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LAPLACE — Pelican Nutrition has soared to new heights since Annie Young and Anthony Albano took over ownership of the shop at 3025 Highway 51 in LaPlace exactly one year ago on May 13, 2022.

The one-year anniversary was commemorated this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by members of the local business community. The celebration continues today, May 13, with a Sip and Shop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The following vendors will be present: Berri Sweet Scrubs, Tupperware by Tangela, Park Lane Jewelry, Love Bug Creations, Jo’s Apple Delights, Attraction Wellness Center – Dr. Jasmine Scott, Little Cajun Shed, Bundt by DaKoolMom and Pink Zebra.

Young was introduced to Herbalife teas by her daughters three years ago. Searching for a boost of energy while working nights, she discovered the loaded teas were a healthier alternative to the Monsters and Red Bulls she’d grown accustomed to. With endless flavors to choose from, they tasted better than the average energy drink, too.

She found herself coming to the shop on Saturdays to help the owner and see if it was something she wanted to do full time. Meanwhile, Anthony Albano had been recently certified as a personal trainer when the previous owners of Pelican Nutrition rented him a room out back.

When an opportunity arose to buy out the previous owners, Albano and Young were thrilled to begin a new journey. They haven’t looked back since, and Albano said this past year in business has been both a whirlwind and a wonderful learning experience.

“We are not a finished product,” he said. “I still have ideas that I need to bring to life, and our menu is always evolving and changing.”

Pelican Nutrition offers several types of teas. Traditional loaded teas are packed with vitamins C and B and 200 mg of caffeine, making them a perfect no-sugar option for improving metabolism, energy and focus.

Specialty teas control hunger with protein, vitamins A, B, C, and E, and 115 mg of caffeine. Meanwhile, beauty teas promote healthy skin, hair, nails, vitamins A, B, C, E, biotin, collagen and 115 mg caffeine.

Boost drinks, perfect for someone feeling under the weather or fighting off a cold, are catered to building immunity and overall health with plenty of vitamin C, zinc and probiotics.

The menu also includes several flavors of low carb and low-sugar meal replacement shakes with vitamins, minerals and 24 grams of protein.

The store has its own signature drinks, including the popular “Pelican Hearts.” The owners can customize drinks requested by customers even if they are not on the menu, as long as the ingredients are available.

Pelican Nutrition offers daily deals, and first responders including law enforcement, EMS and fire personnel are always treated to a 10% daily discount. On Wednesdays, teachers and parish workers also receive 10% off.

The shop is also unique in that it is has an owner with a background as a personal trainer.

“I wish I would have known about this when I was younger and working out six days a week. I’ve been a gym rat my whole life. With these drinks, I love the vitamins, the caffeine, the biotin, the collagen,” Albano said.

Pelican Nutrition can sell teas by the gallon and also offers delivery services in the River Parishes for drink orders of two or more.

Business hours are 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 504-528-5976.