The surf’s up this summer for Old Bridge foodies looking to enjoy light, refreshing cuisine in a chill and welcoming atmosphere. Playa Bowls, one of the nation’s hottest chains, is bringing its healthy twist on fast-casual dining to the Glenwood Green Shopping Center later this year, reports local media outlet Real Estate NJ.
The restaurant has leased a 1,500 square foot space at the intersection of Route 9 and Schulmeister Road. Franchisee Bobby Howell tells What Now Philadelphia that the Glenwood Green Shopping Center is a prime location for Playa Bowls, owing to its high traffic volume and big name anchor stores, including Target, Shoprite, Chipotle, and Shake Shack.
Howell is bringing a wealth of hospitality experience with him to Bridgewater. “This is my fifth store,” he states, explaining “I started during the pandemic in 2000. My grand-opening, everyone told me to slow down, but I went full throttle. We had a line out the door…I always believed that I would build a handful of stores.”
Playa Bowls allows Howell to mix two of his great passions; surfing and quality food. “The attraction to it was the beach vibes…it’s a lifestyle choice I made many years ago.” Howell says, adding that he was immediately drawn to the atmosphere of the brand. “I walked into the corporate store in Long Branch and when I walked in I saw surfboards hanging from the ceiling, surfing on the tv-how often do you see that? I thought it was a cool vibe. I ordered a bowl and from that point forward it was like ‘I’ve got to get involved in this!’”
Opening his own Playa Bowls was not an impulse decision. Howell has deep roots in the restaurant world. “I have an extensive history in the food industry-I went to culinary school. Over the past 40 plus years, I’ve had so much experience. This is more or less something going into semi-retirement. It was a perfect segway into what I was looking for-all the stars lined up for me.”
Old Bridge foodies eager to enjoy the Playa Bowls’ experience but uncertain of where to start with the cuisine needn’t worry. Howell assures future customers that the menu is accessible. “The first thing you’ll learn is a description of acai, which is a health conscious South American berry. You’ll see these big boards that describe the ingredients. So now you look at the menu board, you can make your own, you see all the choices you have. In respect to smoothies or juices, this is perfect for those who want their juices freshly made. We juice right there with organic vegetables and fruits. The smoothie clientele, you’re going to see a handful of different types of smoothies to choose from, which are, for the most part, health conscious.”
Playa Bowls’ delectable choices will appeal to anyone craving a refreshing treat, whether they’re concerned about nutrition or simply looking for a unique, sweet option. Howell states: “The demographic is not only for the health conscious but the ice cream lover who’s used to going to the sweet shop. You can get a health-conscious base and then you can add sweets, like honey, Nutella, and an array of fruits.”
The Glenwood Green Playa Bowls is in the midst of construction and eyeing a June 15 grand opening, and a June 14 soft opening.
Howell intends to continue spreading Playa Bowls’ delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere to new dining markets. “Right now we’re open to developing out a couple more stores” he says, adding “Territory-wise it’s a little more difficult in New Jersey, since this is the origin of the brand. Finding that next location is somewhat of a needle in a haystack. Yes to the growth, locations are undetermined.”
