Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop, is closing out a high-growth year with multi-unit agreements signed throughout third and fourth quarters and continued expansion across key U.S. markets. Following the recent launch of its first international development agreement (in Canada), the brand maintained its upward trajectory domestically with 85 new shops opening in 2025, including first-time market entries across multiple states, and more than 200 signed franchise commitments. Playa Bowls enters 2026 with demand rising from both new and existing multi-unit operators.
Within the past several months, Playa Bowls signed 32 multi-unit development agreements. These commitments will expand the brand’s presence across several priority growth markets, including Virginia, Wisconsin, Nevada, South Carolina, Massachusetts and Indiana, as well as major metropolitan areas such as Las Vegas; Salt Lake City; Cleveland; Houston; Memphis, Tenn.; Charlotte, N.C.; Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. As part of this growth, Playa Bowls will debut its first-ever shops in several midwestern and western states in 2026.
“Playa Bowls is in a defining moment of growth, and the momentum we’re seeing from multi-unit franchise partners reflects the strength of a brand that continues to lead its category,” says Jayson Tipp, chief development officer of Playa Bowls. “The commitments made this year, with 70% of them from existing owners, show the confidence operators have in our model and the opportunity to grow with a proven concept. As we enter new states and build depth in key markets, we are committed to expanding in ways that strengthen the system and support operators who want to grow with us.”
Playa Bowls continued to widen its national footprint with first-time openings across several major and mid-sized DMAs. In 2025, the brand opened its first shops in Dallas; Houston; Nashville, Tenn.; Salt Lake City; Burlington, Vt.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Syracuse, N.Y.; Portland, Me.; Rochester, N.Y.; Kansas City, Kan.; and Norfolk, Va.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on strengthening our teams, elevating the guest experience and nurturing a culture that keeps the brand meaningful in the communities we serve,” says John Cappasola, CEO of Playa Bowls. “We have a significant opportunity in front of us, and we want to continue growing in ways that support our franchise partners, develop future leaders and position Playa Bowls for long term relevance.”
Known as New Jersey’s original acai bowl shop, Playa Bowls is the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table and a fridge in 2014 has flourished into more than 300 shops nationwide that operate in 30 states. For more information, visit www.playabowls.com and www.franchise.playabowls.com/.
SOURCE: Playa Bowls