06/07/2025
It’s with a heavy heart and a flood of gratitude that we’re writing to let you know KavaClub will be permanently closing its doors on June 30.
This wasn’t an easy decision, and we explored every avenue to keep our doors open. Unfortunately, persistent regulatory challenges have made it unfeasible for us to continue operating the vibrant community space we all cherished.
When we first opened KavaClub, our vision was simple: to create a unique and welcoming sober “third space” right here in Richmond. A place where you could connect, work, relax, and truly be yourselves, away from alcohol-centric social scenes. As Virginia’s only kava bar, we poured our hearts into building a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, especially those seeking sober alternatives and members of the recovery community. We are incredibly proud of the community we built together and deeply grateful for every single one of you who embraced us.
We’ve faced significant hurdles, particularly with how the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) interpreted and applied regulations. They classified kava—a traditional beverage enjoyed safely for centuries—as a “food additive,” which came with limitations on how we could serve it and even how we could communicate about our offerings.
These restrictions made it incredibly difficult to reach broader audiences and even host events for the sober community groups we so passionately supported. Despite our best efforts to adapt, these factors cumulatively hindered our ability to operate sustainably.
The thought of KavaClub closing is truly disheartening, especially knowing it means one less vital sober alternative for social engagement in our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to each of our loyal customers, our incredible dedicated staff, and all our partners who have been a part of the KavaClub journey. You made KavaClub what it was, and we’re so thankful for the memories we’ve made together. ♥️
