Marble Falls grad Stephenson opens smoothie bar
CAPTION: The different ingredients, flavors and offerings of Fresh Fuel Nutrition is a dream come true for operator Jesse Stephenson. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
A new smoothie and healthy foods bar is opening inside The Athletic Club in Marble Falls.
Fresh Fuel Nutrition is operated by Jesse Stephenson, a 2020 graduate of Marble Falls High School. She is hosting a grand opening Tuesday, Aug. 1. Operating hours are 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The Athletic Club is at 2312 U.S. 281 in Marble Falls.
“I’ve always had a passion for healthy foods and health and wellness in general,” she said. “(Club owners Jennifer and Fermin Ortiz) wanted to open a smoothie or protein shake bar. They asked me if I wanted to open it.”
Stephenson earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science from McMurry University, graduating in three years.
“That was my original plan,” she said. “I wanted to be a coach. I got my personal training certification and nutritionist certification on the side. I learned more about how the body works and developing a plan to help people lose weight, what foods are most optimal for health, what’s efficient for weight loss, the diets and fads.”
She has a menu with a variety of products, including a half a dozen specialty drinks.
“All the smoothies I’m using, I’m making everything out of whole foods and ingredients,” she said. “I’m doing non-dairy milk, all wholesome ingredients. I’m also serving healthy treats and snacks. Basically everything I’m serving is wholesome ingredients. You have options to build your own smoothie. You pick fruits, liquids and additional items.”
Stephenson said she isn’t serving products that haven’t gotten the thumbs-up from her toughest critics.
“I’ve definitely tried out the recipes on family, co-workers and friends,” she said. “Most of it is coming up with trying stuff. I watched a lot of TikTok and Pinterest. I added different things as well. There are protein balls; I make different kinds. We have healthy protein bars and chips.”
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