about us
We’ve cultivated a unique space — offering individuals bio-active herbal drinks while immersing themselves in a new type of community.
Kava has its roots in the South Pacific, where it’s a staple in daily life — just as coffee is a staple in the West. Used traditionally as a connector, kava’s special talent is bringing people together for celebration and relaxation, forging deeply nourishing communal relationships along the way.
This power is immense.
In a world of increasing pressure to conform and social disconnection, there is a community that embraces both individual expression and social connection. We’re providing the vehicle to transform your lifestyle through traditional healing plants and deep community.
We’ve got a dedicated behind-the-scenes team that handles routine maintenance, new location construction, and expansion opportunities. This group is responsible for our beautiful bars, from designing and building them to hunting for new locations.
The best in the industry, our team of kavatenders are ready to help you: whether you’re looking for a drink recommendation, great conversation, or a friendly face. They’re fully educated in the nuances of our herbal drinks and many of them have been in the industry for years. When it’s tea time, they’ll have a “Bula!” waiting for you.
how we started
We started in 2020, in Longmont, Colorado, with the vision of promoting kava culture. We recognized an underserved need and seized this opportunity to provide the world a way to experience this ancient but unique outlook on life. We have paved the way for more safe, sober spaces to gather, encouraging the community that humans have known for millennia. Having experienced the power of a kava-centered community firsthand, our team have embraced vibrant self-expression and focused on engaging diverse people in the kava lifestyle. With the strength of our behind-the-scenes staff, we have put together a plan to open kava bars that are unlike anything locals have ever seen. We stand within a pillared tradition of a deep-rooted community and high caliber, responsibly sourced herbal elixirs. The goal was to create a clean and supportive vibe with casual, comfortable and connective service. The team dreamed of Roots and Leaves becoming a source of quality education about the benefits of medicinal plants, for their energizing quality, relief of anxiety, and undeniable mood elevating effects. As this dream becomes a reality, the focus now is to serve the kava culture to as many people as possible. While expanding, we’ve prioritized an ethical business model that’s fair to all of our business partners — including our suppliers from around the world. This means we source all of our products responsibly and sustainably, and that we pay fair wages to everyone from staff to those who resource our herbs. We know plants and people take care of us, and we are committed to taking care of them, too. This ethical business model informs every decision we make, from the farm to our practice of hiring from within the community. We’re proud of how far we’ve come in a short time. We’re well on our way to reaching as many people as possible who are curious about trying a new lifestyle. A lifestyle that’s more connected, free from toxic binging, and ultimately healthier.
our vision of the future
Despite our growth, our mission remains the same—to introduce kava and ethnobotanical teas to those seeking a healthy alternative to alcohol, without sacrificing social connection. With every new location, product, and partnership, we strive to create spaces where people can unwind, connect, and experience the benefits of these time-honored plant-based traditions.
In addition to expanding our own locations, we now offer our expertise to others looking to start their own kava bar. From concept and design to fully functional operations, we provide turnkey solutions to help entrepreneurs and investors find success in the growing kava industry. If you're interested in opening a kava bar or investing in one, reach out to us at marketing@rootsandleaveskava.com to learn more about these opportunities.