Playa Bowls plans to open a location in the Edge District at 732 Madison Ave., Suite 109.
The 997-square-foot shop will occupy the ground floor of a three-story mixed-use commercial building.
Franchise owner Amy Lupo is seeking a $30,000 grant for improvements through the Center City Development Corp., an affiliate of the Downtown Memphis Commission. The funds would cover plumbing, electrical work, lighting, HVAC, flooring and bar/counter installation. The total project budget is estimated at $430,000.
The grant request is scheduled for review at the CCDC meeting on July 16.
Lupo, who also owns several Nothing Bundt Cakes franchises in Memphis, discovered Playa Bowls while vacationing in Delray Beach, Florida, with her boyfriend and business partner, Jack Speed. The couple was impressed by the food and atmosphere, initially assuming it was a small, local business. After craving the experience, they researched and learned it was a franchise, sparking their interest.
In 2024, Lupo and Speed opened Tennessee’s first Playa Bowls in East Memphis. They have two additional locations planned in Arlington and Collierville, along with the new Edge District site.
“The day we toured the Edge District, we knew it was a natural home for Playa Bowls,” Lupo said in the grant application. “It’s dynamic, growing and full of energy — exactly the kind of environment where Playa thrives. As a business owner, I believe in giving back through job creation, mentorship and offering something truly beneficial to the community.”
Playa Bowls offers a colorful menu of superfruit bowls, smoothies and juices made with fresh, health-focused ingredients. Signature bowls feature bases such as açaí, pitaya, coconut, banana and greens, topped with granola, almond butter, honey and fresh fruit.
The menu also includes oatmeal, cold brew coffee and fresh-pressed juices. Many items are gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan. Whether customers want a quick breakfast, post-workout snack or sweet treat, Playa Bowls serves a customizable, energizing option with a tropical twist.
According to the application, construction is expected to begin in September or October, with an opening planned for January or February 2026.
What Now Memphis contacted the owners about the new location and other planned sites. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
