Experienced Local Business Owners Expand into Restaurant Space with Healthy Fast-Casual Brand

PETERSBURG, FL – (August 5, 2025) – WOWorks, the parent company of better-for-you restaurant brands, is expanding its footprint across the Sunbelt with a four-unit development agreement for Frutta Bowls in the Memphis market.

The new franchisees, Akash Chaudhari, Sanjay Chaudhari and Brijesh Patel, are long-time Memphis-area business owners with deep experience in hospitality, foodservice and retail. Their portfolio includes ownership and management of multiple Super 8 motels, liquor stores, and Subway locations across Tennessee, Missouri and Wyoming.

“When the hotel industry slowed during COVID, we realized the need to diversify,” said Akash Chaudhari. “After months of research, Frutta Bowls stood out as the perfect match for the Memphis market. For consumers, it’s healthy and quick. And from a business standpoint, we like that the brand has low overhead, and this concept is fresh and exciting to the market.”

The partners spent several months conducting in-depth market research, including first-hand visits to existing Frutta Bowls locations, interviews with third-party delivery drivers and surveying employees from local hospitals and businesses. The first location is anticipated to be in either Germantown or Cordova. Additional stores are planned throughout Memphis and into northern Mississippi communities like Olive Branch and Southaven and the group is looking for opportunities to co-brand some of the sites with another WOWorks brand, Saladworks.

Frutta Bowls is known for its specialty acai bowls and smoothies made with better-for-you ingredients. Packed with vitamin-rich ingredients and superfoods like acai, pitaya, kale and a multitude of grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, the menu of customizable bowls, smoothies, toasts and protein bites helps boost immunity levels and provide nutritious meals and snacks.

“This agreement is an exciting milestone for Frutta Bowls and our rapid expansion for this brand right now,” said Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks. “Frutta Bowls is seeing incredible momentum, and this team’s thorough research and community-driven mindset make them an ideal fit to lead our expansion in the Mid-South.”

For more information about franchise opportunities with Frutta Bowls or other WOWorks restaurant brands, please visit woworksusa.com/a-place-to-invest or contact Jesse Moore at jmoore@woworksusa.com.

About Frutta Bowls

Founded in 2016 to fulfill a need for fresh and flavorful plant-centric dining options from its original location in Freehold, New Jersey, Frutta Bowls has since grown to more than 40 locations in 16 states. From Acai to Zinc, Frutta Bowls uses only the freshest, ripest and most flavorful plant-based, whole-food ingredients featured in customizable bowls and smoothies, as well as toasts and protein bites. To learn more, visit fruttabowls.com. Follow Frutta Bowls on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

About WOWorks
Founded in 2020, WOWorks is dedicated to helping guests pursue their passions and enjoy their best lives through flavorful, healthier meals and exceptional service. A subsidiary of Centre Lane Partners, LLC, WOWorks’ portfolio includes Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Z!Eats (formerly Zoup!) and The Simple Greek. WOWorks aims to drive consistent growth across its brands by partnering with experienced franchisees who share its passion for excellence and nutritious dining. For more information, visit woworksusa.com.

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