Biz Beat: Swedish drink is hot, blue and healthy

South Lake Tahoe has a new energy drink in town: Blåbär. Pronounced “blue-bear,” this hot, Swedish blueberry beverage is making its way around town.

Grady Sain and John Lane moved to South Lake Tahoe in March to bring Blåbär to outdoor enthusiasts through their company, Bev-Luv.

Lane said he’s half Swedish and has been drinking the beverage his whole life.

The century-old drink is the traditional hot energy drink for Scandinavians. It’s a sponsor of the Vasaloppet, described as the most prestigious cross-country ski race in the world. Lane said the skiers drink it while they race, just like runners grab water during a marathon.

“It keeps them cooking,” he said.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, and Blåbär also is high in vitamins A, C and E.

Along with exposing ski towns to a new energy drink, Sain and Lane are bringing in entertainment, too.

Lane said they have a band called the Blåbärians, along with a late-night television show called “Blåbär On the Air,” which premiered Dec. 8 on KMTN.

The drink can be found at Tahoe Java, 2540 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Lane said they hope to expand to more locations in the future, such as to the ski resorts.

For more information, check out www.blabar.info or call (530) 544-8401.

Coffee, smoothies, falafel at Wildman’s new location

Wildman Coffee moved to a new location at 3894 Pioneer Trail, across from 7-Eleven.

Shop owner Rami Merrikh said the shop is the size of the old location and still provides coffee, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches, falafels and gyros. Internet access also is provided to customers.

The coffee shop is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week long. For more information, call (530) 543-1200.

Cheesesteak shop is moving for the new year

Tony’s Cheesesteaks has temporarily closed while it moves to a new location.

The restaurant will reopen Jan. 10 at 2229 Lake Tahoe Blvd., inside Kings Trading Post.

For more information, call (530) 544-7827.

Attention local businesses

If you’re a South Shore business and you offer discounts for locals who shop at your store, I want to know. Send me an e-mail or give me a call.

— Have information on your business that you’d like to share? Contact reporter Sara Thompson at (530) 542-8009 or sthompson@tahoedailytribune.com.