If you think Wesley Chapel Nutrition Smart (located just south of SR 56 on Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) is a vitamin and supplement store, you’d be wrong.
And if you think that’s all the popular stores carry, you’re not alone.
But anyone who thinks Nutrition Smart is just a place for supplement enthusiasts to stock up is missing out on all that the area’s original “greengrocer” has to offer.
“Many people come in expecting just vitamins, but are impressed with what they see,” said Fausto Soriano, the store’s general manager. “That’s definitely a misconception.”
Nutrition Smart sells fresh organic produce, whole foods, refrigerated and frozen meals, from dairy (including raw milk) and eggs to meats, breads and healthy snacks.
Faust said many of the store’s customers do all of their grocery shopping in-store, and the store carries the region’s largest selection of supplements, as well as vitamins, bulk foods, sports nutrition, health and beauty supplies, pet care and household goods.
Faust said while it’s not as large as a big-box grocery store, it has a little bit of everything and Nutrition Smart offers things that other stores don’t.
“All of our fresh produce is 100 percent organic,” Faust says. While other stores sell organic and non-organic products side-by-side, at Nutrition Smart, “customers don’t have to worry about accidentally buying conventional products.”
Faust also says many people, especially at his store, believe in the “eat first” philosophy of making healthier food choices now instead of needing supplements later.
Customers love the store’s fresh organic chicken and grass-fed beef, and Nutrition Smart also offers a variety of unique products that can’t be found anywhere else — raw milk from Florida dairy farms, for example, is very popular.
“Every Tuesday, we get fresh milk delivered,” he said, “and customers line up waiting for it to arrive.”
The store also carries independent brands from nearby businesses, such as locally produced raw honey.
Local desserts are delivered fresh to the store from Hillbilly Farms Bakery in Dade City. Sammi’s Bakery in Tampa delivers fresh breads, wraps, cookies and desserts every Thursday. Both bakeries offer specialty items, including low-carb and gluten-free desserts and baked goods.
Other unique items include a variety of trendy supplements, including mushroom-derived supplements and shilajit, an earthy resin that is said to help with hormone balance and other functions. The store also carries a large selection of CBD products.
Faust added that Nutrition Smart’s Wesley Chapel store is the number one seller of Celsius energy drinks in the state of Florida.
“We’re known in the area for having the largest selection of Celsius,” he says. “We’re the first to stock new flavors, we have the widest variety of flavors and we have the best prices.”
He said he and his staff, including assistant store manager Joe Geyer, pay close attention to industry trends to make sure they know what customers want. When vendors pitch new products to the store, they look for commonalities. Many customers also read articles and often ask for specific new products or ingredients.
Joe has been with the company for six years and was previously the vitamin manager. He and Fausto, who has been with Nutrition Smart for 15 years, are among about two dozen store employees at the Wesley Chapel store. Nutrition Smart is never a big chain, with just two stores, one in Port St. Lucie and one in Pembroke Pines.
“Our vitamin staff is very knowledgeable,” Faust says, “Many of our staff have been doing the job for 15 to 20 years. We focus on individualized service tailored to each customer’s unique needs. We’re not just trying to sell products; we want to listen to your needs and earn your trust so you’ll return in the future.”
It’s a service that’s been offered for 15 years, since Nutrition Smart’s Wesley Chapel store opened in 2009.
“We’re the first to offer these products in the area,” Faust said, “and we’ve been here since before Wesley Chapel was a tourist destination.”
Introducing: Divine Leaf Vegan
Another hidden gem within Wesley Chapel Nutrition Smart is Divine Leaf Vegan, a new cafe offering freshly made burgers, sandwiches, salads, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and more.
“I’m really glad I found them,” Fausto said, “There aren’t a lot of vegan restaurants or options in our area, so it works out well. I’m not vegan, but I shop there all the time. They have a really good ranch sauce that they make from scratch, and my kids love it so I buy the full-sized bottle. It’s really great.”
Faust added that the partnership is great because people who find out about Divine Leaf through Divine Leaf’s social media often become Nutrition Smart customers as they learn about the store’s presence.
Making healthcare more affordable
Nutrition Smart is offering many discounts and coupons, including a 20% off coupon for this issue. In addition, active military and veterans, first responders, nurses and teachers can get 10% off all day, every day. On Tuesdays, seniors (55 and older) also get 10% off. Shoppers can also sign up for Nutrition Smart’s Text Club by text message. “Wesley” To (866) 603-3532 Take advantage of our special offers.
Pam T. is a Wesley Chapel Nutrition Smart shopper who recently wrote a review. “I love this little health food store,” she says. “I go there every week. They have great offers and coupons, and the prices are great. I also love that all the produce is organic. They have most of the items I need every week.”
Nutrition Smart is located at 1821 BBD Blvd. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 7pm. For more information, visit NutritionSmart.com or call the store at (813) 341-4444. Or, check out the ad below for a coupon for 20% off your purchase.
