I’d love to see more communities embracing alcohol-free social spaces and realizing that fun, celebration, and deep connection don’t require intoxication. My hope is that kava culture continues to evolve as a movement centered on wellness, inclusion, and authentic human connection—because I truly believe the world needs more places where people feel safe to simply be themselves.

Interested in being featured in our newsletter? Email info@kavacoalition.org.

Blog: Kava Bars as the New Third Space by Douglas La Rose

As more Americans seek meaningful ways to connect beyond home and work, kava bars are emerging as modern "third spaces"—welcoming environments centered on conversation, community, and mindful socializing rather than alcohol. Drawing on the Pacific Islands' rich tradition of sharing kava, these spaces offer a calm, inclusive alternative where people can relax, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging. In an era marked by increasing loneliness and social isolation, kava bars are helping redefine what modern community gathering places can look like: places where people can slow down, connect, and simply be present together. 

Video: Kava's Regulatory Journey - Insights from Dr. Mathias Schmidt

Last Call: University of Florida Kava Survey

An independent research survey evaluating the consumption of Kava products, conducted by Dr. Oliver Grundmann at the University of Florida, is now open.

 

If you currently consume kava or have consumed it in the past, you’re invited to participate.

 

The survey will focus primarily on the benefits of kava. The data generated will support Kava Coalition efforts. The survey will not close until the end of August.

Upcoming Events

Kava Coalition Monthly Member Call

Wednesday, August 26 @ 1:30 p.m. PST/4:30 p.m. EST


We are relaunching the bi-weekly standup call on August 26. We hope you can join us.


Email info@kavacoalition.org to attend.

 

Kava Bar United Voices Forum

September TBD


The Kava Bar United Voices Forum is a national network for kava bar owners and operators committed to protecting and strengthening the future of kava bars across the United States.


Kava Summit

Spring 2027



Learn more about the summit and sponsorship opportunities here.

For more upcoming events, visit kavacoalition.org/calendar.

Visit our website at kavacoalition.org

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