Southern Roots Kava Bar is an alcohol-free gathering place built around Southern hospitality, genuine connection, and a more comfortable way to enjoy a night out.
Owners Josh Henry and Lisett Melchor wanted to create more than a traditional kava bar. They envisioned a neighborhood hangout that feels familiar and welcoming, with the atmosphere of a local bar and a menu centered around kava and botanical teas instead of alcohol.
Southern Roots grew from Josh’s own path to sobriety. After years in the hospitality industry, he stepped away because he knew alcohol could no longer be part of his life. Discovering kava gave him an alternative that allowed him to remain social while continuing to live alcohol-free.
That experience inspired Josh and Lisett to return to hospitality and create the place they had always wanted to open. Southern Roots is their dream brought to life, combining their love of people, community, and Southern hospitality in Fort Myers.
Southern Roots was designed to feel less like a typical kava bar and more like your favorite local hangout. Watch football and live sports across nine TVs, play pool, darts, shuffleboard, cornhole, ring toss, or relax in one of the comfortable living-room spaces.
New to kava or botanical teas? Our bartenders are here to answer questions, explain the menu, and help you start with an option that fits your preferences. We encourage guests to sip responsibly, begin with a smaller serving, and avoid consuming botanical drinks on an empty stomach.
Whether you are living alcohol-free, exploring something new, or simply searching for a friendly place to spend time, there is something for everyone at Southern Roots.
Southern Roots was truly a labor of love. With a degree in design, owner Lisett Melchor was able to envision and design the space from the very beginning, creating the original renderings that became the roadmap for bringing Southern Roots to life.
In just four months, Lisett and Josh, working alongside contractors, transformed what was once a mattress store into the warm and welcoming space you see today. From removing carpet and ceiling tiles to painting, electrical, plumbing, and building the bar itself, the space underwent a complete transformation.
Those early renderings were crucial in turning an idea into reality—helping guide the layout, flow, bar design, and overall atmosphere. Every detail was approached with intention, creating more than just a kava bar, but a place where people could gather, connect, unwind, and feel at home.
Southern Roots wasn’t simply decorated—it was imagined, designed, and built from the roots up.
