Bobcat Nutrition, located at 5 N. North Court St., reopened under new ownership in February after its temporary closure in December.
The family business is owned by Ohio University alumna Lori Moore, her husband Dave Moore, and their daughter, Olivia Moore, a current student studying hearing, speech and language sciences.
Moore said they are working to assist the Athens community in meeting its wellness journey.
The shop specializes in products such as energizing tea and protein shakes. Customers can also choose from various options, including post-workout nutrition, smoothies, acai bowls and daily specials.
Moore said Bobcat Nutrition is committed to its involvement within the City of Athens. The establishment is part of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, where they are looking to partner on community events.
Her family came to own the local business after the previous owner decided to sell, Moore said.
“The opportunity came in front of us, and I couldn’t pass it up,” Moore said.
Moore said the ownership transition went smoothly and has been a positive experience.
“They’re super cooperative with us, and they were very supportive, and they provided us with all the necessary information we needed to make it a seamless transition,” Moore said. “We’re very excited to build off of what they started.”
After taking over the business, the family changed the inside of the building by painting the walls and making the store more OU-themed.
Ohio Digital Marketing Agency students are working with Bobcat Nutrition to create a customer reward system based on a punch card.
Moore said customers can get discounts and a free drink on their fifth visit under the reward system.
Bobcat Nutrition also offers Red Card, a payment platform program for OU’s student athletes at participating restaurants and local businesses.
The business has focused on reinforcing the brand’s image by highlighting quality products and informing customers.
“We have very educated people working behind our bar, and they know all the products,” Moore said.
Moore said Bobcat Nutrition received over 200 resumes after it announced it was hiring.
Alyssa Zornes, a freshman studying social work with a minor in psychology, has worked at Bobcat Nutrition since it reopened in February.
“The owners are great people to work for,” Zornes said. “It’s just been a really great experience.”
Bobcat Nutrition offers an extensive menu with options for a base flavor and add-ins, such as orangeade for hydration, B vitamins for energy, probiotics and collagen.
“I’m someone who struggles to get my protein intake, especially hydration, so I have learned a better way to take care of my body in that sense and a different way to get those things I was lacking,” Zornes said.
Kiandra Martin, a senior studying sociology and criminology with a minor in African American studies, said she first visited Bobcat Nutrition because she is interested in healthy, fresh food.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I really just want something fresh. I want something clean. I’m looking for a healthy snack,’” Martin said.
Kendall Dodgion, a junior studying political science pre-law, said she likes that Bobcat Nutrition provides Athens with more drink and food options.
“I’ve always said there just needs to be more variety in healthier drinks and definitely (Bobcat Nutrition) coming in, it definitely helped, and I feel like it would grow that area,” Dodgion said.
Martin said the business’s environment is bright and well-decorated.
“Everyone is super kind, very welcoming. It’s a cool environment,” Martin said.
As the word spreads about Bobcat Nutrition, more students are buying protein-filled drinks and fresh foods and helping support a local business.
