LOCAL
Freeport nutrition store changes hands after 35 years
Nida Tazeen
The Journal Standard
July 29, 2026, 3:36 a.m. CT
Nature’s Way Nutrition Center in Freeport is entering a new chapter as longtime owner Randy Stearns retires and local resident Kane Collalti assumes ownership of the business
According to a community announcement, the ownership transition took effect July 20 at the store located at 1212 W. Galena Ave
Nature’s Way was established in 1976 by Larry Stearns, Randy Stearns’ father, at the Freeport Lincoln Mall. Randy Stearns became manager in 1990, later relocating the business to its current site across from the mall and purchasing the store in 1999
The change marks the end of more than three decades of ownership for Randy Stearns, who has operated the nutrition and supplement retailer for the past 35 years
Collalti, a Freeport native, attended Highland Community College and earned a business and finance degree from Illinois State University in 2024. He is currently pursuing an MBA <a href="https://healthylife7.com/levaughn-flynn-helps-others-reset-through-9d-breathwork/” title=”LeVaughn Flynn helps others reset through 9D Breathwork”>through the University of Iowa
According to the announcement, Collalti plans to continue serving local customers with nutrition products and supplements while promoting healthy lifestyles, an area that has been a longtime interest
Open house planned to mark transition
Community members will have an opportunity to meet the new owner and celebrate Stearns’ retirement during a “Retirement/Welcome” open house from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Nature’s Way Nutrition Center, 1212 W. Galena Ave
According to the announcement, Stearns hopes to reconnect with customers who have supported the business throughout its history, while Collalti is looking forward to meeting area residents and continuing to serve the community in the years ahead
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen,NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
