The Kava Corner in Deptford celebrates its grand opening Saturday, October 24, bringing delicious drinks, treats and what appears to be South Jersey’s first dedicated kava shop to 1406 Clements Bridge Road.
I stopped in today and caught up with hometown owner Bethany, who has created a beautiful, relaxing space featuring cozy seating, tropical touches and a welcoming counter bar.
The shop opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the mayor scheduled for 10 a.m. They’ll also open Sunday at 9 a.m. Follow along on their social media for additional updates.
The Kava Corner is located on Clements Bridge Road in the small strip of stores directly next to the DHY Motorsports dealership, and effectively in front of the Edge Fitness.
While kava is in the name, there’s plenty at The Kava Corner for anyone looking for coffee, cold brew, energy drinks, refreshers, milkshakes or an acai bowl. Adding kava is completely optional.
Bethany first discovered the kava concept during visits to Florida, where she encountered shops combining kava with a casual coffeehouse atmosphere.
She immersed herself in learning about it, taking certification courses and training with a Philadelphia-area kava shop.
Bethany describes kava as a beverage prepared from the root of a Pacific Islands plant, with a long history of bringing people together for social gatherings and conversation.
It is said that kava creates a relaxing “smooth” mental state. Calm and clarity.
Well honestly, I am not an expert so it’s more of a reason to visit the new Deptford shop and learn from the team!
The welcoming atmosphere is a big part of what she’s bringing to Deptford.
Honestly, I can’t say enough about how beautiful the interior looks. Bethany clearly has a knack for creating peaceful spaces, and there’s a nice balance between finding your own quiet corner and joining a conversation.
Seating includes a living room-style couch, tables, high-top seats and even two hanging swing chairs. A sizable counter bar has approximately 12 stools, offering another place to get to know the staff and fellow visitors.
She also plans a variety of community events including comedy nights, entertainers, karaoke and more!
One feature wall displays “Better Than Booze,” surrounded by greenery and floral accents. It wasn’t until I looked through my photos at home that I realized Bethany had created the backdrop using stained pallets!
Kava is at the heart of what we do. For centuries, kava has been enjoyed in Pacific Island cultures as a traditional, ceremonial drink that brings people together through conversation, respect, and connection. We honor those traditions by serving kava with intention and gratitude while creating a welcoming space to enjoy its calming, social experience.
The Kava Corner – Deptford NJ
During my visit, team members brought in handmade menu signs ahead of the grand opening. Categories include energy drinks, botanical tea, refreshers and mocktails, freshly squeezed orange juice, cold brew, coffee, mushroom coffee, milkshalkes and acai bowls.
They even have a dedicated tap system for 4 Jack’s Nitro Cold Brew!
I tried the cold brew and a strawberry milkshake, which was bursting with flavor. I didn’t sample the kava because the team planned to prepare a fresh batch that evening for Saturday’s opening.
Bethany says they prepare their kava fresh from the root using the premium “noble” kava, and makes it available for customers to add to their drinks.
I’m looking to return this weekend for a tropical acai bowl featuring acai, pineapple, coconut, banana, granola and honey.
And yes, I’m planning to try the kava, possibly in a Lulu lemonade. That drink combines lemon juice, agave, water and butterfly pea flower tea.
The Kava Corner will also offer baked goods including muffins and coffee cake. Looking ahead to 2027, Bethany hopes to expand into additional food items prepared right in the store.
For now, she and the team are focused on welcoming guests, getting the opening weekend underway and continuing to develop the menu.
Regular hours are still being finalized, so follow The Kava Corner’s social media for updates. This weekend, doors open at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Links and Location
The Kava Corner – Opens Saturday October 24, 2026
1406 Clements Bridge Road
Deptford NJ. 08096
