New Oakdale Shake Shop Promises Tasty Path to Weight Loss

Oakdale Patch editor Patty Busse stopped in at The Zone Club-1, a new shop that opened Aug. 1 in Bergen Plaza space formerly occupied by a Cousins Subs sandwich shop. Here’s the rundown on the new store according to owner Karen Valentine.

What they sell: The shop sells samples of Herbalife weight loss shakes in a variety of dessert-inspired flavors like Rice Krispies Bars, Butterfinger and oatmeal cookies along with a shot of aloe concentrate and a calorie-burning fruit tea. Customers can also purchase the products to make their own at home.

Who owns it: Oakdale resident Karen Valentine, who works part-time as an engineer, owns and operates the shop.

How it came about: Valentine visited her son in Cloquet, MN, this spring and was shocked to see how much weight he had lost. She asked him what he had done, and he took her to a shop very similar to the one she just opened and introduced her to the Herbalife weight loss products. She started drinking the shakes for breakfast and lunch and lost 30 pounds in three months. Soon after she started on the regimen, she learned that the St. Paul area didn’t have a shop like the one in Cloquet, so she decided to start her own.

“It’s this miracle thing,” she said. “I’m a walking testament.”

Where it’s located: 7025 10th Street N., Oakdale (next to Papa Murphy’s)

Why stop in: It sounds easier and better-tasting than the gym, and, if you would like, Valentine will take your “before” picture.