Valley Nutrition Opens in Fountain City With Protein Drinks, Doughnuts and More

Owners Alex and Vanessa hope to make the business a gathering place, with ideas for future run clubs, pop-up shops and events.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new business in Fountain City is serving up protein drinks, doughnuts and teas with a goal that extends beyond its menu: creating a welcoming place for the community.

Valley Nutrition comes from Alex and Vanessa, who moved to the Knoxville area from Miami two years ago. The pair said their interest in helping people build healthier habits inspired them to open a business offering quick, convenient alternatives to everyday snacks.

IG/visitvalleynutrition

They see the shop as an option for customers looking for something easy to grab while going about their day. Just as important, they want people to feel comfortable walking through the door.

“Everyone is welcome,” they said.

Finding a Home in Fountain City

After considering different parts of Knoxville, Alex and Vanessa chose Fountain City because the timing and available opportunity aligned.

“We looked at different areas of town, and this one worked out to be the best,” they said.

Now that Valley Nutrition is open, their focus is on introducing customers to the menu and building connections in the neighborhood.

What to Try

For customers making their first visit, one of the owners’ favorite recommendations is the Jimmy Buffett protein drink.

“You can’t go wrong with the Jimmy Buffett,” they said.

The menu also includes doughnuts, which the owners describe as high in protein, low in sugar and light enough for a morning snack. Their teas contain no sugar, according to Alex and Vanessa.

IG/visitvalleynutrition

The idea is to give customers convenient choices, whether they are starting the day or stopping in for a drink.

More Than a Quick Stop

Alex and Vanessa envision Valley Nutrition becoming a place where people can connect as well as pick up something from the menu.

Ideas for the space include future run clubs, pop-up shopping events and other community gatherings. Those plans are still taking shape, but the owners hope to invite neighbors and local businesses to be part of what comes next.

They also have longer-term ambitions to expand into additional locations and cities.

For now, they are excited to welcome Fountain City customers and establish Valley Nutrition as part of the community.

Valley Nutrition is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Follow the business on Instagram for store updates and menus changes.