At The Shop at the CAC, we believe in building more than a workspace—we’re building community. That’s why we proudly feature FKTea, a homegrown New Orleans energy drink brand created by a group of ultramarathon-running fathers who turned their endurance passion into a clean, natural energy beverage.

A recent feature in NOLA.com tells their inspiring story: after training for a 100-mile ultramarathon and pushing through personal setbacks—including a fractured foot—co-founders Kevin Shears, Quest Meeks, and Trey Monaghan channeled that grit into FKTea. Their mission: to blend rare Japanese green teas from Nagasaki and Kyoto with organic yerba mate and Louisiana honey, producing sustained energy, mental clarity, and a slow-release caffeine experience without synthetic additives.

Why FKTea aligns with The Shop’s values:

• Local roots, global vision. FKTea began in New Orleans—“born in Japan, raised in the Swamp”—and embodies a spirit of local ingenuity with premium ingredients.

• Clean, health-forward innovation. FKTea offers a natural approach to energy: no synthetic caffeine, no added sugar, just thoughtfully balanced ingredients for sustained focus and performance.

• Built on endurance and excellence. As ultramarathoners who set personal records and overcome physical challenges, FKTea’s founders embody the ambition that drives our community forward.

🧃 FKTea in our Marketplace

You’ll find FKTea cans right in The Shop’s marketplace, where products highlight the diverse talent of our local small business community. We love showcasing makers who are thoughtful about their craft and dedicated to advancing New Orleans innovation.

Whether you’re visiting The Shop to work, meet, or recharge, swing by our marketplace to grab FKTea—perfect for powering through that afternoon brainstorm, working session, or late-night hustle.

At The Shop, we Champion Local

Just like FKTea, many of the entrepreneurs we support bring bold visions rooted in this city. Our marketplace is curated to connect you with local brands and product makers—each one embodying the entrepreneurial spirit we nurture here.

We spotlight FKTea not just because it tastes great, but because it represents the ambition, creativity, and endurance we cultivate at The Shop.

Want to see more local makers featured? Let us know—or better yet, stop in and meet us for a tour. Where neighbors gather, ideas thrive, and great things begin.