Playa Bowls, the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop, is preparing to launch in Canada through a master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada Inc., marking the brand’s first international expansion.
The agreement includes plans to open more than 160 locations nationwide, according to a press release. Known for its acai, pitaya, coconut, and green bowls, Playa Bowls continues to grow following steady U.S. success with nearly 350 shops across 27 states. The expansion into Canada signals the next phase in the brand’s global growth strategy.
Eat Up Canada Inc. was founded by restaurant industry veterans George Heos and Alex Gerzon, whose portfolio includes Firehouse Subs, Pokeworks, and MightyBird. With expertise in franchise development, operations, and real estate, the company focuses on introducing high-growth U.S. restaurant concepts to Canadian markets.
“Playa Bowls is exactly the kind of high-growth, high-potential brand we look for,” Heos said in a press release. “Our team specializes in introducing standout U.S. restaurant concepts to the Canadian market, and Playa Bowls fits that profile perfectly with their proven unit economics and a passionate following. Bringing a leading superfruit bowl brand into our portfolio allows us to tap into the demand for better-for-you dining at a time when consumers are more health-conscious than ever.”
Founded in 2014 in Belmar, New Jersey, Playa Bowls has grown from a small local operation into a national brand recognized for its fresh, customizable menu and focus on sustainability. The company continues to build momentum with plans to open more than 90 new U.S. shops by the end of 2025 and expand its community-centered, health-driven concept internationally through this Canadian partnership.
“From the moment we experienced Playa Bowls, we were impressed by the quality of their product, the strength of their design, and the simplicity and scalability of their operational model,” Gerzon said in a press release. “We believe Playa Bowls is perfectly positioned for the Canadian market, and we’re excited to bring its vibrant energy and community-focused experience to neighborhoods across Canada.”
