Ohana Kava Bar Opened First Fort Myers Franchise

The new non-alcoholic social space on Winkler Avenue officially opened its doors to the public on July 31, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a botanical root bowl and palm frond, representing a new non-alcoholic social space.
Ohana Kava Bar opened its first franchise location in Fort Myers on July 31, marking a new chapter for the brand's sober-social expansion. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ohana Kava Bar expanded its national footprint by opening its first franchise location in Fort Myers on July 31, 2026. The new bar, located at 2215 Winkler Ave, provides a relaxing environment centered on social connection without alcohol.

Why it matters

The brand maintains its values through a selective franchise program, aiming to provide a consistent, sober social alternative to traditional bars. This expansion reflects a growing trend of dedicated social spaces that cater to wellness-focused consumers.

The new Fort Myers location serves the 33901 zip code area at 2215 Winkler Ave. Nationally, there are more than 700 kava bars currently in operation.

The players

Sarka Hetherington

She is the owner of the newly opened Ohana Kava Bar franchise in Fort Myers.

Estevon Rivera

He manages the daily operations of the Fort Myers franchise alongside his fiancé.

The details

Owned by Sarka Hetherington and managed with her fiancé Estevon Rivera, the establishment adheres to the brand's original vision founded in 2015. Every franchise candidate undergoes a vetting process before a location is approved to ensure operational and value consistency.

Timeline

  1. The Ohana Kava Bar brand was founded in Colorado Springs in 2015.

  2. The company launched its franchise program in 2025.

  3. The Fort Myers franchise location officially opened on July 31, 2026.

Market Landscape

The establishment of this franchise aligns with the broader rise of sober-positive social spaces as alternatives to traditional nightlife. This expansion positions the brand to compete for a niche demographic seeking connection without alcohol consumption.

Local residents looking for non-alcoholic social environments now have a specific venue to visit on Winkler Avenue. Customers can expect a consistent brand experience modeled after the standards set by the original Colorado Springs location.

The takeaway

The growth of the kava bar industry highlights a shift in consumer demand toward specialized, alcohol-free social hubs. Residents interested in new local social options can visit the bar to experience the brand's established operational and atmospheric values.

Further reading

For more on local business developments, visit our Openings & Closings section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.

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Would you visit a non-alcoholic social bar in your community instead of a traditional bar?