Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Lockart.
Hi Luke, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sunbelt started with a simple realization that there needed to be a place where people could connect, work, relax, and socialize without alcohol being the center of the experience.
After spending years in traditional nightlife and hospitality environments, I saw firsthand how many people wanted community but didn’t necessarily want the hangovers, pressure, or lifestyle that often came with drinking. I discovered kava and botanical beverages and was drawn to the idea that there could be another way.
Today, Sunbelt is more than a kava bar. It’s a gathering place for students, professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, night owls, and anyone looking for connection. It was built on the belief that people deserve a third place… a space between home and work…. where they can belong, be themselves, and leave feeling better than when they arrived.
That’s how Sunbelt began. Not as a business idea, but as a belief that community matters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. The road has been anything but smooth.
Like most small businesses, we’ve faced challenges from day one. There were months where making rent felt uncertain, periods where cash flow was tight, staffing challenges, equipment failures, and the constant pressure of keeping the doors open while trying to grow. We’ve dealt with flooding issues, unexpected expenses, regulatory hurdles, and the reality that as a small independent business, there isn’t a large corporation behind us when things go wrong.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing growth with sustainability. Building a community-focused business takes time, and there were many moments where it would have been easier to cut corners or give up. Instead, we kept reinvesting in the business, improving the experience, and staying focused on the long-term vision.
The obstacles have been numerous, but each one has taught us something valuable. Looking back, the challenges are what shaped Sunbelt into what it is today. They forced us to become more resilient, more creative, and more committed to the community we’re building.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We’re known for our commitment to quality, our house-made beverages, our welcoming atmosphere, and our late-night hours. We take pride in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re trying kava for the first time or have been part of the community for years.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built. The greatest compliment we receive is when customers tell us Sunbelt feels like home. We’ve created a space where people celebrate milestones, make new friends, launch businesses, find support during difficult times, and become part of something larger than themselves.
At its core, Sunbelt is about connection. While we serve great products, our real business is bringing people together. We want readers to know that when they walk through our doors, they’re not just visiting a kava bar, they’re joining a community. That’s what Sunbelt has always been about, and that’s what will continue to drive us into the future.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Business partner Erich Hilgemeier, and my family for all of their support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sunbeltkavaco
