Best of Red Deer: Red Deer HEAL Wellness aims to make healthy eating more accessible

Best of Red Deer: Red Deer HEAL Wellness aims to make healthy eating more accessible

Published 8:30 pm Thursday, July 2, 2026

Red Deer’s HEAL Wellness focuses on “high-quality ingredients, consistency and creating a positive and uplifting space for our customers,” says owner Mackenzie Belhumeur.

The acai bowl and smoothie shop, located at 499 Timberlands Dr., officially opened in Red Deer this past January.

“People are becoming a lot more conscious about their health. We want to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable,” Belhumeur said.

“It’s important for us to provide something healthy, accessible and convenient.”

The HEAL Wellness brand was first created in Hamilton, Ont. in 2019. The Red Deer location is one of 13 in Alberta. There are also several locations throughout Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island.

“I tried HEAL Wellness for the first time in Sherwood Park and immediately fell in love with it,” Belhumeur said on Thursday, May 21.

“The smoothies, the acai bowls and the whole vibe of the space made me think, ‘Red Deer really needs something like this.’ I reached out and inquired about opening a franchise in Red Deer. I had always wanted to be a business owner, but wasn’t sure what it would be. When this opportunity came up, I took it and it’s been amazing.”

Prior to launching the Red Deer HEAL Wellness location, Belhumeur worked in the dental industry and in clinical aesthetics.

“Both careers were very patient- and client-based. My favourite part about those careers was making those connections with clients and patients,” she said.

HEAL Wellness was voted as the No. 2 Best Healthy Food Restaurant through the Red Deer Advocate’s annual Best of Red Deer Readers’ Choice Awards.

“The support from Red Deer has been incredible. It’s more than we could’ve imagined,” Belhumeur said.

“Being a first-time business owner, I had no idea what to expect. But it’s been great. Being recognized through the Best of Red Deer means so much to our team. Our goal was to create a welcoming space focused on health, wellness, positivity and community connection.”

Belhumeur added: “We’re so excited to continue growing this business by collaborating with other local businesses and events, as well as creating a space people enjoy coming to.”

For more information on HEAL Wellness, visit www.healwellness.ca.