New space for Kava lovers in Lautoka now open
Residents of the Sugar City now have a new space to be at to enjoy a bowl of kava with their family and friends.
This follows the grand opening of 88 Kava Bar at the Vinson Plaza in Lautoka last Saturday by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Viam Pillay.
The kava bar is owned by Fiji’s female boxer, 33-year-old Katerina Singh and her husband, 36-year-old Chanal Singh. They moved to Fiji in 2010 after meeting in Samoa.
Ms Singh, who is originally from Savai’i in Samoa, named the kava bar after her birth year – 1988.
Opening their own business someday was always on their minds, but time management with their previous jobs and having to look after their three children, made it a challenge.
Mr Singh resigned from his job as a store manager at Max Val-u Supermarket in Nadi to be with his children. His wife stayed on at her job in the human resources and accounts department at Express Freight Management.
Ms Singh said: “We wanted to create a place for people to sit and enjoy with their friends without involving alcohol.
“My husband and I don’t drink grog, but we know a lot of people who love the drink and this is the place where they can enjoy it.”
She said the kava bar could cater for about 100 people. It doesn’t allow any alcoholic beverages and it also had an outside smoking zone.
“We also serve refreshments like hot dogs, fish and chips, meatballs and other dishes including non-alcoholic beverages,” she said.
“Customers can purchase either a $5 or $10 basin and it is up to them if they want us to mix their grog or they do it themselves.”
The kava bar is open from Monday to Saturday - 10.30am to 4am.
Meanwhile, in his address, while congratulating the couple, Assistant Minister Pillay highlighted that there was an increase in the number of kava bars around the country.
Mr Pillay said there were more than 30 locations.
“To be honest, they are a great place to hang out socially, connect,
and talk with friends, families and do catch up sessions as compared to the past decades,” he said.
“Even university students and youth groups aging from 18 to 25 have preferred to hang out in kava bars over clubs and dance clubs.”