Hector Luis Ybe, longtime resident of Elkins Park, plans to open the health-centric Elkins Nutrition sometime in March.

The family-owned store has been in the works for nearly a year, and will be located at 7903 High School Road. Healthy juices, acai bowls, protein drinks, supplements, vitamins, and energy drinks are all part of the menu. A pharmacist by training, Hector’s vision extends into the holistic, with plans for health and wellness training in the mix as well.

“The best part about this is the educational part. It’ll be like a local Starbucks but healthy,” Hector said. “We’re going to have personal trainers, self-defense classes for women, yoga and wellness classes on weekends. We want a space for younger and older generations, and we want to help people improve their well-being.”

“It’s going to be structured around a schedule so that people can learn about specific themes. Mental, cardiovascular, aging, nutrition, everything,” he said.

Liliana, Hector’s mother and a former art teacher, will serve as a nutritional coach.

“I’ve worked in health and nutrition for many years. I’m 63, and I feel like I’m in the my 30s,” Liliana said. “I think it’s because of the way I eat.”

Community members and local businesses have been involved each step of the way, and Hector’s commitment to the surrounding Elkins Park area will continue after opening.

“I’ve had so much support from the community. I’m open to have partnerships with many people in the community. The other business owners and I are a brotherhood,” he said. “We have partnerships with local grocery stores who will be providing the produce.”

Though based far from Cheltenham, one of Elkins Nutrition’s partners is 4Ocean, a well-known environmental company which will be providing bracelets made from plastic taken from the Pacific Ocean.

Liliana has been helping to paint the iconic tree of High School Park from which Elkins Nutrition’s logo is derived.

“I want to educate people how to be healthy and how to integrate a healthy diet,” she said. “I want to take my experience and help people reach their goals.”

For more on Elkins Nutrition, you can visit their Facebook page. Glenside Local will provide updates on the store’s grand opening in March. Stay tuned.