WORCESTER — A bar serving non-alcoholic beverages known for their relaxing properties is planned for the site of the Harding Tire Company, a former Canal District institution.
On Thursday, the licensing board approved a common virtual license for Root Awakening Kava Bar, which is planned for 180 Harding Street.
Harding Tire Co. was family-owned and operated for more than 90 years before closing in 2022.
Located near the heart of the Canal District, the tire company has a constant presence throughout the district's development, from the quiet areas of post-industrial township to the city's growing hub of commercial and recreational activity. I did.
At the time of closing, sister owners Debbie Feingold and Ann Mack were in the process of selling the property to a new owner.
Root Awakening Kava Bar opened its first location in Nashua, New Hampshire in 2022. This bar sells kava, a non-alcoholic drink made from the piper mesectic shrub, which is native to the South Pacific.
Kava is said to contain mild psychoactive ingredients. Kava is used as an alcohol replacement along with the herbal extract kratom.
Both kava and kratom are regulated in Florida.
In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory that dietary supplements containing kava can cause severe liver damage. However, a 2016 Verge article reported that scientists have not reached a conclusion on whether the plant is poisonous.
Cava consumers view the drink as promoting positive well-being without impairing their judgment. The drink has become increasingly popular in the United States, particularly in Florida, where a 2018 Tampa Bay Times article dubbed St. Petersburg the kava capital of the continental United States.
However, Root Awakening claims this is the first kava bar in New England, and the Worcester location is the second in the area.
Root Awakening owner Gregory Gately told the licensing board he was excited to be able to draw Worcester residents to the kava bar.
“We are excited to bring this to the city and bring the community together in a new atmosphere,” Gately said.
Mr Gately said former Worcester City Councilor Mike Germain was a “silent partner” in bringing his business to Worcester.
Licensing Commission Chairman Anthony Vigliotti said he was pleased to have Jarman involved.
In addition to kava, the bar also sells cold brew coffee, kombucha and snacks, according to Root Awakening's Nashua location website.
