Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Elaine Benton.
Hi Mary Elaine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Fool’s Kava House is Arlington’s first and only kava bar, conveniently located in downtown Arlington. We proudly serve high-quality kava and tonic, as well as chai, matcha, and coffee, from 11 AM to 2 AM daily. With weekly events like trivia night and karaoke, frequent drink specials, and high-speed internet, we invite you to stop by, unwind, and enjoy Arlington’s inclusive late-night hangout. FKH is the go-to spot for young professionals and the work-from-home crowd seeking a vibrant and comfortable space to stay productive.
The Fool’s Kava House was founded by Phil, who came from Tallahassee, Florida—a city where kava culture thrives. The name is inspired by The Fool tarot card, symbolizing the beginning of an exciting journey.
Now owned by wives Mary Elaine and Ashley Benton, The Fool’s Kava House is proud to be Texas’s first woman- and queer-owned kava bar. Mary Elaine, Owner and CEO, has built her career in nonprofit work, while Ashley, Owner and CFO, works in insurance. Both became sober in 2021 and are passionate about mentoring others on their sobriety journeys. When they’re not enjoying kava, they love spending time with their three dogs—regulars at the bar and always ready to meet new friends.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—starting any community-centered business comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been introducing people to what kava actually is and breaking the misconception that a sober social space can’t be fun, vibrant, and welcoming. We’ve also had to navigate the normal growing pains of a small business—staffing, balancing demand, and building consistency—while staying true to our values of inclusivity and recovery-friendly culture.
That said, every challenge has helped us strengthen our vision. The outpouring of support from our community, and watching people find connection and belonging here, has made every obstacle more than worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Fool’s Kava House is more than just a kava bar—it’s a community hub for connection, creativity, and conscious living. We serve kava, kratom tea, and other herbal elixirs designed to help people unwind, find peace, and socialize without alcohol. Our mission is to offer a safe, inclusive, and uplifting environment for everyone—whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a different kind of night out.
What truly sets us apart is our heart. Both of us, as owners, are in long-term recovery from alcohol and built Fool’s Kava House from our own experience of rediscovering community through kava. We understand how powerful it is to have a place where you can belong, laugh, and connect—without needing to drink.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of creating a space that feels welcoming to everyone: queer-friendly, recovery-friendly, and filled with good energy. Our events—from karaoke and open mic nights to yoga, trivia, and community gatherings—bring people together in meaningful ways.
At its core, Fool’s Kava House is about joy, connection, and authenticity. We want readers to know that there’s a new kind of social scene growing in Arlington—one where you can relax, be yourself, and still wake up feeling great the next day.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The most important quality behind our success has been authenticity. From day one, we’ve led with honesty, heart, and a genuine commitment to community. People can feel when something is real—and Fool’s Kava House was built out of our own experiences with sobriety, healing, and rediscovering connection.
We don’t try to fit into the mold of a traditional bar or business—we show up as ourselves, and that authenticity resonates with our guests. It’s what allows us to create a space where people feel safe, seen, and welcomed exactly as they are.
At the end of the day, our success comes from staying true to our mission: connection over consumption, heart over hype.
Pricing:
- Specialty Drinks: $6.99 – $12.99
- Shells: $5.99 – $14.99
- Tea/Coffee/Matcha/Chai” $2.99
- Snacks: $0.99-1.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foolskavahouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolskavahouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551869849538
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foolskavahouse/
