Healthy food options continue to expand at Harbor East, as Playa Bowls announces their fourth Maryland location to open there this fall.
Playa Bowls, a superfruit bowl shop serving bowls, juices, smoothies, and cold brews, will open a 1,300 square foot location in the 600 block of South Exeter Street, between Fleet and Aliceanna Streets. This will be the first location in Baltimore City, owned and operated by franchise owners and husband and wife team Tony and Cassie Martina. This will be their fourth location in Maryland, the other three in Easton, Salisbury, and Ocean Pines/Berlin.
“After struggling for years with food allergies, I had to be extra careful about what foods I was consuming. That’s when I was first introduced to Playa Bowls, looking for alternative and natural foods that not only fuel me but give me the energy throughout the day,” said Tony Martina. “As a Maryland native, my wife and I are passionate about bringing healthy and refreshing products to the people of Maryland. We couldn’t be more excited to open our fourth location in Baltimore in Harbor East!”
Playa Bowls bowls use predominantly plant-based ingredients, including acai, pitaya, mango, greens, coconut, and banana blends. Customers select from a menu of more than 30 bowl combinations – many seasonal – with nutritious toppings, such as fresh fruit, blueberry flax granola, hemp and chia seeds, almond and peanut butter.
The company demonstrates commitment to sustainability, as well, through use of recyclable ECO bowls, spoons, lids, and straws. They also use 100% LED lighting technology.
Playa Bowls was founded by Jersey Shore natives Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor in 2014. They are long-time surfers, inspired by the acai and pitaya bowls they enjoyed in surf towns while visiting Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, California, and Hawaii.
They adapted their favorites, adding their own Jersey Shore twist, and began selling them at a makeshift pop-up stand in front of a local pizza shop. Eventually, their success led to retail shops in New Jersey, and now more than 200 Playa Bowl shops in 23 states. 150 more are expected to open this year, including the Harbor East location.
“Playa Bowls’ growth and popularity is spectacular and impressive,” said Tim O’Donald, president of Harbor East Management Group. “It’s only natural that they would choose Harbor East – a neighborhood with those same traits – for their first Baltimore City location. Playa Bowls offerings will be a fantastic addition to the Harbor East strolling and dining experience.”
“At Playa Bowls, we live our brand through the relationships we make in our communities and by serving the highest quality, innovative products to support healthier lifestyles and inspire a world of fun, excitement and togetherness,” said Taylor. “We can’t wait to bring these values and our delicious products to Harbor East.”
