Students passing Free Speech Plaza may have noticed something new in the area known mainly for student organization tables and preaching evangelists. Twins Melvin and Kelvin Abbott, owners of First Aid Lemonaid, began selling 16 ounce cups of fresh-squeezed lemonade for $3 in Free Speech Plaza after LSU Dining Services contacted them with a proposal. “They wanted something to offer outside of the Union,” Melvin Abbot said. He said LSU Dining Services calls him on a daily basis to see how his business is doing at its new location. Melvin Abbot, who is a part-time crossing guard for University Terrace Elementary School, works at the lemonade stand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. “Kelvin works at the stand too, but I mostly work during the day since he has a full-time job. We split events too,” Melvin said. Melvin said he enjoys working with his brother. “I have found that working with my brother and just being his twin makes my job more interesting,” Melvin said. “We can communicate better than most siblings because we think so much alike. We do things on the same wavelength.” In addition to his newest location in front of the Union, Melvin Abbot has five stands in Tiger Stadium on game days. “At the games, I met a lot of the athletes,” he said. “Here at LSU I get a chance to meet the students.” Brittany Willis, chemistry junior, met Melvin Abbot while working at a concession stand in the stadium three years ago. She said she visits his lemonade stand in Free Speech Plaza daily. “I’ve known Melvin for years,” Willis said. “He’s a really good guy.” Melvin Abbott said he offers a sugar-free alternative in addition to traditional lemonade because many lemonade stands do not have that choice. “It’s amazing,” said Rachel Evenson, English sophomore. “I’m diabetic, so I get the sugar-free.” The Abbotts’ business is also active outside of the University. It sells lemonade at Brusly High School football games and raises money for Children’s Miracle Network and muscular dystrophy. “Outside of LSU, I sell frozen Chill products, peanuts, candy and other drinks in case they don’t want lemonade,” Melvin Abott said. Melvin Abbott said he can make one cup of lemonade in 30 seconds. “Just take a cup of ice, half of a lemon with sugar water or the water sweetened with Equal and just shake it like a margarita,” he said. “I have to do it fast, especially at the games.” First Aid Lemonaid accepts cash at all locations, but the stand in Free Speech Plaza also accepts TigerCASH and Paw Points.
Melvin Abbott’s Top Five Favorite Drinks:1. Fresh Lemonade (sugar free)2. Diet Dr. Pepper3. Water4. Ice Tea (sweetened with Equal)5. Milk
—–Contact Angelle Barbazon at [email protected]