Superfood Haven Arrives: Playa Bowls Opens in Dr Phillips With Artisanal Acai Approach
Crafting premium açaí bowls with double the pure berry pulp, Playa Bowls’ new Dr Phillips location revolutionizes Orlando’s superfood scene.
Playa Bowls’ newest location in Dr Phillips showcases the brand’s artisanal approach to açaí, featuring their signature blend with 70% pure berry pulp – nearly double the industry standard. Founded in 2014 as a New Jersey beach stand, they’ve expanded to 275+ locations across 23 states. Their premium bowls, crafted with Brazilian açaí and nutrient-dense toppings, herald the brand’s ambitious Central Florida expansion, where health-conscious diners will discover why this superfood haven‘s making waves.
Key Takeaways
- Playa Bowls launches its Dr Phillips location as the first step in ambitious Central Florida expansion plans targeting UCF and Winter Park.
- Premium açaí bowls feature 70% berry pulp content, nearly double competitor offerings, using Brazilian-sourced ingredients with 21-day freshness.
- Extensive menu includes protein smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and specialty coffee drinks with vegan and gluten-free options.
- Signature superfruit bowls maintain artisanal quality through proprietary blending techniques and high-powered stainless steel equipment.
- Eco-conscious operations incorporate biodegradable materials, LED lighting, and sustainable ingredient sourcing from Nicaragua and Brazil.
A New Jersey Success Story Brings Superfoods to Central Florida
What began as a humble beachside açaí stand in Belmar, New Jersey has blossomed into one of the fastest-growing superfood franchises in America. Founded in 2014 by surfers Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor, Playa Bowls transformed from a simple folding table outside a pizza shop into a thriving chain with over 275 locations across 23 states.
The brand’s authentic coastal roots stem from the founders’ surf trips, where they discovered the vibrant flavors of açaí and pitaya bowls. Their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sets them apart in the health food industry. This inspiration led to their first permanent shop across from Belmar Beach, setting the foundation for a health-focused empire. The company is now expanding into central Florida markets, with new locations planned for UCF, Winter Park, Lake Nona, and Downtown Orlando. Alexandra Arguello and her partner Gary Yip are leading the multi-unit franchise expansion.
Now, with 195 new franchise commitments secured in 2024 alone and 55% coming from existing franchisees, Playa Bowls’ proven success model continues to attract passionate owners who share their vision for quality superfood offerings.
The Playa Bowls Difference: Premium Acai Done Right
At the heart of Playa Bowls’ meteoric success lies their uncompromising commitment to premium açaí preparation. The brand’s meticulous sourcing directly from Brazil guarantees peak freshness with a strict 21-day storage limit, while their signature blend contains an industry-leading 70% berry pulp content – nearly double that of competitors.
Fresh Brazilian açaí and a 70% berry pulp blend elevate Playa Bowls beyond typical smoothie shops, setting new industry standards.
Their proprietary blending technique utilizes high-powered stainless steel equipment and precise ratios of puree to frozen fruit, creating the perfect consistency every time. Their specialized equipment delivers minimum 600 watts of blending power for optimal texture. The careful addition of liquid options like coconut water or fruit juices helps achieve their signature smooth texture.
Each bowl showcases this artisanal approach through a carefully crafted balance of texture and temperature. From their humble beginnings as a pop-up stand in 2014, they’ve maintained their artisanal quality while expanding to over 75 locations. Customers can enhance their bowls with organic hemp granola, fresh fruit toppings, and superfood boosters, while the minimal processing preserves essential nutrients and antioxidants.
It’s this dedication to authenticity and quality that sets Playa Bowls apart in the competitive açaí market.
Health-Forward Menu Offerings Beyond Basic Bowls
Building on their açaí expertise, Playa Bowls presents an expansive menu that elevates the concept of healthy eating beyond traditional bowl offerings.
The establishment’s thoughtfully curated selection includes protein-rich smoothies crafted for post-workout recovery, cold-pressed juices brimming with essential nutrients, and specialty coffee drinks featuring cold brew and matcha variations. Their signature Bae Bowl 2.0 exemplifies their creative approach with its Stupid Cupid Base and premium toppings.
Health-conscious customers will appreciate the diverse range of dietary accommodations, from vegan and gluten-free options to allergen-friendly alternatives. The company’s journey from a small beach operation to over 200 locations nationwide demonstrates their successful approach to healthy eating.
The menu showcases nutrient-dense add-ons like goji berries, chia seeds, and various protein powders, allowing guests to customize their selections for peak nutritional benefits.
For those seeking probiotic benefits, kombucha offerings complement the extensive beverage lineup, while seasonal specials keep the menu fresh and engaging throughout the year.
Sustainable Practices Meet Local Community Impact
Through its extensive sustainability initiatives and community outreach programs, Playa Bowls demonstrates a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and local impact in Dr Phillips. The brand’s eco-conscious approach manifests through marine biodegradable straws crafted from canola oil, corn-based compostable spoons, and 100% recycled rPET bowls. Energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates spaces adorned with reclaimed furniture, while partnerships with local refuse companies guarantee responsible waste management. Founded in 2014 in New Jersey, the company has rapidly expanded its sustainable business model while maintaining strict environmental standards. Their dedication to fighting hunger is evident through their Move For Hunger partnership, which has collected thousands of pounds of food for communities in need. The company sources its signature ingredients from sustainable farms in Nicaragua and Brazil, ensuring quality while supporting ethical agriculture practices.
| Initiative | Environmental Impact | Community Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| ECO Bowls | Reduces plastic waste | Safer food containers |
| LED Lighting | 75% energy reduction | Lower carbon footprint |
| Local Hiring | Reduced transport emissions | Job creation |
| Beach Cleanups | Ocean preservation | Community engagement |
| Sustainable Sourcing | Rainforest protection | Economic growth |
What’s Next: Orlando’s Multi-Location Expansion Plans
Playa Bowls’ footprint in Orlando is set to expand dramatically, with the Dr Phillips location at 7512 Dr Phillips Blvd serving as the brand’s launching pad into Central Florida’s vibrant food scene.
Under the strategic vision of multi-unit franchisee Alexandra Arguello and partners Gary Yip and Ricky Arguello, the brand’s rollout includes a UCF location on University Blvd slated for early 2025, followed by carefully curated spots in Winter Park, Lake Nona, and downtown Orlando.
The team’s also evaluating prime locations near Waterford and Rollins College. This expansion aligns with the company’s ambitious goal to add 75 new locations across the country in 2024.
This measured expansion taps into Orlando’s health-conscious demographic while maintaining Playa Bowls’ commitment to quality and food safety.
Each new location will showcase the brand’s signature superfruit bowls and smoothies, crafted with the same meticulous standards that have driven their success across 22 states.
Dr Phillips’ Newest Health Haven
Like a wave bringing treasured shells to shore, Playa Bowls’ arrival in Dr. Phillips marks the beginning of Orlando’s elevated superfood scene. They’ve crafted more than just bowls – they’re serving up an artisanal revolution where acai meets innovation. With their farm-to-bowl philosophy and sustainable practices, they’re planting seeds for a health-conscious community that’s already blossoming into multiple locations across Central Florida’s vibrant culinary landscape.
