SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bare Roots Artisan Coffee Roasting Company has become a very popular coffee brand since opening in South Lake Tahoe in 2020, just as things were shutting down during the pandemic. What started as an Etsy business, customers can now enjoy their coffee at the coffee shop located at 2572 Lake Tahoe Blvd. by picking up a bag of roasted beans at a growing number of retail outlets or continuing to have the bags shipped.
Owners Justin and Nikki Foskett have expanded into the space next door once occupied by artist Scott Forrest, and are now known as Bare Roots Coffee & Kava Lounge. People will find an expanded seating area and a growing menu of breakfast and lunch treats to go with their already popular coffee.
They will also find kava-infused mocktails and noble kava served in coconut shells with a fruit skewer during lounge hours, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Sunday.
Kava is new to many, but it has been around for approximately 1,500 years and can be found only in Tonga, Fiji, and the Hawaiian Islands. It is a root that is ground and used as a “lubricant for social anxiety,” according to Justin. Its properties are also anti-inflammatory, destressing, and relaxing. Natives to the island where it is found use kava for social gatherings and in situations where sides were at odds since it has a calming effect.
“It gives you a buzzed feeling without feeling inebriated,” said Justin. “You just feel good.”
He came across Kava after being injured by a rogue wave on the rocks in Hawaii and found it to help quickly with his injuries and resulting swelling.
The lounge will be open to those 18 and over, though there is no legal age limit. The Fosketts want to provide a “safe and sober lounge” where the community can gather and hang out.
“Kava is a great alternative to alcohol,” said Justin. He also shared his new word for the experience – kavafied.
Nikki said they are passionate about how kava made them feel they knew that they had to bring it to the community.
Nikki said the couple worked closely with the El Dorado County Health Department to make sure they did everything to code since kava is still a new thing at Lake Tahoe.
Not only will they be serving kava in the lounge, but they are also adding events including hands-on art evenings and open mic nights.
Bare Roots is open daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the lounge Friday – Sunday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. (They also own Lakeside Grill at the Lakeside Beach, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until mid-September.)
The grand opening is on July 11 and will be combined with a Kolor & Kava event at 6:30 p.m. (sign up for that here) and sound healing. For more information, visit their website at https://www.barerootscoffeetahoe.com/, Instagram or Facebook.
