PlayaBowls

PlayaBowls

Information based on 2024 FDD

Food & Beverage · Fast Casual

Investment min
$189K
Total: $189K–$636K
Avg gross revenue
$1M
Unit-level, 2024
Franchise fee
$35K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
6%
of gross revenue
Locations
188
Franchising since 2016

Description

What is PlayaBowls?

PlayaBowls is a vibrant fast-casual restaurant concept that has revolutionized the healthy eating landscape since its founding in 2014. Specializing in açaí bowls, smoothies, and other nutrient-rich offerings, PlayaBowls brings the laid-back beach vibes and fresh flavors of tropical destinations to neighborhoods across America.

At the heart of PlayaBowls' success is their commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients to create customizable bowls and smoothies that cater to various dietary preferences and lifestyle choices. Their menu features an extensive selection of bases including açaí, pitaya, coconut, and green options, topped with fresh-cut fruits, homemade granola, and premium add-ons.

The brand stands out for its distinctive beach-inspired atmosphere, creating an inviting space where customers can enjoy healthy, Instagram-worthy treats in a relaxed environment. Each location features vibrant décor, positive energy, and a welcoming staff that contributes to an exceptional dining experience.

PlayaBowls has earned a loyal following for their consistent quality, generous portions, and commitment to customer service. Whether customers are seeking a nutritious breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a refreshing afternoon treat, PlayaBowls delivers satisfaction through their perfectly crafted bowls and smoothies.

With their rapid expansion across the country, PlayaBowls has demonstrated the growing demand for healthy, flavorful food options that don't compromise on taste or experience. Their success is built on a foundation of quality ingredients, exceptional service, and a unique brand identity that resonates with health-conscious consumers seeking both nutrition and enjoyment in their dining choices.
  • Established surf-inspired lifestyle brand
  • Revenue exceeds sub-sector average significantly
  • Lower investment than category peers
  • Strong social media engagement potential
  • Proven 10-year operational track record
  • Health-focused millennial target demographic

Location Analysis

Where PlayaBowls wins

PlayaBowls demonstrates strong market presence across multiple states, with widespread coverage concentrated primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The franchise shows particular strength in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Maryland, suggesting successful market penetration in densely populated, urban-suburban corridors. Florida's growing presence indicates successful expansion into warm-weather markets.

The franchise's impressive 4.51 average rating across numerous customer reviews suggests consistent operational excellence and strong market acceptance. This high satisfaction rate, particularly evident in select locations like Wyomissing, PA, indicates effective market positioning in health-conscious, middle to upper-middle-income communities.

Ideal locations typically feature high foot traffic, proximity to universities, fitness centers, and urban professional districts. The concentration in the Northeast suggests successful adaptation to seasonal market dynamics, while Florida expansion demonstrates versatility across different demographic profiles. Primary expansion opportunities exist in untapped Northeast markets and similar demographic regions in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, particularly in areas with health-conscious, young professional populations and strong disposable income levels.
Total US locations
216
Franchise units
188
Corporate locations
28
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind PlayaBowls

Avg gross revenue$1,376,029
Investment range$188,675 – $636,458
Investment midpoint$412,567
Brand fund2%
Royalty6%
Franchise fee$35,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
PlayaBowls presents an accessible entry point into the fast-casual health food segment with investment requirements of $188,675-$636,458, positioning well below the sub-sector average range of $406,514-$894,151. This lower barrier to entry makes the franchise attractive for emerging entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the growing health-conscious dining trend.

The health food restaurant sector benefits from strong consumer demand driven by wellness-focused millennials and Gen Z demographics prioritizing nutritious, Instagram-worthy dining experiences. The açaí bowl and smoothie market has experienced robust growth as consumers increasingly seek convenient, healthy meal alternatives that align with active lifestyles.

With 216 units established since 2014, PlayaBowls demonstrates solid system maturity and consistent expansion trajectory. The brand's 10-year operational history provides franchisees with proven business systems and operational frameworks, while the surf-inspired lifestyle branding creates strong customer loyalty and social media engagement.

The franchise's reported gross revenue of $1,376,029 substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $696,569, indicating strong unit-level performance potential. However, prospective investors should carefully review territory availability and market saturation levels, as the health food segment attracts significant competition.

Ideal candidates should possess restaurant or retail management experience, align with the brand's health-conscious lifestyle positioning, and target markets with young, affluent demographics. The concept's operational simplicity and strong brand identity make it suitable for both single-unit operators and multi-unit developers seeking scalable growth opportunities.
Did you know? Did you know that bringing the tropical açaí bowl paradise of PlayaBowls to your community requires a total investment between $188,675 and $636,458, which covers everything from the $35,000 franchise fee to equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to serve up those Instagram-worthy superfood bowls that health-conscious customers crave?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$189K–$636K
Most common
$188,675
Minimum
$412,567
Midpoint
$636,458
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $188,675 to $636,458. The midpoint $412,567 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$2M$2M$1M$800K$400KN/A
$1M
$1M
$1M
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$1M
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
+15%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, PlayaBowls has an average gross revenue of $1M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+33% YoY
250200150100500
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
216 units open as of 2024 FDD+53 in last 12 mo

2024 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for PlayaBowls's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2024 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a PlayaBowls franchise typically ranges between $188,675.00 and $636,458.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

PlayaBowls
PlayaBowls
$1M avg revenue · 188+ US franchises

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