LUVERNE — Functional Nutrition opened its doors in Luverne on Dec. 5, offering a unique blend of health and fitness products to area residents. With a focus on vitamins, supplements and prepackaged meals, Functional Nutrition aims to be a one-stop destination for health and wellness enthusiasts.
Functional Nutrition offers an array of protein-packed products, such as powders, bars, meal kits, and freshly made smoothies, acai bowls and shakes. Tyler Decesare’s journey to opening the store began with an initial interest in purchasing a gym. After considering the high startup costs, he shifted his focus to the nutrition store.
“It all happened to come together from there,” Decesare said.
A former pre-med student at the University of South Dakota, Decesare experienced a change of heart midway through earning his degree, leading him to pursue alternative ways to promote public health.
“I wanted to do healthcare, but I wanted to do it in a different way,” he explained. “I’m into gyms and nutrition, so I figured, why not try and offer that service instead?”
I wanted to do healthcare, but I wanted to do it in a different way. I’m into gyms and nutrition, so I figured, why not try and offer that service instead?
Tyler Decesare
His commitment to the community extends beyond his business venture, as he is also a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard.
Functional Nutrition is situated in a former Herbalife facility called Cargo Fuel; a space Decesare has completely transformed with a fresh look, including new paint, flooring, equipment and electronics. His choice to open the store in Luverne, where he has lived for nearly a decade, was driven by both personal convenience as well as an apparent gap in the market.
“Worthington and Adrian don’t have one. Pipestone doesn’t have anything … It’s hard to come by this sort of thing,” he said. “There’s not one place to get it all in the area, so that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Since its opening, the store has already begun attracting customers from neighboring towns, such as Worthington and Rock Rapids, Iowa, indicating a growing interest in its offerings.
Decesare’s parents, members of the Minnesota State Patrol, were stationed in Luverne nearly a decade ago, leading to the family’s move from the Twin Cities. Decesare feels home enough in the small town to set up shop as a new common, friendly face.
“I love this community,” he said. “I want to stick with it and serve them.”
Stewart Chisham became a reporter for The Globe in July 2023. An independent novelist and webcomic artist, Stewart has a love for all things movies, music and cryptids. He has a bachelors in Film and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota Mankato.
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