Playa Bowls eyes 160-plus Canadian locations through partnership
Playa Bowls is planning to grow its footprint north of the border.
The fast-casual superfruit bowl shop has announced a master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada Inc. to expand the brand across Canada. Known for partnering with high-growth U.S. restaurant concepts, Eat Up Canada Inc. marks Playa Bowls' first international development deal and includes plans to open more than 160 shops nationwide.
The agreement signals continued momentum for Playa Bowls, which has maintained a steady pace of domestic growth with dozens of additional shops opening in the first three quarters of 2025. With more than 350 units currently in development across the U.S., Playa Bowls is on track to open 90-plus new shops before the end of the year. The chain currently operates nearly 350 locations nationwide.
[READ MORE: Playa Bowls targets North Carolina's Triad region for growth]
"Playa Bowls is exactly the kind of high-growth, high-potential brand we look for," said George Heos, co-founder of Eat Up Canada Inc. "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."
After decades of restaurant industry experience with brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Boston Pizza and Recipe, George Heos and Alex Gerzon, the founders of Eat Up Canada, built a 50-unit Firehouse Subs portfolio. In the brief time since founding the current business two years ago, the company scaled Pokeworks to eight Canadian locations and also developed the MightyBird fast-casual concept.
"Playa Bowls is in a fast-growing category with tremendous momentum, and this agreement marks a major step in our strategy to introduce our great-tasting menu full of health conscious options to new markets," said John Cappasola, CEO of Playa Bowls. "George Heos and Alex Gerzon are exactly the kind of experienced operators we look to partner with; they are proven brand stewards and developers with deep expertise in scaling successful restaurant concepts. From building a 50-unit Firehouse Subs portfolio to spearheading other emerging brands' entrances into Canada, George and Alex bring the operational excellence, local insights, and passion for growth that align with our values and vision for Playa Bowls' continued expansion."
Founded in New Jersey, Playa Bowls offers guests a menu that features over 40 items, including acai, pitaya, green and coconut bowls, alongside oatmeal bowls, juices, smoothies, and cold brew.
