OXFORD, FL (352Today.com) – Picture this: It’s a Tuesday night in Oxford, Florida. You’ve had a long day, maybe traffic on CR 466, work stress or just the usual hustle, and you want to relax with friends or enjoy some alone time. But you don’t want alcohol, the hangover or any worry about driving afterward. That’s why locals are discovering Kavana Kava Bar Central, the new kava bar that’s bringing a fresh, sober way to socialize right in the heart of North Central Florida.

Opened on June 1, 2026, Kavana Kava Bar Central (located at 4313 East County Road 466, Suite 103) is a go-to destination for anyone Googling “kava bar near me” in the Oxford and The Villages area. Co-managed by Christopher Keenan and his wife, Joidee, along with their business partners, the bar offers a welcoming “home away from home” spot where people can hang out, feel good and enjoy the natural benefits of high-quality kava and kratom teas.

From South Florida to a friendlier pace in Oxford

Christopher and Joidee Keenan moved from the Fort Lauderdale area about 10 months ago, trading congestion and high costs for the open spaces, woods and friendly vibe of the 352. Christopher, who grew up in the Poconos of Pennsylvania with New Jersey roots, says it feels just right.

“We moved here because South Florida is getting more congested. And, the cost of living is a lot more, and I specifically grew up in the Poconos in Pennsylvania. I’m originally from New Jersey, but I’m used to the country and the woods, and it’s very much like that here. That’s what I compare it to, and everybody’s really nice and accepting. So, it’s really a joy to be around people in this area,” Christopher said.

Noticing a dearth of convenient kava options nearby–the closest spots were a 40-minute drive to Ocala or Inverness–they partnered with the original Kavana team from Davie to open this location. However, they do not call it a “franchise.”

“So, we don’t call it a franchise. We call it more like a ‘friend chise.’ It’s multiple locations,” Christopher said.

Their goal was simple: to be the first to introduce the real benefits of kava culture to the communities of Oxford and The Villages.

Kava, kratom teas, and community vibes

So, what makes Kavana Kava Bar Central special? It’s all about quality and creating a relaxed social space without intoxication or impairment. Kava, a traditional drink from the South Pacific used for generations in celebrations and gatherings, delivers calming, uplifting effects that many people say help with anxiety, insomnia and everyday stress. At Kavana Kava Bar, you can try it the traditional way in a real coconut shell or ease into the taste with add-ins like coffee creamer. They also serve their signature Kratomix line of premium kratom teas, which stand out for being clean and reliable compared to what you might find elsewhere.

“Well, any Kava bar you go to, it’s going to be different. Different kava bars, you know, mind you, it’s a community. And the whole point, our main goal is to pretty much essentially have a home away from home where you can come, socialize, hang out, have a few drinks, feel good, but not worry about intoxication, impairment, motor skills, not be worried about getting a DUI, and it has health benefits,” Keenan said.

“Kava specifically, it’s really calming and relaxing. There are a lot of people that said it helps with their anxiety and insomnia. Some people depression. So, it’s uplifting. It’s great to see those come and enjoy the traditional kava. But every kava bar is different. I can say we’re proud of our brand, which is Kratomix. That’s our Kratom teas. Unfortunately, kratom gets a bad reputation. There are a lot of things that you can buy in a gas station or a smoke shop. Now, it’s not those locations’ fault. It’s just the products that they’re retailing. So, people are getting sick or just having bad experiences when it comes to those types of products. But with ours, it’s very clean. It’s different,” he continued.

The response so far has been encouraging, even as a brand-new business. Social media, especially Joidee’s fun TikTok reels and livestreams, has been a big driver, pulling in curious visitors and those specifically searching for kava. Many residents from The Villages have already stopped by and loved it.

“We’ve actually had quite a few Villagers come in, and they’ve been very excited [and] open-minded,” Keenan said. “They loved the kava, they loved our teas. They had a good time.”

For first-timers who feel nervous about trying something new, Keenan keeps it simple and encouraging: Start with the traditional experience, know that the earthy taste is an acquired one, and remember it’s all about feeling calm and connected.

Whether you’re a local looking for a sober social hub, someone managing stress naturally, or just curious about kava bars in Oxford, Kavana delivers a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere.

Kavana Kava Bar Central is open Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays and until 1 a.m. on weekends. Follow them on Instagram @kavanacentralfl for the latest updates, events and drink reels.