Kava Culture Kava Bar, which opened at Miromar Outlets in Estero, became just the latest in the growing trend of Kava bars opening throughout Southwest Florida.

Kava is a root that grows on islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The nonalcoholic drink menu prices most of the drinks between $10 and $13. There are five botanical tea blends on the menu that can be mixed with more than a dozen flavors, such as blueberry lemonade, orange dream and tiki apple.

Kava promotes calmness and being social with green vein improving mood and brings joy, white vein bringing energy and focus, red vein relaxing and yellow vein providing strength and stamina, according to the menu.

“We have our own version of a coconut shell we serve the Kava out of, which is cool to go along with the tradition,” said Lindsey Bronson, who owns the Estero franchise. She also works as an account manager coordinating shipments at the food distribution company Scotlynn in south Fort Myers but decided to invest in the growing brand of Kava bars as the Bonita Springs-based company’s first franchisee.

Jacqueline Rusher co-founded Kava Culture Kava Bar in 2017. Another location is slated to open in Golden Gate later this summer. The brand is proving to be popular with people of all ages, Rusher said.

There are 12 current locations with eight more being planned.

“We have a plethora of people who come in, from college kids to grandparents,” Rusher said. “I think that’s why it has taken off, the social aspect of it.”