Today we’d like to introduce you to Kempton And Carlene Rimes.
Hi Kempton and Carlene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We were living in Naples, working high-stress jobs and looking for a healthier way to unwind. We had already stopped drinking years earlier because my husband is a type 1 diabetic, and alcohol just wasn’t working well with his blood sugar.
We started exploring alternatives, ordering different products online that tasted good but never really took the edge off. Then around 2020, we began seeing kava bars popping up everywhere. We were drawn to the idea right away: a natural, plant-based option that could help you relax without the downsides of alcohol. Once we tried it, we were hooked.
For about five years, we would come up to Pennsylvania to visit friends and family, and every single time we’d say, “There has to be a kava bar here by now.” But year after year, there wasn’t.
When we eventually got an offer for our company in Florida, we found ourselves asking, “What’s next?” That’s when my husband said, “What if we open a kava bar in Pennsylvania?” And that was it. We knew it was the right move.
We truly felt this was something missing here—a space for community, connection, and a healthier way to unwind. Something that had been such a blessing in our own lives.
So we took the leap and opened on September 27th last year… and we haven’t looked back since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely been a challenge coming from an area where alcohol alternatives are widely accepted and understood to being the first to introduce something like this here. A big part of what we do every day is education and outreach.
In Pennsylvania, there’s still a gap in legislation around some of the products we serve, which has unfortunately led to confusion and, in some cases, a negative perception.
One of those is mitragyna speciosa, the tea leaf used in kratom products.
Because synthetics and highly processed versions haven’t been fully addressed in PA from a regulatory standpoint, people often associate everything under that umbrella as the same—but it’s not.
We like to explain it in a way people immediately understand: it’s the difference between drinking a fresh cup of coffee and taking a handful of gas station caffeine pills.
There are safe, natural ways to consume these plants—and that’s what we focus on. Everything we serve is all-natural, fresh brewed, and contains nothing but the tea leaf and water. No synthetics, no additives, no shortcuts.
Our goal is to create transparency, build trust, and help people understand that there is a responsible, safe, and beneficial way to experience these alternatives.
We’ve been impressed with Agape Elixir Bar, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are Agape Elixir Bar—Harrisburg’s first kava bar. A plant-based bar built around great vibes, connection, and social options without alcohol.
Over the past few years, more and more people have been moving away from alcohol—and understandably so. With that shift, the demand for better alternatives has continued to grow.
That’s where we come in.
We serve a variety of plant-based options, including kava—a root from Fiji known for its relaxing effects—lion’s mane mushroom for mood and cognitive support, hemp derived CBD and THC products for relaxation and creativity, and mitragyna speciosa, the tea leaf used in kratom products, often used as an alcohol alternative to help boost mood.
But what we’re really building goes beyond the drinks.
We believe in creating a safe, welcoming community centered around connection, acceptance, and authenticity. A place where people can come exactly as they are.
No pressure. No expectations.
Just good vibes—and a whole lot of love.
What are your plans for the future?
We have a big vision for SoMa—to see it become the thriving, vibrant community it once was.
We’re incredibly excited to partner with other local businesses to help bring that energy back. There’s something special happening here, and we truly believe it starts with people showing up, supporting each other, and creating spaces that feel alive again.
This summer, we’re planning a full lineup of outdoor and community-focused events designed to bring people together—good music, great conversation, and an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
As we continue to grow, we would also love to expand into the West Shore to make these products and this experience more accessible to even more people in the area.
What keeps us going, though, are the stories.
We hear from people all the time who say they can’t imagine going back to alcohol—or who share that they’ve felt isolated since stepping away from the traditional bar scene. To be able to offer a space where they can reconnect, feel included, and still enjoy a social experience… that means everything to us.
That’s what this is really about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AgapeElixirBar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapeelixirbar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580020337901
