Shake And Tea Bar Opens In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford residents looking for a nutritious pick-me-up have a new option in Wildside Nutrition.

The tea and shake bar opened in June and was welcomed by town officials with a ribbon-cutting Sept. 26.

Wildside sells Herbalife beverages in a cafe setting at 3588 Main St. near Paradise Green. The space was previously occupied by Top Tees screen printing, which closed in June.

Owner Minerva Benson lost 100 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and Herbalife's products and sense of community, she said, adding that she wants her business to offer a supportive environment for customers.

Wildside's interior is decorated with brick, wood and metal detailing to create a trendy coffee-shop atmosphere. The shakes that Wildside serves come with 24 grams of protein in each and range from 180 to 220 calories, according to Benson. Shake flavors include peanut butter cup, pina colada, thin mint and cheesecake. For the teas, customers can add vitamin B12 or guarana to the beverages, which include options such as acai berry, blue raspberry and lemonade, as well as a variety of green tea drinks blended with other flavors.

"The community has embraced us and it's been so great," said Benson, a lifelong Stratford resident.

Benson has worked with Herbalife, a global nutrition company, for five years. In addition to Wildside, she co-owns Seaside Nutrition in Milford. Wildside is a family business, as Benson's 15-year-old daughter works at the shop.

Mayor Laura Hoydick expressed excitement about having Benson's business in town.

"We're happy she chose Stratford," Hoydick said.

For more information about Wildside, visit www.facebook.com/wildsidenutrition/ or call 203-345-6812.