Meeting the right lifestyle: The UMass football player owns K’s Nutrition, a ‘wellness cafe’ in Amherst.

AMHERST – University of Massachusetts men’s soccer star Bryant Keeney understands that what athletes put into their bodies is an important part of their training. training.

Although Amherst, as a college town, has a number of coffee shops, bubble tea places and various cafes, what it didn’t have – until Keeney opened K’s Nutrition at 377 College St . find smoothies, protein shakes and refreshments, as well as coffee, juice and acai bowls.

Now about to celebrate its second year, K’s Nutrition – which is almost always a beverage – continues to be a successful business for Keeney, an economics major from Westfield.

“As a health cafe or a nutrition cafe, we try to be holistic,” says Keeney.

Several staples are on the K’s Nutrition menu, including plant-based protein shakes, each containing 200 to 350 calories. as a food substitute, for exercise recovery or muscle strengthening.

“It makes it so delicious,” Keeney said as she prepared the drink, pointing out the names of protein shakes like Brownie Batter, Oreo Creme Pie and Peanut Butter Cheesecake.

Also on the list are energy boosters, which people can consume before competitions. The refreshments are low in calories and have names like Black Pearl, made with pomegranate, blast noise and grapes, and Blue Hawaiian, with lemon lime, blue blast and song. Refreshers contain about 15 calories or more but can pack a punch of caffeine, up to 275 milligrams in a “double lit” refresher, as it’s known.

Pure energy drinks get their caffeine from green tea. “Refreshments are optional,” Keeney said.

The beginning of the store

The idea to start the store came from Keeney’s experience visiting smoothie shops and cafes and liking their vibe. “When I was traveling, I was always trying smoothie shops,” Keeney said.

Since he also worked in the same store in high school, he decided to start another one, and during the epidemic, he came up with a plan for a place that would meet the right lifestyle, especially for young people .

“I felt like I could relate to college kids,” Keeney said.

Keeney worked, saved money and finalized a business plan, identifying the perfect location in March 2022, in an area close to other health-promoting businesses, including a pharmacy, doctor’s and fitness center.

Unlike most diners and coffee shops, Keeney doesn’t expect long stays, though a few small tables are set up for conversation and there’s a built-in sofa. ‘of pillows on the other wall. Everything was designed by Keeney, including the counter and work area where he prepares drinks, taking ideas from websites like Pinterest. He also developed a custom brand for K’s Nutrition.

While Keeney chats with customers in the five minutes or less — fast for those in a hurry — it takes her to make a 16-ounce drink, she makes a Peanut Butter Brownie smoothie, whips up and mixes bananas. with a drink. milk consistency.

He also makes an organic smoothie, Green Machine, which combines mango, avocado, spinach, apple and pineapple.

“It was very fast,” a first-time customer told Keeney. “I am pleased.”

“I’ve done this 10,000 times and I can do it with my eyes closed,” Keeney said.

Since opening, she’s expanded the list of acai dishes, such as a coconut smoothie bowl topped with granolas, fruit, peanut butter, and organic juice — a delicious beetroot, apple, lemon and ginger smoothie. or Beachy Breeze. , with apple, pineapple, lemon and mint.

Consumers also have the option of adding supplements to many drinks. For relaxation, collagen can be added to the drink. That can help with hair growth, joint and tendon strengthening, Keeney said. Adding probiotics can help with digestion and nutrient absorption, while creatine helps with muscle growth and recovery.

Keeney said family is an important part of keeping the business running. Her mother, Tammy, sometimes works behind the counter, and gets some help from her father and sister and a little paid help. Because most of his time is devoted to preparing for summer and fall football games, as well as studying, he is not in the store that often.

“I enjoy being here as much as I can,” Keeney said.

Keeney said people of all ages and walks of life stop by, with the morning rush being early risers such as medical professionals, lawyers and teachers, and athletes later in the day.

“Anyone who likes good drinks comes in,” Keeney said.

The store is open weekdays from 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday 9 am to 2 pm and closed Sunday. Most drinks range in price from $4.99 to $12.99.

Through property and social media, Keeney got the word out about the business.

“The biggest challenges are the ideas I want to create,” Keeney said. “There aren’t enough hours in the day.”

He’s not sure what will happen with the business once he graduates from UMass, possibly as early as next spring, though he’s thinking about expanding.

“I hope to continue sailing after college and be able to devote more time to it,” Keeney said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.