Huge acai bowl chain opening first Canadian location in Toronto this week
Good news for health nuts and Instaholics: one of the largest acai bowl chains in the world is opening its first-ever Canadian location in Toronto next week.
Though the humble acai bowl, a smoothie bowl made from frozen and blended acai berries and topped with a vibrant rainbow of fresh fruit, made its North American debut sometime in the early 2000s, the dish's popularity has scarcely waned in the decades since.
The proof? Businesses that hawk the things are still in good, and ever-increasing, numbers in Toronto. If you find yourself craving an acai bowl anywhere in the city, chances are you can throw a stone and hit a smoothie shop, brunch spot or dedicated acai bowl business to hit the spot.
The latest to join Toronto's growing fleet of acai-based businesses is U.S.-based chain Playa Bowls, which is gearing up to open its first Canadian location at The Well.
Already fertile ground for U.S. chains' north-of-the-border expansions (see: Prince Street Pizza and Crumbl), The Well makes a formidable home for Playa Bowls, optimally situated to absorb the health-minded patrons who frequent Sweat and Tonic and REFORMD.
Founded on the Jersey Shore by "two surfers, one blender and a whole lot of beach town love," Playa Bowls has steadily grown its presence in the States for the past 12 years, currently boasting more than 100 locations across 20 states, and soon, one in Canada.
You can expect an expansive menu of acai and smoothie bowls, oatmeal, traditional smoothies, coffee-based drinks and juices (both fresh and cold-pressed, most naturally) in a variety of vivid colours and tropical flavours. I only wonder what the swath of pre-existing smoothie vendors at The Well make of this.
Playa Bowls Toronto officially opens on Thursday, June 18, at 8 a.m. Rumour has it that the first 100 people in line will even walk away with a free bowl.
