New family-operated juice and smoothie bar opens in downtown Belvidere
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — A new family-operated smoothie and juice bar in downtown aims to help people live a healthier life.
ZaaS Protein Bar, 607 S. State St., celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce. The business started with a soft opening on May 31.
“We are very grateful and excited to establish our business in Belvidere. We want to bring a concept that promotes health, fosters community connections, and contributes to the well-being of our residents,” owner Rosalba Aguilar said. “We believe in the power of creating positive spaces that motivate people to take care of themselves and enjoy the process.”
Its drinks are centered on natural juices and smoothies without the use of refined sugars. There are also fruit-topped protein waffles, protein crepes and yogurt bowls with toppings such as strawberries, bananas and pecans.
ZaaS Protein Bar also offers loaded tea refreshers that can be boosted with supplements such as collagen, which is intended to help skin, joint and bone health. There are also açaí protein bowls, protein-enhanced oatmeal and classic protein shakes with flavors including pineapple, strawberry, vanilla, and cookies and cream.
“Nutrition is very important to me because I know that there are many medical conditions right now, and it’s a way to help people by giving them information about nutrition and how to take care of themselves,” Aguilar said speaking in Spanish, her first language. We translated her responses to English.
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She said she wants to help people “learn that they can heal through nutrition.” She also wants to help open people understand the importance of eating well and exercising.
“That’s how we can lead healthier lives,” she said.
About | Zaas Protein Bar
Where: 607 S. State St., Belvidere
Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed on Sunday
Phone: 331-266-9752
Facebook: Go HERE
Online: zaasproteinbar.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
