Squeeze the day with Grandma Val’s Lemonade in Auburn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Most know Auburn for its lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs, yet the city has many other options in terms of this sweet drink. Grandma Val’s Lemonade & More was established in 2021 + is focused on inspiring families and communities “one sip at a time.”
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Where: 3010 Martin Luther King Dr., Auburn, Alabama 36832
- When: Spring hours to be announced on socials soon
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
“We aim to deliver fresh, nostalgic homemade lemonade and treats by bringing the comforting flavors of grandma’s kitchen to every sip with a focus on quality and customer delight.”
~ Grandma Val’s Lemonade mission statement
Keep reading to learn more about this refreshing establishment.
When life hands you lemons
Grandma Val, or Valarie Canady, had the idea to start her own lemonade business after joining a group called Circles Opelika. The program is a community-driven project, created with the intention of assisting Opelika families living in poverty.
“I [joined the Circles program] thinking I was going to share it with my women’s ministry, but it ended up being useful for me and gave me a revelation on how to come out of poverty and start my own business.”
~ Valarie Canady, owner of Grandma Val’s
After Canady opened her brick and mortar location on Martin Luther King Dr., she began catering with Auburn University + Tuskegee University, along with other various community events. On various Fridays throughout the year, Canady can be found participating in Opelika’s Food Truck Fridays.
For the past two years, Grandma Val’s has worked with Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator Program under a community grant. The entrepreneurship program provides the growing business with finding interns + developing their content marketing.
Grandma Val’s ap-peel
The lemonade business boasts a wide variety of lemonade recipes, ranging from classics to signature + premium.
13 flavors are named after Canady’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, inspired by each of their personalities. Among the most popular are the Bella Berri + Cash Berri Crush flavors.
“I have over 43 flavors today because I do a lot for community events, like lupus awareness, celebrating breast cancer awareness month, research — things like that. I create recipes for fundraisers to help out and give back to the community.”
~ Valarie Canady, owner of Grandma Val’s
Grandma Val envisions “a world where our homemade lemonade is more than a drink — it’s a lifestyle that squeezes lemons into a legacy, refreshing and inspiring families and communities one sip at a time.”
Canady’s desire to build a legacy was strengthened last Easter after the passing of her two-year old great-granddaughter, Caylee Grace.
“It enlightened me to push harder, to work harder, to not just be successful, but to build a legacy. That’s why I said squeezing lemons into a legacy. I can do better as a grandparent to the grandchildren, as far as paving the way to be a little bit better than I was in the past. So, it’s like it was an awakening that I want to do more — to not just talk of love, but to be the love.”
~ Valarie Canady, owner of Grandma Val’s
Stirring up new developments
Although the business has been closed for the winter, the lemonade business is set to open back up this spring — most likely in March. In the meantime, Canady has been working on becoming more active on the business’ social platforms + setting up online sales.
“I have been working on my candy line and possibly bottling lemonade to be able to go in local stores. We’ve got a lot of projects up ahead, and my merch will start being available as well.”
~ Valarie Canady, owner of Grandma Val’s
To keep up with Grandma Val’s spring hours, catering, merch opportunities + more, make sure to check out their social platforms!
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