A Fresh Take on Wellness: Meet the New Owner of House of Nutrition
For decades, House of Nutrition & Wellness has been a go-to destination for those looking to live healthier, feel better, and shop local. Now, there’s a new face behind the counter—and he’s bringing plenty of passion, purpose, and fresh ideas to the shelves. Carlos Manjarrez officially took over ownership of House of Nutrition in March 2025, and while the signage outside may not have changed, Carlos is brewing something new inside (literally—there’s kombucha on tap!). We caught up with him to learn more about his background, his plans for the business, and how he hopes to continue the store’s legacy while adding his own flavor to the mix.
From Soccer Fields to Supplements
Carlos has been a Kenosha resident since 1996. He and his family of four stay active, often bonding over sports, traveling together, and cheering on their favorite soccer teams. “I’ve always been interested in health and wellness,” he says. “For a long time, I was trying to find a better way to eat healthy and stay healthy myself. So when the opportunity to take over House of Nutrition came up, it just felt like the right fit.”
Passing the Torch
Longtime owner Mark Wistar, who built a loyal customer base over the years, has played a major role in the transition. “Mark has supported me since day one,” Carlos shares. “It’s so much easier to step into something like this when you have someone like him in your corner. His dedication to the store really stood out, and that’s something I plan to carry forward.” 
Fresh Ideas with a Local Focus
While Carlos is keeping many of the store’s traditions alive, he’s also introducing new offerings to keep things fresh and exciting. Kombucha on tap? Check. Fresh coffee? On the way. New products and partnerships? Absolutely. “We’ve added a lot of new items, and there’s more to come,” Carlos says. “I’ve been connecting with local vendors and planning some fun partnerships—though I have to keep a few surprises up my sleeve for now.” Despite the new energy, Carlos emphasizes the importance of staying true to the store’s roots. “House of Nutrition was originally founded in 1947 in Chicago and has been part of the Kenosha community since the 1960s. That kind of legacy is rare. I’m not here to change that story—I’m here to keep writing it.”
Building Bridges, Blending Traditions
Carlos sees his role as more than just a business owner. He views House of Nutrition as a bridge—connecting communities, creating access to wellness, and continuing a conversation that started decades ago.“What makes this store unique isn’t just the products—it’s the relationships. It’s about creating strong roots in the community and helping people find what they need to feel good,” he explains. The store remains committed to supporting local and Wisconsin-based products, but Carlos is also open to bringing in high-quality items from outside the state. “It’s all about balance—honoring tradition while staying open to innovation.”
Looking to the Future
In five years, Carlos envisions House of Nutrition as a full-on wellness destination—complete with a variety of supplements, a coffee and kombucha bar, and an even stronger connection to the Kenosha community. His favorite part of the store? “Definitely the kombucha and coffee,” he laughs. “But honestly, I love seeing how quickly our staff has adapted and grown. They’re knowledgeable, hardworking, and a huge part of what makes this place special.” And as for the best piece of business advice he’s ever received? “Stick to the plan—even when the path gets tough. Stay the course.” Oh, and a fun fact? Carlos is a bit of a serial entrepreneur—he owns two businesses, not just one.
A Fresh Chapter with Plenty of Zest
With Carlos now at the helm, House of Nutrition & Wellness is blending tradition with innovation, serving up fresh products, and keeping its commitment to community front and center. Whether you’re a long-time loyalist or a first-time visitor, there’s never been a better time to stop by, support local, and take a healthy bite out of what this Kenosha staple has to offer. Because at House of Nutrition, the shelves may be stocked—but the real goods are the people behind the counter.
House of Nutrition & Wellness • 5824 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI • www.thenutritionhouse.com • Follow on Facebook & Instagram
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