GREAT FALLS — A nutritional alternative for workout warriors and health-conscious consumers has opened its doors in Great Falls. With names like banana bread, brownie batter and Hawaiian Delite, Not Your Mama’s Nutrition has been serving up healthy shake and energy tea options since mid-November.
“It's hard to be healthy whenever you’re just stuck at home and there’s nothing to do, nowhere to go, and you're alone, ”said employee Rachel Alcain. “But it's really important for your body to have good nutrition and good overall inside your body health.”
Owner Michelle Morris had the idea for the shop about six months ago. Feeling a need for offering healthy alternatives during a pandemic, she describes it as a family friendly place with good vibes. Her business plan included visiting similar nutrition shops from Pennsylvania to Montana.
The store’s location at 924 13th Avenue South was strategic. It offers easy access to medical facilities, colleges, and gyms.
Terrell Mitchell is a fitness buff and loyal customer who says Not Your Mama’s Nutrition serves dual purposes. “One, its new business in town it's always good to support community businesses,” said Mitchell. “Two, if you’re into fitness, or even if you’re not into fitness and you’re just trying to have a healthier version of a drink you’d get in town it’s cool to come down here and get a nice beverage and also feel good about getting some energy or just getting some protein in.”
London native and recent University of Providence graduate Alex Williams is a trainer at nearby Fit Republic. He’s a big fan of the shop’s energy.
“I teach a class at 5 a.m. over at the gym and this place opens up straight after so you can come over and grab a tea, grab a shake,” said Williams. Its really good for your recovery straight after your workout.”
The store’s energy teas are filled with B vitamins, helpful not only to exercise fanatics but those hoping to maintain mental focus. “I know that I am also a college student, I’m in nursing school, and this is how I lived through studying through finals.,” said Alcain.
The store also has an app for people on the go and hopes to be part of Door Dash soon. Morris says the 1,200 square foot family and veteran-owned shop offers excellent wifi and has great family and study areas.
The store has been busy in the few weeks it's been open and is keeping customers’ safety in mind. “With all of the CDC guidelines and all of the Covid guidelines everything is really simple, for us to be able to keep everything sanitary so that you can be safe and you can feel like this is a good safe environment for your family to come during this Covid pandemic,” said Alcain .
Drinks start as low as a dollar and meal combos, featuring an energy tea and a shake, go for ten dollars. She says there is a loyalty program, and the store offers military discounts.
Hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 8 :00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The store is closed Sundays.
As for the business name, Morris came up with it herself. She said she wanted something that stands out and rolls off the tongue. For more information, click here to visit the website, or click here for the Facebook page.
