Sr. Emmy Strait strolls up to the door, the large blue sign flickers in the background. Strait just finished an intense workout at Fit Body Boot camp and is ready to indulge. As she walks in she is immediately greeted by the familiar sights, sounds, and smells.
“Hi Emmy, welcome to Locale Nutrition! What can we get for you today?”
Ever since Locale Nutrition, a nutritional tea and shake cafe, opened their doors on January 18, 2020, Sr. Emmy Strait has become obsessed. Located off of River Ave., Locale Nutrition serves an abundance of teas, shakes, and supplementary smoothies. These beverages are the perfect post workout meal.
Over the past year, Strait has been traveling across West Michigan exploring new nutrition cafes in places such as Zeeland and Grand Haven. However, when Holland’s very own cafe opened, she knew it was the perfect place for her. Strait hopes to become an ambassador for Locale Nutrition and eventually work behind the counter, serving her favorite drinks to others.
“I love going to Locale Nutrition because it’s such a nice place that offers great products. The environment is nice and the workers always greet you with smiles. I personally love meal replacements and everything that they have to offer. I first went to other nutrition places, but when I found out that Locale was going to be opening in Holland I knew I had to go,” Strait said.
Recently, meal replacements have become increasingly popular amongst athletes, teenagers, and fitness gurus. The combination of a protein packed shake and an energizing tea creates the perfect post workout meal. The shakes can range from sweet to savory, and the teas are infused with aloe.
“We have protein shakes, protein coffee, and energizing beverages that are tea based. We use a clean, healthy, and all natural caffeine,” Victoria Reeves, co-owner of Locale Nutrition, said.
When walking into the cafe it can feel a little overwhelming. There are many options and there can be a lot to take in. However, the staff at Locale Nutrition are tea and shake experts; they are there to guide customers through the process of ordering a meal.
“We typically serve the tea and shake as a combo, kind of like when you go to a restaurant and get a meal and beverage. We serve them the same way, so your shake is your meal which has a full meal of nutrients. Then you pick your tea. We have caffeine free tea options for everyone. We have several flavors and options as far as plant based, whey, and quinoa blend in the shakes. It covers all the dairy free, gluten free, and keto friendly bases. I usually ask people what their nutritional and dietary restrictions are and guide them in the right direction,” Reeves said.
A typical shake and tea combo costs $9. If you want just a tea or just a shake, individual drinks typically cost anywhere from $5 to $10 depending on size.
As a vegetarian, Reeves had a hard time getting the protein she needed. When she found this meal replacement system, she knew she had to get involved. In the early stages of her career, she did not see herself as an entrepreneur. Reeves graduated from college with a degree in business and began working for large corporate companies. However, her love for the outdoors and nutrition trumped the 9-5 lifestyle and Reeves decided to take a leap of faith and start her own company.
“Opening my own nutrition cafe has always been a passion of mine. I have always lived an active lifestyle. So, having good health and good nutrition is part of that, the better you feel the better you function. I really like working for myself. I learned a lot from the corporate companies, but I have always been a ‘do things my own way’ person. Through all my experiences I found that I was ready to take on an adventure of my own and do things my own way without having to answer to other people,” Reeves said.
Reeves signed the lease on September 1, hoping to open Locale Nutrition in October.
“Due to COVID contract tracing, we have had people who were supposed to be working on the building, but couldn’t because they had a potential exposure,” Reeves said.
The opening date slowly got pushed back to January. Despite the opening day setback, the Locale Nutrition business has been running smoothly since they finally opened their doors on January 15.
“I think because of COVID people are being more health conscious. People are gravitating towards our healthy options and all of our food is ‘carry out’ anyways. Our company has had record sales all of last year, and we are trending in the same way this year. However, we miss having people come in and hang out for a while, getting to know what their needs are,” Reeves said.
Like Reeves said, the health benefits that the teas and shakes provide amongst a time where people’s health concerns are at an all time high, have without a doubt given way to a large clientele.
“The teas are made with an orange and green tea blend, and they are sugar free. They have about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, but it is cleaner energy. It’s a good clean boost of energy. They are sugar free, and sweetened with stevia. Our shakes have a full meal of nutrients, so its 24 grams of protein are all under 250 calories, and are low sugar. It’s a great on the go option when you need something healthy,” Reeves said.
The variety of the menu is also what lures in customers of all ages and dietary needs. Although these shakes and teas are healthy, the flavors can consist of mouth watering desserts.
“My typical order is the Red Velvet Oreo shake and the ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot’ tea. The best combo in my opinion,” Strait said.
“My go to combo is Peanut Butter Oreo Pie shake and a hot raspberry tea with collagen,” Reeves said.
Whether you are an athlete or just someone looking to live a healthier lifestyle, Locale Nutrition offers a variety of options for everyone.
To support Locale Nutrition and Victoria Reeves visit them at:
218 N River Ave, Holland, MI 49424
Instagram: @localenutrition
