Shane Carr spent six years in the Marines, followed by 25 years in corporate finance. In addition to being a math whiz, Carr also has a passion for coffee. His job in finance allowed him the ability to work from home, but he often preferred to tote his laptop to his local coffee shop where he could sip on fresh brew and enjoy a change of scenery.
“When I first moved to the area, Jives Coffee Lounge was just down the street from my house,” Carr says. “I met and became friends with the owner, Dored Najjar. It had been a dream of mine to one day own and operate my own coffee shop. Meeting Dored would eventually help to bring my dream to reality.”
A Dream Realized
In November of 2023, Carr purchased an existing business called Javalato Gelato & Café, located on the east side of Colorado Springs. The aesthetic of the space was more café than coffee house, so Carr immediately set his sights on a remodel and menu change. Around this time, Carr had a conversation with Najjar about his plan and together they discussed the possibilities.
Najjar formerly owned a chain of coffee shops in Croatia called Kava Tava, which he sold when he moved to the United States. He offered Carr a franchise opportunity and a collaboration was born. Together, Carr and Najjar created a menu and Najjar took over the social media responsibilities. In March of 2024, Kava Tava opened its doors with a new look and a new menu.
The Menu
Coffee is the star of the show at Kava Tava. Carr sources his coffee locally from Spanish Peaks Roasters located in Colorado Springs. His coffee menu includes classics along with seasonal offerings and inspired signature drinks, all named after well-known vintage movies.
Gelato wasn’t part of Carr’s original concept, but the new space came with all of the equipment and he figured, why not? He imports his gelato ingredients from Italy to keep it as authentic as possible. Kava Tava rotates among 14 original flavors and adds seasonal flavors throughout the year. For those looking for dairy-free options, Carr also includes vegan gelato/sorbet flavors in the rotation. There are many ways to enjoy gelato at Kava Tava including cones, dishes, and in creative sundaes.
For brunch-friendly bites, Kava Tava offers four savory sandwiches along with a menu item called Chinkice, which are “pancakes with a Kava Tava Twist.” Chinkice is built with five pancakes and topped with ingredients like Nutella, strawberries, bananas, white chocolate, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, a cone of gelato on top. Kava Tava also offers a variety of muffins as well as cake.
In addition to food, the Kava Tava menu offers cocktails and smoothies. And if the mood hits, you can add a scoop of gelato to any coffee or smoothie for an additional price.
Looking Towards the Future
While the current focus for Carr is to create a space where the locals can gather and enjoy great hospitality and an amazing cup of coffee, he does have his eye on the future.
“I would love to eventually start a coffee and catering food truck/trailer,” Carr says. “There is a need for mobile gelato and coffee to cater special events and local festivals. At the coffee shop, I would eventually like to host live entertainment, as well. I have a lot of ideas but for now I am just trying to get the word out about Kava Tava and all we have to offer.”
Website: under construction
Instagram + Facebook: @KavaTavaColoradoSprings