Episode 102: How Jake & Sydney Newsome Turned The Burg Nutrition Into More Than Just a Smoothie Shop in St. Pete
Updated: Aug 21
In Episode 102 of Talkin' St. Pete, Ryan Bogden sits down with the owners of The Burg Nutrition and St. Pete Nutrition Bar to discuss how they left their careers, moved to St. Petersburg, and built a business that has become much more than a place to grab a healthy drink.
Before opening The Burg Nutrition, Sydney worked as a clinical mental health therapist and Jake worked as a chemical engineer. While both had successful careers, they knew they wanted something different. They wanted the opportunity to build something of their own, create meaningful relationships, and have a direct impact on the people around them.
That decision led them to St. Pete.
Today, their business has become a gathering place for entrepreneurs, fitness enthusiasts, remote workers, and locals looking for more than just a smoothie.
It's become a community.
Why Jake & Sydney Newsome Chose St. Pete to Start The Burg Nutrition
Many people move to St. Pete because of the beaches, waterfront views, and Florida lifestyle.
Jake and Sydney discovered something even more valuable.
The people.
During the conversation, they share how welcomed they felt after moving from Mississippi and how quickly they found themselves surrounded by supportive business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Rather than finding a competitive environment, they found a city filled with people who wanted to collaborate, connect, and help one another succeed.
That support played a major role in helping them build The Burg Nutrition from the ground up.
Their story highlights one of the reasons St. Petersburg continues attracting entrepreneurs from across the country. It's a city where relationships matter, opportunities are created through community, and local businesses genuinely support one another.
For anyone considering a move to St. Pete or starting a business in the area, this episode offers an honest look at what makes the city unique.
How The Burg Nutrition Became More Than a Smoothie Shop in St. Petersburg
At first glance, The Burg Nutrition is known for its protein shakes, protein coffees, energy teas, clean caffeine drinks, and customizable wellness options.
Popular menu favorites like the Butterfinger, Captain America, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Vanilla Elvis, and Frog Spit have helped create a loyal following throughout St. Pete.
But Jake and Sydney explain that their mission was never simply to sell drinks.
Their goal was to create an experience.
A place where people feel welcomed.
A place where customers are remembered by name.
A place where conversations happen naturally.
A place where people can take a break from their screens and connect with others.
As more people work remotely and spend their days behind computers, they have seen firsthand how valuable those interactions can be.
Many customers stop by for a drink and stay for the community.
That focus on relationships has become one of the biggest reasons behind The Burg Nutrition's growth and success.
Entrepreneurship Lessons From Building The Burg Nutrition in St. Pete
One of the most valuable parts of this conversation is hearing what happened after the excitement of opening a business wore off.
Within months of opening their first location, Jake and Sydney expanded to a second store.
Growth brought new opportunities, but it also introduced new challenges.
Managing employees.
Building systems.
Creating company culture.
Learning leadership.
Balancing work and personal life.
Sydney openly discusses dealing with imposter syndrome as a young business owner and learning how to lead a growing team.
Jake shares why he believes hiring for personality is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make.
Together, they offer practical insights for entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and anyone considering a major career change.
Their story is a reminder that building a successful business requires more than a good product. It requires consistency, adaptability, leadership, and a willingness to keep learning.
How St. Pete's Fitness and Wellness Community Helped The Burg Nutrition Grow
The conversation also explores why St. Pete has become one of Florida's most active and wellness-focused cities.
Jake and Sydney discuss partnering with local gyms, CrossFit communities, fitness studios, wellness businesses, and community events throughout St. Petersburg.
Those partnerships helped them grow their business while creating stronger connections within the local fitness community.
Instead of focusing on competition, they focused on collaboration.
That mindset has opened doors, created opportunities, and strengthened relationships throughout the city.
For residents looking to improve their health, meet new people, or become more involved in the community, this episode highlights just how connected St. Pete's fitness and wellness scene has become.
It's one of the many reasons people continue choosing St. Pete as a place to live, work, and build meaningful relationships.
Why Community Is the Foundation of The Burg Nutrition's Success
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that The Burg Nutrition was never meant to be just another nutrition bar.
Jake and Sydney wanted to create something people could be part of.
A place where customers feel seen.
A place where friendships are formed.
A place where people support one another.
That philosophy has shaped everything from the way they hire employees to the way they interact with customers every day.
As St. Pete continues to grow, their story serves as a reminder that successful businesses aren't built solely on products or marketing.
They're built on people.
They're built on trust.
And they're built on genuine relationships.
It's a lesson that applies far beyond business.
Comments