Kimberly Gordon and Paige McLellan first met in 2012 as third graders, and quickly became best friends forever. The two have been nearly inseparable since, but now are spending more time together as Boothbay’s newest entrepreneurs. Gordon and McLellan started Harbor Nutrition in January. The business at 473 Wiscasset Road specializes in energy drinks and protein shakes.

Harbor Nutrition features a menu with a unique mixture of ingredients created by McLellan and Gordon. The menu includes flavored protein shakes (fruity, vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, and coffee lovers), energizing teas made from an herbal tea with aloe added for digestion. Gordon said the teas come in three categories (basic, boosted and lit) based on the amount of caffeine. Basic includes the amount of caffeine in a regular coffee. Boosted has more caffeine for added focus and clarity. Lit is for those seeking even more of liquid boost. 

The new shop features drinks that are both nutritious and delicious, according to the owners. The menu is chock full of various drinks either as coffee or tea. It also also has a variety of shakes. While shakes are a drink, too, the owners said they act more like a meal. Harbor Nutrition protein shakes are made with 24 grams of protein, 21 essential vitamins, 7-9 grams of sugar, 13-19 net carbs and 200-300 calories. “They really fill you up and have the protein you need,” Gordon said. “Our drinks are healthier than a Red Bull or Monster. Ours are sweetened with stevia with no calories. The others are loaded with sugar and calories so ours are a healthier option,” she said. “It’s the same great taste without the guilt.”

This is the first venture for Gordon and McLellan as business owners. Both had patronized Coastal Nutrition in Damariscotta which featured similar products. Gordon and McLellan saw many people from the Boothbay region at that store and after McLellan had a  conversation with Coastal Nutrition owner Jenny Hayes, the two best friends decided to become business partners. 

The store is open from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. “It’s a pretty busy schedule, but we wanted one day off so we’re closed Tuesdays,” Gordon said.

The new business is bringing two close friends even closer as they are the only two in the store. “Working with Kim isn’t really like work. It’s great being around her, and we’re both enjoying it,” McLellan said. 

The store opened Jan. 11 and so far has attracted a steady clientele. Gordon did not think the business would take off until this summer. “I thought in July and August to be this busy, but we have a lot of people who want these new drinks, and some are stopping in to try it out, and they are liking our drinks,” Gordon said.

One of the new customers is Edgecomb resident Ed Crocker. On Jan. 24, one of his kids bought him the Peanut Butter protein shake. Crocker said it tasted like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The next day, Crocker bought his own shake. “I bought a Lemon Pound Cake shake. It looked good so I got it. My kids love the place, and now I’m coming here learning all the flavors.”

While the new owners possess a wealth of enthusiasm for their new venture, they lack experience. “It’s a lot to learn so we are talking with an accountant to help us with the business side,” Gordon said.