Fortune Fuel hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in August to celebrate its opening.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
SOMERS — For Kristine LaFortune and her family, opening Fortune Fuel in Somers wasn’t just about starting a business — it was about sharing a lifestyle that had transformed their lives.
“The inspiration for Fortune Fuel comes directly from our own family’s journey,” LaFortune explained. “Through movement, fitness, meal prep and swapping out soda and sugar-packed drinks for energizing teas — and replacing less healthy meals with protein shakes — we’ve lost 195 pounds together just this past year. Those tools changed our lives, and we wanted to share them with others who might feel stuck or unsure where to begin.”
From the start, LaFortune has been clear that Fortune Fuel is about more than just the drinks. “We aren’t saying that drinking our shakes or teas is a miracle weight-loss solution. What we are saying is that, when used as a tool, they can help deliver real results — paired with hard work, consistency and accountability. That’s where we come in. We don’t just serve drinks; we offer wellness profiles, meal prep recipes, workout routines and the encouragement to keep going — all for free. We want to be your accountability partners, walking with you through the process.”
The decision to open in Somers was a natural one. “We chose Somers because this is our home, and it’s a community that values family, connection and supporting one another,” she said. “By opening here, we hope to not only serve delicious, healthier options, but also create a space where people can find encouragement, join in movement and feel supported on their own journey toward better health.”
The name Fortune Fuel itself is rooted in family, with a nod to their last name. “Our good friend and author Kristen Jablonski came up with it actually,” LaFortune said.
Inside Fortune Fuel, the menu is as colorful as it is nourishing. The protein shakes, designed as complete meal replacements, provide between 24 and 48 grams of protein along with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy carbohydrates. “Our shakes are always smooth and creamy, making them taste more like a treat than a healthy meal replacement,” LaFortune said. Popular flavors include chocolate chip peanut butter banana, blueberry cheesecake, coffee and Almond Joy — each under 240 calories.
Their energizing teas are equally popular, layered with vibrant colors thanks to nugget ice. “We use nugget ice, which allows us to layer the flavors and colors so the teas look like art in a cup,” she explained. Customers can choose hydration options with electrolytes and zero caffeine, or energized blends offering 75 to 200mg of caffeine with just 15 calories and no sugar. Beyond shakes and teas, Fortune Fuel also serves protein waffles, coffee flights, protein bites and even a gluten-free menu.
Recipes are often inspired by family creativity and community pride. “Our girls came up with many of the drink names to keep the vibe light and playful,” LaFortune shared. Among the favorites is “The Spartan,” a nod to Somers High School, and the “Pey Pey Tea,” a layered lemonade and berry blend that started as a family joke and grew into a customer favorite.
Fortune Fuel also strives to make health accessible beyond the storefront. The LaFortunes host fitness camps around town, and in just their first eight weeks, they donated over 800 teas to local schools, sports teams, offices and first responders. “We built Fortune Fuel around the idea that better health should be accessible and enjoyable,” LaFortune said.
While visibility has been a challenge for the shop tucked into a small plaza, word-of-mouth and social media have fueled growth. Events like the Four Town Fair have helped spread the word, but for LaFortune, the real reward comes from the people. “Above all, the most rewarding part has been the connections, the stories and the joy of seeing someone’s face light up when they realize living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to feel like a sacrifice.”
Looking forward, Fortune Fuel plans to host after-hours wellness tastings, sip-and-paint nights, and protein bite workshops to keep the community engaged. “We hope Fortune Fuel continues to grow into a true community hub — somewhere people come not only for great drinks, but also for encouragement, connection and opportunities to move and grow together,” LaFortune said.
With a dedicated team — including family members and staff like Jayden LaFortune, Kaitlyn Christmas, Lyndsie Brown, Lori Rosa-Rivera, Michelle Fairman, and more — Fortune Fuel is very much a family affair. And for Kristine LaFortune, that’s the heart of the business: “Fortune Fuel isn’t just about the drinks — it’s a lifestyle, and we’re excited to share it with as many people as possible.”
