Playa Bowls Set to Open State College Location

The State College weather might not feel anything like the beach, but you’ll soon be able to enjoy a taste of the tropics downtown. Playa Bowls, the popular Jersey Shore-based acai shop chain, will officially open its new location on Saturday at The Legacy, 482 E. Calder Way

Beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m., there will be a full day of giveaways to christen the new storefront. The first 100 people in line will get a free bowl of their choice. Guests can also win t-shirts and coconut mugs that were flown in from Florida.

The grand opening comes nearly six months after the announcement that chain was coming to State College. Penn State alumna Desiree Arroyo opened the location along with Playa Bowls artist Ramona Schatzer, who has painted murals, surfboards, and other decorations at many of the chain’s locations, including this one.

“We’re happy to bring this healthy dining option to Penn State and the State College community,” Arroyo said in a release. “As a Penn State alum, it has been my dream to return to State College and build a business, and I’m proud to say I’ve accomplished that goal.”

Known for its brightly colored bowls and smoothies, Playa Bowls’ menu includes açai, pitaya, banana, chia pudding, coconut and kale bowls, offering a variety of options with a mix of sweet and healthy ingredients. It also includes poke bowls — more of a salad with greens and choices such as ahi tuna, shrimp and salmon — and a number of smoothies and fresh juices.

The Penn State Small Business Development Center will be on hand Saturday to assist with the ribbon-cutting.

“It has been great to help this woman-owned business get established in State College,” SBDC business consultant John Peterson said. “This location will serve as a healthy, high-quality choice for the students, community, and the alumni.”

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ðŸ˜ WHAT IS YOUR GO TO BASE?! ðŸ§œðŸ»‍â™€ï¸ (mine is Acai or half açaí half green) the choices are endless at Playa and you really can’t go wrong with any combo! #acai #pitaya #coconut #banana #green #chia #vamosalaplaya #welcometopineappleland #njoriginalacaishop #playabowls #bases #options ðŸ„ðŸ½‍â™€ï¸ðŸ“¸ðŸ”¥ @playabowlstomsriver ðŸ’¯

A post shared by Playa Bowls (@playabowls) on Jan 5, 2019 at 7:39am PST

The chain markets its products as healthy snack options, many of which fit vegan and gluten-free diets, so if eating better is a resolution for 2019, you might just be in luck.