In 2014, a New Jersey surfer began selling açai bowls from a roadside cart with less than $5,000; by 2026, Playa Bowls had passed 400 stores after recording $332 million in systemwide sales in 2025
What started as a small homemade food cart on a pavement in New Jersey has grown into a fast-casual restaurant chain with more than 400 locations across North America. Playa Bowls was founded in 2014 by local surfers Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor. In 2026, the company passed the 400-store mark after recording $332 million…