DURHAM, N.C. — A new health and nutrition cafe opened its doors to the Durham community on Nov. 11 after years of being a pop-up shop in fitness centers.
Local community members gathered for the opening of 501 Protein Cafe located off of U.S. 15-501. Tre and Ashley Hicks, owners of 501 Protein, introduced the cafe after spending three years serving workout drinks to members at their fitness center in Raleigh.
Ashley Hicks said their goal is to provide great-tasting products that positively transform their customers’ health. The cafe offers a series of meal replacement shakes, energy teas, and high protein iced coffees that are healthy alternatives to competing products at mainstream restaurants.
The cafe is also a distributor of Herbalife Nutrition products, and uses them to make their menu items. In November 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized Herbalife as a diabetes prevention program. Hicks said because of Herbalife all menu items help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall weight. Herbalife products, like tea blends and protein powder, are sold in-store and on 501 Protein’s website.
“I think it’s so exciting having people try healthy alternatives for the first time,” Hicks said.
The cafe also partners with health and wellness coaches in the Triangle. Coaches can refer their clients to 501 Protein for nutrition plans and to try menu items. Essence Ferguson, a wellness coach and operator at 501 Protein, said after using the products for seven months she lost 20 pounds. Ferguson also refers her clients to 501 Protein to taste different items before purchasing Herbalife products online.
“Essentially 501 is a physical location for people to come and try the products to make sure they like it and know how to use it,” Ferguson said.
The community has played a big role in the success of the cafe since November. Derricka Fozard, a Durham native and frequent customer, was introduced to the cafe and its’ owners through a pop-up shop at the Elevate Fitness Center in Raleigh. Fozard said she continues to support the cafe because of the energy teas and contagious positive energy of the owners.
“They’ve motivated people from all ages and ethnicities, and that’s something you don’t see normally, it’s pretty rare,” Fozard said.
Tre and Ashley Hicks want to continue providing nutritious options for the community, and plan to add more items to their menu. Hicks said the cafe will host social events, like bingo or spoken word nights, to get more community members involved. 501 Protein plans to expand their reach statewide by establishing more locations in the Piedmont and coast so more communities can start their health journeys.
“We’re lit, a vibe, and healthy, all in one. So, come experience it for yourself,” Hicks said.
