“This place exists to build community – that’s what my business is about,” says David Kovatch, who will soon open Sacred Vortex Teahouse & Kombuchery in Ohio City. Kovatch runs the business with his wife Julie Moran.
Kovatch, who also is a partner at Sacred Waters Kava Bar in Lakewood, has transformed the former Platform Beer property into an alcohol-free “haven of relaxation and good vibes.” The colorful, comfortable and welcoming space has a wide variety of seating options that include a lengthy bar, soft seating, communal high-tops and a spacious patio.
Kovatch opened Ohio’s first kava bar in 2022 and has watched the market take off in recent years.
“It’s massively growing – here and around the country,” Kovatch says. “There are about 500 kava bars throughout Florida alone.
Sacred Vortex will specialize in functional beverages that aim to aid rather than impair personal health and wellness. Those drinks might boost brain function, reduce pain and inflammation, ease anxiety, or enhance energy and vitality. Kovatch will repurpose the existing brewing equipment for making kombucha and botanical sodas.
“The earth gives us everything we need to heal ourselves and I want to introduce some of those things to people,” Kovatch adds.
The menu offers a variety of kava-based drinks, botanical blends rich with adaptogens and nootropics, and refreshing botanical-based beverages and mocktails. There will be a few vegan snacks available, but guests are encouraged to bring in outside food and linger for as long as they wish.
“These are safe spaces for people to come and build community – that’s what we need most of these days,” he adds.
Sacred Vortex will host live bands, open-mic nights, karaoke and other programming.
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