#United States #Various Locations #franchise expansion #Playa Bowls #Açaí Bowls

Playa Bowls Expands Aggressively with New Franchise Agreements

Playa Bowls, renowned as the leading superfruit bowl establishment in the nation, is making significant strides in its expansion efforts across North America. With a solid focus on growth in 2026, the brand has executed several development agreements, adding to a rapidly growing roster of locations as they inch closer to 400 shops nationwide.

In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Playa Bowls announced three multi-unit franchise agreements that span the West, Midwest, and Southeast regions. This strategic move illustrates the brand's ambition to extend its reach and influence in various markets while reinforcing its status in the health-conscious food sector.

Southern Nevada Expansion

Among the notable agreements is a 10-unit development contract in Southern Nevada led by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, Justin and Hannah Kirkland, along with their partners Craig and Diana Kirkland. This franchise group sees great potential in establishing Playa Bowls in high-traffic locations such as airports and sports stadiums, particularly along the Las Vegas Strip. Their extensive experience managing multiple Club Pilates locations bodes well for their aggressive growth plans as they aim to open around two shops each year.

Midwest Growth in St. Louis

In the Midwest, the Ciaramita couple, Brittany and Jeff, has signed a five-unit development agreement targeting the St. Louis area. With a community-oriented mindset, Brittany brings over 16 years of experience working with Division I athletes, while Jeff contributes his background as a cardiologist and senior executive within Mercy Health System. Their strategy focuses on setting up shop in areas with substantial residential populations and close proximity to educational institutions, planning to launch their first location in Clayton by fall 2026.

Expansion in the Southeast

Further into the Southeast, Coleen Jeter, an experienced operator with a wide-ranging franchise background, has agreed to a multi-unit arrangement in Charlotte, with plans for her inaugural location in Tega Cay. With her history operating prominent brands like McDonald's and Wingstop, Jeter exemplifies the type of franchisee Playa Bowls continues to attract.

Growth Reflection and Future Plans

As Playa Bowls reflects on an exceptional 2025—with 85 new openings and a total nearing 400 locations—the demand for their fresh menu continues to rise. Jayson Tipp, Chief Development Officer, noted that the recent franchise agreements signal strong interest from operators eager to be associated with a brand that enjoys widespread consumer appeal and substantial growth potential.

The brand is on track to open 20 new locations in the current quarter alone. Additionally, Playa Bowls is breaking into international markets with a significant 160-unit franchise agreement in Canada, marking an exciting chapter for the brand as it expands its global footprint.

Conclusion

Founded in 2014, Playa Bowls has evolved from a simple acai shop in New Jersey to a nationwide phenomenon, emphasizing healthy, sustainable living. This uniquely positioned franchise is supported by a flexible operational model designed to thrive in various markets, showcasing their commitment to community, quality, and health.

For those interested in becoming a part of this dynamic growth, Playa Bowls invites potential franchise owners to explore their franchising opportunities online. As the brand continues its journey, it remains dedicated to bringing its signature bowls to even more communities across the country and now, beyond its borders.

To learn more about Playa Bowls’ offerings, visit www.playabowls.com and follow their social media channels for the latest updates.