Playa Bowls

Playa Bowls is a fast-growing superfruit bowl franchise that specializes in acai, pitaya, coconut, and green bowls alongside smoothies, juices, and cold brew coffee. The brand was founded in 2014 on the Jersey Shore in Belmar, New Jersey, when Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor started with a pop-up stand and a single blender. What began as a modest cart operation has evolved into a national presence with 347 locations across 27 states as of November 2025.

The company's growth has accelerated significantly over the past five years. In 2024 alone, Playa Bowls added more than 70 new locations, and the brand is targeting an additional 90 openings by the end of 2025. This expansion trajectory shifted into higher gear following Playa Bowls' acquisition by Sycamore Partners in late 2023, a New York-based private equity firm that brought fresh capital and leadership to drive national scaling.

International expansion marks the next chapter. In 2025, Playa Bowls signed a master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada Inc. to develop more than 160 locations across Canada, representing the brand's first move beyond U.S. borders and signaling confidence in its operating model's portability.

Playa Bowls typically operates in compact to mid-sized formats ranging from 800 to 1,500 square feet, allowing the brand to fit into diverse retail environments. The company actively pursues high-traffic urban and suburban locations, with particular focus on college towns and health-conscious communities. Store designs feature the brand's signature surf-inspired aesthetic and community-oriented atmosphere, creating a distinctive retail presence that extends beyond the menu itself.

The brand's appeal to landlords and developers rests on its proven unit economics, operational consistency, and demonstrated ability to perform across different market types. With a decade of sustained growth, national recognition in the better-for-you dining category, and a clear expansion roadmap that now extends into Canada, Playa Bowls represents a tenant with both credibility and momentum in an increasingly competitive quick-service segment.