Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl brand with more than 340 locations, is fueling franchise expansion under a fresh executive leadership team following its 2024 acquisition by Sycamore Partners. Playa Bowls is poised to deepen its footprint from coast to coast.
Since stepping into the CEO role earlier this year, John Cappasola has leveraged his 30 years of accomplished leadership in growing brands to drive Playa Bowls’ next chapter. Cappasola has served on the Playa Bowls board of directors since Sycamore’s acquisition and was previously CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes. He also held the role of president and CEO at Del Taco.
Additionally, Julie Klinger (chief operating officer), Tony Reaman (chief financial officer) and Christine Johnson (general counsel) have joined the Playa Bowls leadership team.
Klinger brings over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, with a strong background in operations, human resources and franchising through leadership roles at Nothing Bundt Cakes, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Chili’s Bar & Grill.
Reaman offers more than 20 years of financial leadership, having shaped growth strategies for Luna Grill, Corner Bakery Cafe and McAlister’s Deli.
With over 20 years of experience in private practice and leading in-house legal teams, Johnson has represented many large restaurant chains, including La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe and Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants.
Abby Taylor, co-founder and chief marketing officer, remains the heart of Playa Bowls. Jayson Tipp, chief development officer, who joined the team 2 years ago, continues to lead Playa Bowls’ franchise recruiting and market expansion efforts, overseeing the development of traditional and non-traditional locations across the U.S.
“This year, with 150 new franchise commitments signed, 85% of our new agreements are with existing franchisees, which is a strong testament to the confidence and commitment within our system,” says Tipp. “As we look ahead, we’re focused on quality expansion in existing markets and tapping into tremendous opportunities to open shops on the West Coast.”
Building on this strong foundation of market leadership, Playa Bowls is accelerating its footprint nationwide. The brand marked a major milestone earlier this year with the opening of its 300th location in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Playa Bowls has entered 12 new markets this year, with 90 total new shops expected to open by the end of 2025, including upcoming openings in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Maine, Arizona, Tennessee and more as western expansion becomes a major focus. Playa Bowls is backed by a robust development pipeline of more than 400 locations and a network of experienced multi-unit, multi-brand operators.
Playa Bowls was founded in 2014 and now has more than 300 shops nationwide that operate in 27 states. For more information, visit www.playabowls.com and www.franchise.playabowls.com/.
SOURCE: Playa Bowls