The Pour Man

Kelley Fitzsimonds Pours Non-Alcoholic Creations

By Kit Keating

People in the know have called Kelley Fitzsimonds a "magician behind the bar". His unique creations truly are palate pleasers.

According to Kelley, it’s all due to his belief in “complex simplicity”. When he crafts a drink, he achieves a very interesting depth of flavor by using multiple and often unexpected ingredients in unique combinations. He also likes to make what ingredients he can a bit ahead of time. The results of this artistry are delicious. And interestingly, his most recent creations are sans alcohol.

He and his wife moved down from the Atlanta area a couple decades ago, and he has been active in many beverage programs around town. He also enjoys entering bartending competitions. After over 30 years of mixology, he still loves what he does.

Currently, one of his major focuses is Kava and Canvas. Opened last September by Bart and Pepper Andrews within the walls of Unified Tattoo on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Kava and Canvas represents a creative space where art, music and sobriety combine. Bart and Pepper believe strongly in the clean and sober lifestyle, and this infuses Kelley's potions with sober vigor.

It used to be that there were very, very few alcohol-free options in the dining and drinking universe. Not so now. Drinking among younger demographics is down an enormous amount – some data suggests by over 60%. And this fact has spurred the development of delicious alcohol-free spirits. According to Kelly, the are "over 500 alcohol-free spirits" out there to try. In addition, Kava and Canvas offers drinks concocted with kava, kratom and even South African kanna.

The space is calming. At Kava and Canvas, the energy is very positive. This isn’t just a place to sip. It’s a place to slow down, show up, and feel something real — surrounded by art, story, and people who are here for more than just a drink. And it gets better. Most weeknights, there's a drink special and/or an activity, whether its a paint-and-sip evening, or an open mic night.

Kelley feels right at home here at Kava and Canvas. We do too.

"Beyond the Plate" March 11, 2026