GNC is a well-known retailer of nutritional goods, carrying everything from energy products to herbs, vitamins, supplements, and nutrition. The company was founded in 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when David Shakarian launched a small health food store called Lackzoom. Shakarian expanded to several locations in various states in the 1960s as demand for organic and nutritious foods started to rise, renaming the company General Nutrition Centers. Early in the 1980s, GNC had more than 1,000 shops selling food, cosmetics, vitamins, and mineral supplements. With more than 4,800 stores in the United States alone, GNC has developed into the largest specialty retailer of nutritional items in the world. GNC focuses on energy drinks, sports nutrition, vitamins and supplements, and more.