Playa Bowls will open its first Jacksonville store Dec. 2 at St. Johns Town Center.
The 2,012-square-foot restaurant at 4720 Town Crossing Drive, Suite 125, has a surf decor. Mark Williams and Rich Hardman are the local franchise owners.
Williams told the Daily Record in August that a second location would open in 2024 at 345 Beachwalk Shore Drive, Suite 105, in Beachwalk in St. Johns County.
The Jacksonville store will open at 11 a.m. Dec. 2. The first 50 customers will receive free T-shirts and a bowl.
Playa Bowls serves acai berry-based fruit bowls. Acai berries are high in antioxidants thought to help reduce swelling, lower blood sugar and stimulate the immune system, according to webmd.com.
“Playa bowls are made with a base of acai, pitaya, mango, coconut, banana, chia pudding, green kale blend, or oatmeal. They come topped with an array of options, from granola and hemp seeds to blueberries and almond butter,” according to a company press release.
The store also sells fresh juice, smoothies and cold brew coffee.
The company’s website says the stores usually hire about 25 people.
“I visited one while in New Jersey and really fell in love with the concept,” Williams said in a news release.
“When I moved to Florida three years ago, I knew this would be the perfect fit. The restaurant has a very laid-back feel, with bright, surf-themed décor. Our customers can relax with their bowls or take it to-go and sip their smoothies while window-shopping.”
The Ocean Grove, New Jersey-based company has 223 locations in 22 states.
There are 21 locations in Florida concentrated in South Florida as well as in Southwest Florida, Tallahassee and Rosemary Beach in the Panhandle.
One Call Contracting of Ponte Vedra is the contractor for the estimated $110,000 tenant build-out of the space.
New Space Design Inc. of Duluth, Georgia, is the architect.