Loaded teas, protein-packed coffees, and healthy energy drinks now have a new home in Statesboro. After four years of success in Rincon, GA, GATA Nutrition opened on Sept. 8, giving Georgia Southern students, families, and locals a colorful, energizing alternative to traditional sugary drinks.
Owner Holly Proudfoot said her love for loaded teas is what sparked the idea to bring the business to Statesboro.
“I personally love these,” Proudfoot said. “I love the way they make me feel. It’s clean energy; it doesn’t give you the jitters like a Red Bull.”
The menu is more than just teas. Customers can choose protein iced coffee, protein bars and balls, hydration-focused kids’ drinks, and even caffeine-free options. Proudfoot said the drinks don’t just give energy, they help you focus too. “It just gives you a clean energy. If you drink one, it actually makes you feel like you want to do something,” she said. One of her favorites is the “Beach, Please,” a mix of blue blast and watermelon.
While Statesboro already has shops like SUMMOTEA and Soul Statesboro, GATA Nutrition hopes to stand out by being accessible and welcoming to the whole community. Proudfoot said she wants everyone to feel like they belong.
“I want everyone to come in,” she said. “We have post-workout protein shakes for athletes, drinks for kids, and options for anyone who just wants to feel better throughout the day.”
Partnerships with Georgia Southern athletes could also be part of the plan. With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Proudfoot hopes players will try the drinks and share how they feel with the community.
“That would be really cool,” she said. “They could come in, try the drinks, and give feedback. A lot of these kids don’t leave campus, so having something like this will definitely get their attention.”
For now, Proudfoot is focused on building awareness and trust. In a town where student life and athletics are a big deal, she believes GATA Nutrition can thrive by offering something healthy, energizing, and enjoyable.
“Statesboro is a college town,” she said. “I thought we’d do really good here. And I just want to build a relationship with the whole community.”
GATA Nutrition is located at 609 Brannen Street #7, and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
