Located in Oviedo, FL, The Muddy Root Kava Cafe offers the Orlando market a selection of kavas, teas, and coffees. After a successful two years in Orlando, Muddy Root is preparing to expand, and its first stop is in Tampa, at 8229 Parkedge Drive.
“We’ve really wanted to bring something different to the area,” co-owner Jose Silveira told What Now on Monday. “There’s not a lot like this. It’s a nice, healthier offering. There are plenty of bars around, but this is something a little more wholesome, a little more sober-friendly.”
Kava is known for having a strong relaxing effect, putting it in a kind of competition with alcohol, although for Silveira, who says he dislikes alcohol, there’s not much comparison in terms of the downsides.
“If I had to describe the effect, it would be like a really strong chamomile tea,” Silveira said. “It’s something to gather around with friends. And you could go do sports right after; you’re not weighed down with all that alcohol.”
Muddy Roots’ Tampa location will have a somewhat different vibe from the Orlando location, and with some small changes to the menu. There will be the same constantly rotating selection of 5-6 imported kavas, with an extra focus here on coffee.
“We’re going out of our way to source as best we can a lot of great herbal and classic black teas. We’re also going heavier than ever with our coffee offerings,” said Silveira. “I’ve personally gone to do a lot of coffee classes to learn more about it.”