After more than a decade as one of New Orleans’ most beloved sober social spaces, Euphorbia Kava Bar is entering a new chapter. On August 1st, Scott Ploof, the publisher and owner of Big Easy Magazine, will officially take over ownership of the Oak Street business and relaunch it as Euphorbia Kava and Coffee Bar. The transition comes at a pivotal moment, not only for Euphorbia, but for the broader herbal beverage community across Louisiana.
For nearly 11 years, Euphorbia has served as a rare kind of refuge: a sober, welcoming space built around kava, a traditional root beverage with calming and anxiety-reducing properties. It’s been a hub for artists, regulars, and newcomers looking for connection without alcohol which is a culture Ploof says he is committed to preserving.
“I always told her I would preserve the culture and the vibe,” Ploof said of the long-time owner, who preferred to keep her name out of the spotlight. “She created something incredibly special here, and she’s selling it to me because she wanted it to stay in the family.”
That choice couldn’t have come at a more critical time. Earlier this year, Louisiana lawmakers passed SB 154, banning the sale and possession of kratom, an herbal supplement that until now accounted for approximately 60 percent of Euphorbia’s total sales. The law, which takes effect August 1st, threatens to financially destabilize countless small businesses that relied on kratom to remain solvent including Euphorbia.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a mild stimulant at low doses and a pain reliever or sedative at higher ones. In recent years, it’s gained popularity in the U.S. as an herbal alternative to opioids or caffeine. But despite its popularity and low risk profile when sold in pure, unadulterated form, lawmakers, led by Senator Jay Morris, pushed through a statewide ban, citing unverified overdose claims and ignoring proposed regulations that would have ensured product safety instead of prohibition.
With the ban looming, Ploof is adapting. “We’re rebranding as Euphorbia Kava and Coffee Bar and pivoting to a broader menu that includes espresso drinks, traditional coffee, and kava/coffee mocktails,” he said. “We’ll continue to serve our kava regulars, but we’re also inviting in the wider community.”
The transition to coffee and espresso service isn’t happening in isolation. Tommy LeBlanc, one of the co-owners of Hey Café, has stepped in to help with the training of Euphorbia’s staff in preparation for the relaunch. LeBlanc, known for his deep knowledge of New Orleans’ coffee culture, has been working closely with the team to ensure the new offerings meet the same high standards the community has come to expect from Euphorbia’s vibe-driven experience.
Still central to that experience is kava itself, it’s a ceremonial drink made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, native to the South Pacific. Traditionally used in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga for its calming and euphoric effects, kava is known for reducing anxiety, relaxing the body, and enhancing social connection. It’s often described as a natural alternative to alcohol, offering many of the same social benefits without intoxication or hangovers. At Euphorbia, it’s always been the heart of the menu.
“The reason I initially started the business was to sell kava and form a community,” the outgoing owner said. “A sober space, a safe space where people can connect. After 11 years, it’s time to get back to my roots—my primary passion, which is agriculture.”
Ploof, who has been a regular at Euphorbia for a decade, understands the responsibility he’s inheriting. “This isn’t just about beverages,” he said. “It’s about preserving a space where people feel safe, seen, and welcome.”
Eventually, Ploof hopes to expand the menu further with THC and CBD products, pending the appropriate licensing and permits. But for now, the priority is a smooth transition, a continued sense of community, and staying true to the mission that made Euphorbia a local institution in the first place.
“New Orleans needs more sober spaces,” he said. “Places where you can meet up, relax, and feel part of something. We’re keeping that spirit alive.”
