Leading Superfruit Bowl Brand Earns High Franchise Industry Recognition for Smart Growth and Franchisee Satisfaction 

BELMAR, N.J. – Playa Bowls, the nation’s leading superfruit and acai bowl brand, continues to set the pace for growth in the category, earning multiple prestigious franchise industry accolades that reflect the brand’s sustained momentum and market leadership.

Playa Bowls ranked No. 273 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, climbing 31 spots from 2025, and secured the No. 1 ranking in the Acai Bowls category for the second consecutive year. Widely regarded as the world’s most comprehensive franchise ranking, the Franchise 500 evaluates brands based on factors including system growth, financial investments, brand strength, and system support.

In addition, Playa Bowls was named No. 7 on the Franchise Times Fast & Serious list, which recognizes the 40 smartest-growing franchise companies in the U.S. The ranking highlights brands that are scaling responsibly, demonstrating strong leadership, disciplined development strategies, and long-term franchise system health.

Playa Bowls’ momentum was further reinforced through its recognition as a Top 200 Franchise for 2026 by Franchise Business Review. This distinction is based entirely on franchisee satisfaction ratings collected directly from current franchise owners, measuring key areas such as leadership, support, training, financial opportunity, and overall franchise experience.

“These recognitions reflect the strength of our franchise system and the trust our local operators place in the Playa Bowls brand,” said Jayson Tipp, Chief Development Officer of Playa Bowls. “We’re focused on growing Playa Bowls in a disciplined way that prioritizes sustainable development, strong unit economics, and meaningful support for our franchise partners. Earning recognition across multiple industry rankings, especially those driven by franchisee feedback, validates the work our teams and operators are doing together every day.”

In 2025 alone, Playa Bowls opened 85 new shops, including first-time market entries across multiple states and more than 200 signed franchise agreements. This domestic growth is complemented by the brand’s first international development agreement in Canada, resulting in one of the strongest and most diverse development pipelines in Playa Bowls’ history.

Founded in 2014, Playa Bowls has grown to more than 370 locations nationwide and continues to attract experienced multi-unit operators and first-time franchisees alike. As Playa Bowls continues to grow with new and existing franchise owners, the brand remains focused on expanding its national footprint in both traditional and non-traditional formats while delivering the fresh, community-centric experience that has defined its rise.

With strong development activity, a committed franchise network, and a clear vision for the years ahead, Playa Bowls is well-positioned to continue bringing its fresh, vibrant menu to even more communities.

To learn more about Playa Bowls, visit www.playabowls.com and follow the brand at @playabowls on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook for the latest news.

To learn more about Playa Bowls and its franchising opportunities, visit franchise.playabowls.com/.

About Playa Bowls

Known as New Jersey’s original acai bowl shop, Playa Bowls is the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop serving up an extensive and unique menu of over 40 items, including the bright flavors of acai, pitaya, green and coconut bowls alongside oatmeal bowls, juices, smoothies, and cold brew made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge in 2014 has flourished into more than 370 shops nationwide that operate in 30 states, thousands of employees, and a mission to lead communities in healthy, sustainable living. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades, including No. 7 on the 2026 Franchise Times Fast & Serious List, placement on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500, Forbes 30 Under 30, Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers, QSR Young Leaders to Watch, and recognition as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Visit playabowls.com for additional information and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. For more information on franchising, please visit franchise.playabowls.com/.

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