The 7 keys to a Successful Kava Bar

1. Standardization

Using instant kava, instant kava liquids and extracts to create your recipes will give you control that you just don't have from using regular root powder

2. Authenticity

Providing traditional kava shells, even though effect and taste can vary from batch to batch, will give a sense of authenticity and credibility.

3. Quality

• Products: Using a supplier that cares, brings you consistent quality and provides quality control for all of their raw materials is essential. Quality finished products begin with quality raw materials.

• Quality Personnel: Hire employees that have charisma, have a positive attitude and that you can get along with.

4. Variety

Recipes

• Taste: Diversify your menu and provide different options for your customers, both salty and sweet.

• Drinks: They should include traditional methods and fusion. Don't be afraid to experiment with new flavors.

• Food: Finger food, tapas, fruits, nuts, chips. Whether you have a chef or not, provide your customers with something to snack on.

Products

Take home items that you can promote on your menu, big screen, posters:

1. Bottled kava drinks

2. Kava gummies

3. Kava candy

4. Kava shots

5. Kava mints

Entertainment

• Big screen tvs are a great way to visually entertain your crowd.

• Let people play interactive video games

• Raffles: Have a raffle night where you have a giveaway

• Music: Juke Box or stream

• Bring in a band

5. Marketing

Product

Is kava something that will please your already existing customers, or are you starting from scratch? Make sure there is a population ready to accept your offerings and that you choose the best possible product to bring to them. Great products begin with great suppliers, so make sure to choose credible suppliers that will meet your expectations.

Price

Know the cost to produce each item you offer. It's always a good idea to find out what your local competition is selling a similar product for. You should be buying your raw materials for a competitive price and the quality should reflect the price you pay.

Place

This probably should have been at the beginning of the list since being at the right location is a critical aspect of choosing where to open up your business.

• University towns do well

• Beach Bars have an unforgettable vibe

• How many kava bars are in proximity?

• What is the population of the town or city?

Promotion

Your advertising budget should be no more than 10% of your total sales. Here are a few pointers.

1. Word of mouth: It is free and one of the most effective way to advertise.

2. Local newspaper: Your local newspaper is always looking for a new topic, if you just opened up, they will want to talk about you. You can pay for an article also.

3. Online Presence:

• Website: You don't need the most expensive website, but just have one that clearly states everything you have to offer.

• Search Engines: Make sure you add your business to the map, use SEO to get visitors to visit organically

• Social Media: Engage your customers to go online and post pictures of their drinks for an incentive. Encourage online visitors to visit your kava bar with real incentives, such as a discount or free kava drink.

6. Imagination

You need some creative ideas to stand out from the rest.

1. Catchy Descriptive Name: Use a name that quickly explains what you offer. Try to use a name available for your website also.

2. Attractive Logo: Need a logo? Hire someone to help you create your brand.

3. Branding: Don't be afraid to show off your brand.

   • Employee shirts

   • Hats

   • Embroidered bar towels

   • Branded glasses and coconut shells

   • Branded menus

   • Branded displays

   • Stickers

   • The list goes on and own

7. The Atmosphere

Employee Spirit

Your kava bar should provide a relax and chill vibe and not only should your customers be happy, but so should your employees. Hire charismatic, positive, smiley, and playful employees. Yes, you can make it a family business or hire friends, but not everyone is made to work in public, and it is important that you can recognize who will be behind the bar, who's in the kitchen, and who is serving customers. Keep it happy and chill.

Music

Music often sets a tone when you walk into an establishment. Some companies will repeat the same playlist over and over, year after year and it really creates a type of standardized atmosphere.

Band Night

Bringing in a band or DJ always provides memorable moments for your customers. Yes, it can be costly, but well worth the expense.

Board Games

Board games are a great way to attract customers and keep them coming back. Some businesses have their whole business model revolving around the concept of renting out board games. Don't be afraid of exploring this concept.

Table Games

Pool tables and ping pong tables are great for entertainment and give you an opportunity to set up a tournament night. See if it fits your crowd.