Biz Beat: Energy drinks 'not just Red Bull anymore'

Looking into the coolers at The Energy Drink Outlet, an array of cans are stocked on shelves, each brand with its own size and color scheme.

"Hip-hoppers like the Crunk!!!," said store owner Ryan Payne, who runs the business with his wife, Anna.

Crunk!!! is an energy drink created by rapper Lil Jon. Payne said this industry taps into every market - Kaboom Infinite Energy is organic, 1 in 3 Trinity is for the Christian market, GoGirl is for women - and hundreds more exist.

"It's not just Red Bull anymore," Anna Payne said.

Energy drinks are one of the fastest-growing markets, which is expected to quadruple by 2010, Ryan Payne said. The store now is only carrying 20 percent of the inventory Payne plans to stock.

The couple decided to start The Energy Drink Outlet Web site in August. From there, the idea turned into a store, which just began operating.

"Who couldn't use extra energy now and then?" Ryan Payne asked.

As for Payne, he said he splits an energy drink with his wife, and that's all the boost he needs. "My wife says I just need to start talking about them," he said. "Then it's like I drank four cans."

The store is at 2717 Lake Tahoe Blvd., in the Sierra Shops center. It's open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. now, but will extend its hours this summer from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit theenergydrinkoutlet.com or call (530) 544-5674.

Tahoe's Choice offers 'one-stop' real estate

Brian Des Rochers said the newly opened Tahoe's Choice Realty is offering more than just real estate - it's offering one-stop shopping.

Owner Des Rochers said the business offers vacation rentals, loan programs, commercial properties and leases, real-estate listings and business opportunities for clients.

The business began in December but just moved into its location last month, he said.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week and is located at 1156 Ski Run Blvd. For more information, visit tahoeschoice.com or call (530) 543-1156.

Internet experts featured at luncheon

The Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce has gathered a panel of Internet experts to assist local businesses with the online area of their business.

An event Thursday will consist of a luncheon with panel discussion, followed by two workshops. Presenters include David Zybert, Great Basin Internet Services marketing manager; Jenn Gleckman, consultant for Strategic Marketing Group; and Hanna Bernard, owner of the Web site and graphic-design firm Highmark Designs.

The event is from noon to 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Harrah's Lake Tahoe Convention Center. The cost is $35 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers. To make reservations, visit tahoechamber.org or call (530) 544-5050, ext. 229, or (775) 588-1728, ext. 300.

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