About Us
We are Greenville’s first and only Kava Bar. Established in 2015, The Kava Konnection was bred out of a need for community, connection, and an alcohol-free social night scene. With beverages ranging from kava, prepared in traditional South Pacific methods, to tasty kava based mocktails, draft kombucha and nitro coffee, and, last but not least, therapeutic herbal teas. We pride ourselves on being South Carolina’s only kava bar and on being one of the few non-alcoholic late night social establishments in the Upstate. Community is key here at The Kava Konnection and, in turn, we offer a wide variety of social-driven events including Open Mic Poetry, Adult Coloring Night, Yoga Night, Movie Night, and even “Kavaoke”. Whether it is your first time trying kava or you are a seasoned kava connoisseur, our “kavatenders” will ensure you have a wonderful experience.
We can’t wait to have you visit and to see firsthand how kava is helping the Upstate relax one shell at a time!
"A shell of kava a day, keeps the blues away" Photo: Adil Alsulhaim
Connection
This is what it's all about
While kava is what brought owners, Gabriel and Debbie Coggins, into the business of owning a kava bar, the core motives were much deeper. Gabriel, 26, discovered the therapeutic effects of kava after finding sobriety in 2011. At the time, he was working alongside his mom, Debbie, at a local health food store. Being newly sober came with a slew of hurdles including social anxiety, sleep issues, and, on a more personal level, the absence of a safe social nightlife scene. Enter kava. After a trip to Asheville and a lifechanging discovery that "kava bars" were an actual thing, Gabriel and Debbie's paths changed forever. That particular night was filled with multiple "shells" of kava and hours of jovial conversation, but most importantly stress and inebriation free fun. Returning to Greenville, Gabriel and Debbie were frustrated to discover that their beloved city was missing a late night social scene that didn't center alcohol. Thus, The Kava Konnection was born...
Open Mic Poetry. Easily one of our most popular events, and for a reason.
Good vibes tend to go hand in hand with good kava. Photo: Adil Alsuhaim
Kavatender? Kavarista?
Think of us as your kava ambassador
New to kava and unsure where to start? We have you covered! Every first time visitor, whether you've had kava or not, will be greeted with a sample kava and an explanation on kava's therapeutic effects and history. From there, your kavatender will help direct you to the drink best suited for you while continuing to answer any further questions you may have.
