VALRICO - Back in the 1990s when Scott Hileman was setting goalkeeper records for the University of Portland and later as a professional indoor player, nutritional supplements came mostly in the form of pills from the local vitamin shop.
If he wanted to drink something before or after a workout, the options were limited.
"For me, it was Red Bull and coffee," said Hileman, who played for five professional indoor teams, mostly with the Baltimore Blast. "As a former professional athlete, I personally understand the power of healthy living and that starts with what we put in our bodies."
As he traveled the country during the past eight years, he became aware of Nékter Juice Bar, a Southern California-based lifestyle restaurant brand that features nutritious juices, Superfood smoothies and acai bowls. His real estate background kicked in and the New Tampa resident saw an opportunity to bring something to his hometown that he never had while growing up in Arizona or attending college in Oregon.
Hileman decided to bring the concept to Hillsborough County, opening five area locations including one in Valrico at 3482 Lithia Pinecrest Road, just south of Bloomingdale Avenue in the Lithia Crossing Shopping Center. Nékter Juice Bar is slated for a soft opening in the former Starbucks location adjacent to Panera Bread on October 17. A grand opening celebration is planned for Nov. 3 - where the first 50 customers can enjoy $1 smoothies or juices.
"It gives people an opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle," Hileman said. "I believe in it."
Each of Nékter's menu offerings starts upon a foundation of fresh, whole ingredients, and aims to optimize overall health and wellness by feeding the body with essential vitamins and nutrients to increase energy, boost immunity and metabolism, cleanse and detoxify. Guests can choose from a variety of freshly-made juices, Superfood smoothies and acai bowls that can also be customized based on individual diet or lifestyle preferences, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-fat, and low-sugar.
Grab and go juices are available that include a 6-pack classic cleanse, conveniently numbered, where you drink juices/lemonades/milks for 1-5 days to reset or renew your body with herbs, probiotics and more. Nékter also offers guests a vegan ice cream it calls Skoop.
Hileman also concurrently is opening a Nékter location in Tampa (4001 W Kennedy Blvd.), with plans for a location in Trinity (3236 Little Road) and at least two more in the Bay area.
Visit facebook.com/Nekter-Juice-Bar-435687806947480/. The 1,500 square foot location is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. except on Sundays where it's 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New boutique streams into Winthrop
The outdoor market along Main Street inside Winthrop Town Centre has its newest retro airstream business as Robin Nest Studio has joined the throwback lineup. Situated in front of the Art Factory at Winthrop Arts, RNS is a boutique store featuring hand-crafted items perfect for weddings or special events and personalized items such as small pottery and luxury handbags.
According to its website, RNS wants to "make shopping fun and unique again" and offer the antithesis of the big box or online purchasing experiences. Just like the shiny old-school RV that is operates out of, Robin Nest Studio wants its shoppers to find something sparkly during their visits - or at least share memorable moments with mom.
Visit robinneststudio.com/ to see the inventory and learn more about RNS.
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