Bula Kavananda Kava Bar & Coffee House

August 18th, 2017 - Ross Kashtan went to WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and registered ownership of the word "BULA" for "Bar services featuring wine, beer, sake, juice, KAVA; Cafés; Coffee and juice bar services"

Bula is a Fijian word that has many meanings and many uses. It's primarily used as a greeting. Kava is grown in Fiji, and is considered sacred to them. The word "Bula" is tied to the use of kava.

Ross Kashtan (who has never been to Fiji) owns the word Bula internationally, and no other business can use it to sell Kava - Fijians included.

The Fijian people have made petitions to Ross Kashtan, asking him to release his control over the word. The Fijian government has tried to get the word legally transferred back to Fijian ownership. 5 years later, and Ross Kashtan still holds the copyrights to the word BULA. This is a clear case of NeoColonialism at work.

Please help spread awareness of the issue, and help Fiji get their language back!

My mainstay through the mayhem of Covid coffee shops. Great customer service. Baristas with passion. Happily their doors are open and their hours are back-to-fantastic. Proud to make this one of my #1 “support local” spots! (They’re the ONLY folk I’ve ever met - aside of me - who delves into the world of Lapsang Souchong, though their BP and Mushroom coffees and decadent Mayan chocolate deserve mention.... 😉)

Pros: friendly personable bartender who memorized our names. Unique blend of drink options. Plenty of seating including high tops at the bar and tables throughout.

Cons: parking is way too small. Prices are above average.

Overall would recommend, nice place.

Jimmy did an amazing job of explaining the benefits of the different plant based teas and teaching my family the history of kava! The ambiance here is amazing! Calming decor, relaxing music, clean bar and quality products!!! I own a Lacuna Kava Bar in Phoenix, and I stop at this location every time I'm in the area! A+++ guys!!!!

This is not a positive review. Kava bars are a place for people to go to relax, socialize, meet people, get work done, have a sense of community, and much more. I started drinking kava in Hawaii and it was the only hang out thing for me to do. When I found out St. Pete has kava bars, I was so happy. One of the owners was rude. No customer service. It’s interesting these people claim they do Ayahuasca but I find the way they act is more absent from the ways that the sacred plant medicine teaches.
I hope one day you embody what it means to drink kava to create a community and bring people together.
Namaste 🕉

I love this place I always come here to study and do homework and the people there are so friendly. The baristas there always try to get to know you and always try to make your experience great. The atmosphere truly makes this place 10 times better than any other coffee shop or kava bar around here

I love this place so much. It's so cozy and friendly and everyone is ready to relax. The kavatenders always know exactly what I need. Today I walked in amd just said give me something that will stop a panic attack and I dont know what it was but it made me feel so much better. Jason even asked if I'd like the music softer if I was upset! Amazing. Jason was so nice and attentive even though the bar was packed and he had so much to juggle hes a true master at his craft. I've only been here a few times but I've been across the state to kava bars and this one ranks at the top!

Freshly brewed Kava and coffee! Relax on comfy couches, and chairs in a laid back renovated home with eclectic hippie island Indonesian decorations.

Amazing space, great for meeting new people and working, the products they serve are new and different if you're looking for something new to spice up your life.

After taking my dog here for months on Fridays without issue, I went on a Saturday evening. After spending $50 at the bar, I was informed by a bus boy that my dog wasn't welcome. I don't mind if a business isn't dog-friendly, but be consistent. And, have the bartender tell me before you take my order instead of the bus boy informing after I've spent my money. I won't be back.