Business Plan

Lux Herbarium

​Botanical Elixir Bar and Cafe

Kava - Kratom - CBD - Delta 9 - Kombucha - Herbal Tea

1. Executive Summary

Concept: 

Lux Herbarium will be a relaxing, non-alcoholic social lounge serving premium kava, herbal teas, and botanical mocktails in the historic side tea room at 309 Xenia Ave. Built by Alan McBeth as part of his visionary brick arches and stone gardens, the venue will merge Yellow Springs’ artistic spirit with Herbalist tradition and modern wellness culture.

The lounge will provide a warm, inviting atmosphere designed for connection, relaxation, and cultural events. Guests can enjoy traditional kava ceremonies, carefully crafted botanical elixirs, and wellness-inspired drinks in a unique space that honors both history and innovation.

As the only dedicated kava and botanical bar in Yellow Springs, Lux Herbarium will establish itself as a community gathering place, offering late-night, alcohol-free socializing in an artistic and historic setting.

Mission Statement: 

“To serve botanical drinks that relax the body, awaken the mind, and nourish the spirit — creating a third place for community, conversation, and botanical healing of the body and mind.”

2. Business Concept

The Kava Bar will be alcohol-free, offering:

• Traditional kava preparations (Fijian, Vanuatuan, Tongan styles)

• Specialty botanical teas and house blends

• Herbal-based wellness shots & elixirs

• Creative mocktails inspired by world traditions

• Light snacks (gluten-free, vegan options) prepared by Mazu and refrigerated

Why Yellow Springs?

• Strong demand for community spaces

• Wellness-conscious population

• High tourist foot traffic from Dayton, Columbus, and Springfield

• Cultural alignment with alternative beverages and non-alcoholic venues

• Restoring Alan McBeth’s arches, gardens, and ponds adds a layer of history, beauty, and emotional resonance.

3. Market Analysis

Target Audience:

• Local residents (25–90, health-conscious, creative, socially active)

• College students & faculty from Antioch and other surrounding schools

• Tourists seeking unique experiences

• Yoga, meditation, and holistic health communities

• People using Kava to cure alcohol, nicotine, opioid and other addictions *

* Kava has been medically proven to help with addiction

Competition:

• Coffee shops & breweries (but no dedicated kava bar)

• Health food cafés (limited late-night options)

Launch Plan timeline:

• Month 1–2: Venue restoration + teaser marketing

• Month 3: Soft opening for locals

• Month 4: Grand opening with press + events

• Ongoing: Monthly themed events, seasonal menu launches

Opportunity:

Provide an alternative to both coffee culture (daytime) and bar culture (nightlife) with a relaxing and hip, non-alcoholic social venue.

4. Menu & Services

Signature Offerings:

• Bula Bowl – traditional kava served in communal bowls

• Lux Elixir – botanical mocktail with lemon balm, butterfly pea flower, and lavender

• Mana Chai – spiced chai with kava and oat milk

• Golden Root Latte – turmeric, ginger, and kava blend

• Seasonal herbal tea flights

Additional Services:

• Open mic nights with wellness and healing experts, live musical acoustic sets

• Herbalism workshops /  Addiction meeting / Group Therapy 

• Meditation / sound bath evenings / Yoga

• Tarot Card / Astrology Readings / Magic Shows

• Private Rentals (Dave Chappelle black-out dates) 

5. Location & Design

Ideal Location: Downtown Yellow Springs, near foot traffic from shops, galleries, and the bike path.
Design Style: Warm, bohemian, and botanical — plants, soft colored lighting, handmade ceramics, liquid light visuals (spilling), vintage CRT TVs, Flatscreens with ambient visuals, mediation and spa like ambient music, light and sound art installation, local landscape and botanical paintings, mediations & yoga mattes, comfy sectional couches, handmade wooden bar, zen rock and wood features.
Capacity: 20–30 seats, indoor + small outdoor patio

6. Operations Plan

• Hours: 9am – 1pm (tea and snacks), 7-11pm (mocktail bar) 

• Staffing: 1 bartenders per shift, Owner/GM as onsite manager

• Suppliers: Direct kava importers (Kava Culture, Vanuatu, Fiji), local herbal farms, tea wholesalers

• Licensing: Food partnership with Mazu as kitchen and supplier, business registration, Ohio health permits (cafe/coffee bar type)

7. Marketing Strategy

• Branding: Esoteric yet approachable — mystical plant imagery, Latin inspired name

• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for menu teasers, community events, and educational content on kava and other healing plants served on menu. Coverage of special events programmed

• Local Outreach: Partner with yoga studios, local farmers market vendors, Antioch College, live music events, light/video installations, local social group meetings

• Tourist Draw: 

  • Local print in YS News, Springfield News-Sun, Dayton Daily News

  • Partner with Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, CVB

  • Placement in Ohio tourism guides and “Visit Greene County”

  • Guerrilla & Creative Marketing

  • Pop-up kava tastings at farmers markets, art fairs, and cycling trail rest stops.

8. Financial Overview

Startup Costs:

• Lease & deposit: $8,000

• Renovations & decor: $15,000

• Equipment (blenders, refrigeration, POS): $8,000

• Initial inventory: $5,000

• Licenses & permits: $1,500

• Marketing & signage: $5,000

• Garden and Archway restoration, gardening and equipment  (Pumps, Fish, Filtration, Plants, Lighting): $20,000

• 6–12 month cash flow buffer: $20,000

• Working capital: $120,000
  Total: ~$200,000

• All required capital has been secured and will be financed independently by Brian Traylor with no other current partners planned

• Key consultants will be hired during start-up.

Revenue Projections:

• Average sale: $7

• 50 sales/day = $350/day = $10,500/month gross

• Higher weekend/event revenue potential

• Break-even in ~12–15 months with steady growth

9. Founder Biography: Brian Traylor

​

Professional Background:

Brian Traylor grew up in Yellow Springs and graduated from Yellow Springs High School in 2000. He went on to earn a degree in Filmmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute, also attending classes at Antioch College. His career has spanned both the arts and entrepreneurial ventures: his films have been exhibited at the Whitney Biennial, Sundance Film Festival, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. He has also operated media companies in Pasadena, CA and Houston, TX with a specialty in archival film restoration.

​

In 2015, Brian returned to the region to partner with John Legend in creating YOUmedia at The Dome, an after-school program in Springfield that continues to serve as a vital resource for local youth. His track record reflects a history of taking on large, complex projects and guiding them to successful completion.

​

Community Leadership & Projects:

Currently residing in Springfield, Ohio, Brian has invested deeply in regional arts and cultural institutions. He served on the management team of the Springfield State Theater, a million-dollar restoration project that reopened as a 350-capacity venue with a new bar. He also helps manage the Fairborn Phoenix, a restored 1940s theater and event venue.

Brian’s nonprofit service includes his role as Treasurer and board member of the Tecumseh Land Trust, as well as board membership with the Hartman Rock Garden, where he has contributed both gardening work and fundraising to support restoration and the development of a visitor center. These commitments have built strong connections across Yellow Springs, Springfield, Fairborn, and Dayton, creating a wide network of community support.

​

Personal Connection to Yellow Springs:

Brian’s ties to the Macbeth property at 309 Xenia Avenue run deep. He often worked alongside local visionary Alan Macbeth, helping with ponds, brick repairs, and creative projects, while sharing conversations on painting, philosophy, and village life. His first art show was held at Hubkicks (now The Smoking Octopus), and he witnessed the rebuilding of the Macbeth property after the fire.

In honor of Macbeth’s legacy, Brian plans to restore the ponds and gardens and establish a $20,000 community fund to support ongoing care and maintenance, ensuring the property remains true to Macbeth’s original vision.

​

Vision for Lux Herbarium

Drawing on his artistic background, community leadership, and entrepreneurial experience, Brian sees Lux Herbarium as his next major endeavor. By combining Yellow Springs’ creative spirit with wellness culture and botanical traditions, he hopes to establish not only a thriving business but also a lasting community space that honors both heritage and innovation.

10. Conclusion & Call to Action

Lux Herbarium will reintroduce something the village has been missing since the closing of The Spirited Goat—a dedicated social lounge built around wellness, creativity, and plant-based craft beverages. With the right combination of location, branding, and thoughtful event programming, Lux Herbarium has the potential to quickly establish itself as both a local landmark for residents and a must-visit destination for visitors to Yellow Springs.

Contact Info:

Brian Traylor

(937) 536-2656

traylorfilms@gmail.com