An unusual drink shop with many interesting extras is coming to North Dallas: Called Kava Culture, it's part of a Florida-based chain, opening a location at 14856 Preston Rd. #212, in Pepper Square, next to Trader Joe’s, in a space that was previously a Smallcakes cupcake shop.

According to owner/franchisee David Darrigan, it'll open in late March.

Kava Culture is named for kava, a root from the South Pacific Islands with an earthy taste that's embraced by fans for its relaxing and mood-enhancing powers. It's been used as an herbal dietary supplement for decades for relaxation and to combat sleeplessness, menopausal symptoms, and other uses.

The Kava Culture chain was founded by sisters Caroline and Jacqueline Rusher, who opened their first location in 2017 after discovering the root's beneficial effects. There are currently about a dozen locations, primarily in Florida.

The menu features kava "teas," flavored mocktails, and drinks on tap that are made from a base of finely-ground kava, combined with juices. Popular flavors include:

• Peanut Butter Cup, with chocolate, peanut butter, and almond cream
• Churro Cha Cha, with chocolate or vanilla, cinnamon agave, and coconut cream
• Mango Bango, with mango nectar puree and agave
• Choco-Cherry, with cherry, chocolate, and almond cream

They also serve coffee, with beans and equipment provided by Lemma Coffee, plus vegan snacks and treats.

Darrigan opened the first Kava Culture shop in Texas in Denton in November 2021. He's an ER doctor who became interested in kava as an alternative to alcohol.

"I see the negative effects of alcohol and addiction all the time, and I have a passion for trying to provide healthy alternatives," he says.

He says the drink provides a natural buzz, and makes people more social. It's also said to have a "reverse tolerance" — meaning that the more you drink, the less you need to you feel the beneficial effects.

Like the original location in Denton, the North Dallas is next door to a Trader Joe’s, which Darrigan says is no coincidence. "It's the same customer demographics: healthy, open to trying new things," he says.

The shop will be open 8 am to midnight on weekdays, and until 2 am on weekends. Darrigan hopes to duplicate the community spirit he's created in Denton, with a pet-friendly space hosting everything from game nights to karoaoke to knitting clubs.

"Everybody sits around the bar and talks, it's all about community and bringing people together," he says.