Students at Oakland University are about to get a new spot to exhale that is not a bar, not a coffee shop and not a club. Detroit Kava Bar is prepping a kava-focused café at 2600 N Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills, a short walk from the university’s main campus, with an opening targeted for next month.
The concept centers on kava-mixed teas in a low-pressure setting that leans more study lounge than party scene. Owners are already hiring for kavatenders and barbacks as they work toward an early March debut.
According to What Now Detroit, the team announced the project in a recent social post, and a staff member told the outlet they are aiming to open in early March. The business described the new hangout as “Not a club. Not a coffee shop. Not a regular bar,” signaling a different kind of late-night option for the campus crowd.
The kava bar will slide into a busy retail strip at the northeast corner of N. Squirrel Road and Walton Boulevard, surrounded by quick-service restaurants and student-oriented storefronts. Local business listings from Oakland University and area restaurant directories show active tenants at the 2600 N Squirrel Rd address, underscoring just how close the new spot will be to the heart of campus life.
Kava 101: Calm Vibes and Cautions
Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific that is traditionally served as a beverage. Its active compounds are known for producing calming, anxiety-reducing effects, which is exactly what many patrons look for when they head to kava bars.
Health experts, however, have raised concerns about potential risks, including liver injury and interactions with certain medications. Users are advised to review safety guidance and talk with a health professional if they have questions, according to WebMD.
Hiring Now, Opening Details Soon
The owners, who operate other kava locations in Jacksonville, Florida, according to What Now Detroit, were not available for further comment.
For now, the focus is on staffing up with kavatenders and barbacks. The team says it will announce a firm opening date along with application details on its social channels in the coming days, giving curious students and neighbors a better sense of when they can pull up a stool and unwind.
