‘Where am I going to go?’: Richmond KavaClub customers in shock after closure announced
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Customers of Richmond's KavaClub are weighing in on the recent announcement that the non-alcoholic bar is closing after less than two years.
"It's with a heavy heart that KavaClub announces its permanent closure, effective June 30, 2025," said Fred Bryant, KavaClub owner, in a statement. "This was an incredibly difficult decision, stemming from persistent regulatory challenges that have unfortunately made it unfeasible for us to continue operating a viable small business."
Bryant points to the "interpretation and application of regulations by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)" as the reason the decision was made to close KavaClub's doors, adding that they posed "significant hurdles."
According to the Food and Drug Administration, kava is a perennial shrub or plant. Its root can be used as a dietary supplement for medicinal purposes to treat illnesses such as anxiety and insomnia.
KavaClub was denied business permits back in 2023 when looking to open because the VDH classifies kava as a food additive, according to the bar's attorney, Justin Earley.
FROM 2023: Bar selling psychoactive tea unable to open in Richmond after VDH denied permit
“The Department of Health is telling us that, when we brew them in their natural form -- which is the safest and traditional way to serve it ... that we can’t do that, that it is actually illegal and that is unsafe,” Earley said to 8News reporters in Aug. 2023.
In Feb. 2024, the KavaClub officially opened -- but its key ingredient, kava, was not allowed to be sold.
In May of that year, the bar was finally allowed to sell kava -- but under certain restrictions directed by the VDH. The plant could only be mixed with water and sold to people over the age of 21.
It also was not to be promoted as an alternative to alcohol -- which KavaClub employee Christopher Gherke told 8News created difficulties, as KavaClub is meant to be an option for those looking for a bar scene without the liquor.
"It was definitely a hurdle to not be able to lean on the sober aspect, especially that being a community that we would definitely be trying to reach," Gherke said. "You sort of have to skirt around what you're trying to do and it can give it sort of a vagueness — nobody would really know what kava is in Richmond, Virginia."
Onyx Mayer frequents KavaClub regularly for events and meetings and told 8News it was an excellent space for fostering community.
"Not everyone likes to drink alcohol, so it's convenient to have a place to come have meetings," Mayer said. "You can order a drink, you can be sober [and] you don't have to order food.
The non-alcoholic storefront faced another challenge Sept. of 2024 when it received a letter of cease-and-desist from the VDH after providing its space to host a sobriety group event.
The VDH provided a statement to 8News at the time, which read, in part:
“On March 26, 2024, KavaClub voluntarily entered into a consent decree with the Virginia Department of Health. As kava is a psychoactive and intoxicating substance, the terms of this consent decree included KavaClub’s agreement that they would not advertise or promote kava, “1) as an alternative to alcohol; 2) as a food or beverage for people trying to stay sober; or 3) as a food or beverage that will help any person stay sober.
VDH has issued a cease-and-desist letter to KavaClub informing them that their recent actions may violate the aforementioned terms of the consent decree and requests that they take action to comply with the terms of the consent decree. VDH has not made a formal case decision or issued an administrative order relating to this potential dispute. VDH continues to monitor and investigate this matter in an effort to ensure compliance with the consent decree.
VDH does not endorse the use of kava, but to the extent that members of the public decide to try it, VDH recommends the use of kava to be limited to healthy adults who are not already under the influence of other substances like alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medications. After thorough research and investigation, the FDA has expressed that it is “not aware of a basis for” the “use of kava as an ingredient in conventional foods” “to be considered as generally recognized as safe.” The FDA has documented the potential for causing serious and long-lasting injuries including, but not limited to, hepatoxicity (liver toxicity) and scaly skin rash.” Virginia Department of Health, Sept. 2024
Bryant told 8News the mitigations have caused great hardship in operating sustainably. His full statement can be found below:
"It's with a heavy heart that KavaClub announces its permanent closure, effective June 30, 2025.
This was an incredibly difficult decision, stemming from persistent regulatory challenges that
have unfortunately made it unfeasible for us to continue operating a viable small business. KavaClub was founded with a clear vision: to provide Richmond with a unique and welcoming
sober "third space"—a place for community, connection, work, and relaxation. As Virginia's only
kava bar, we were proud to offer a safe and inclusive environment for a diverse clientele,
including those seeking sober alternatives to alcohol-centric social settings and members of the
recovery community. We're deeply grateful for the wonderful community that embraced us and
for all the support you've shown.However, throughout our operation, we've faced significant hurdles, particularly concerning the
interpretation and application of regulations by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Their
classification of kava, a traditional beverage enjoyed safely for centuries, as a "food additive,"
along with specific limitations on how it can be served, presented considerable operational
challenges. These regulatory interpretations also extended to undue restrictions on our ability
to communicate about our offerings, including limitations on marketing to broader audiences
and even on hosting or advertising events for sober community groups. As highlighted by a
publicly covered cease and desist order, the VDH's stance created an environment where
supporting the sober community, a core part of our mission, became problematic under existing
regulations. Despite our best efforts to engage constructively and adapt to these requirements,
even as various legal opinions questioned their basis in blackletter law, these factors
cumulatively hindered our ability to operate sustainably.The closure of KavaClub represents a significant detriment to public health in our community,
removing a vital sober-alternative for social engagement. We're particularly disheartened that
our pleas for assistance and requests to meet with elected officials, from state-level legislators
to the Mayor's office, went largely unaddressed, leaving our concerns unheard amidst these
regulatory hurdles.We remain firm in our belief in the benefits of kava and the value of sober spaces. Our
commitment to providing a safe, high-quality product and a responsible environment has
always been paramount.We extend our sincere gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and partners who have
been part of the KavaClub journey."Fred Bryant, Owner, KavaClub
