Playa Bowls, a young, popular surf-inspired smoothie chain, is set to open a new location on W 9th St. in Holland. This will be the chain's second location nearest to the lakeshore in addition to Grandville; other locations within the state include Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City, Ann Arbor, and all around metro Detroit.

‍From the Jersey Shore to the Holland Lakeshore‍

The business began as a vision of its founders, Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor. The pair, both Jersey Shore natives, grew up taking surf trips to exotic locations. They noticed that each town visited had its own version of a smoothie bowl, something they wanted to bring back home. This realization allowed them to craft their own favorite tastes with a personal touch, serving their creations on the sidewalk outside a pizza shop in Belmar, New Jersey. Their passion grew into a brand that has since expanded to over 375 locations across the nation. 

‍The Only Smoothie Shop in Downtown Holland‍

The quaint atmosphere of downtown has a plethora of options for whenever you’re in search of a cup of coffee. But what about a smoothie? The options are slim to none. And actually, downtown has yet to offer one… until Playa Bowls. 

What better spot to place a smoothie shop than Holland, Michigan? “This was a no-brainer decision,” explained Matt Caplan, CEO of Playa Bowls of Michigan. “Holland is a beautiful, warm, and welcoming community.” 

He visited the area during Tulip Time just last year and realized that there were no superfruit bowl, smoothie, or fresh juice shops in town. “We could think of no better place to open a store,” he said. 

And not to mention, the proximity of the lakeshore meshes with the Playa Bowls aesthetic. “When you walk into a Playa Bowls it is not just about the fresh ingredients we pack into each bowl and smoothie. It’s the overall feeling you get from the colorful hand-painted murals, the relaxing music, and the smiles as you are transported onto your favorite beach,” Caplan described. It's like you stumbled upon a small roadside pop up in Hawaii.

‍The Endless Possibilities for Every Taste Bud

In today’s economy, we’ve got more than enough options for refreshments. It’s often overwhelming. I mean, we’ve put protein in just about everything from sodas to smoothies. We've got more than enough flavors. We mix and match, adding syrups and a pinch of lime to soda. There are endless possibilities when it comes to curtailing your favorite refreshment.

And not everyone has the same goals or taste preferences. You might be someone who runs a strict program, aiming to consume your body weight in protein. Or you might be someone who wants a light, clean pre-workout drink. Or you are like most people who are just in search of a pick-me-up when the time of day reaches that 3 p.m. slump. 

Playa Bowls assuredly has a long list of options to meet your needs, whatever they may be. 

“We’re not just the nation’s leading acai and superfruit bowl shop known for its vibrant bowls, smoothies, juices, cold brews, and more,” Caplan said. “We are the premier healthy meal alternative and an innovator when it comes to refueling, refreshing, and recharging your body.” 
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So… What’s in the Bowl? 

The menu features various collections such as Protein Wave, which consists of three new smoothies and two bowls all “made with clean, real ingredients like fresh fruit, nut butters, coconut milk, and kale.” No matter which product you order from this line, it will contain from 31 up to 42 grams of protein, and available options include plant-based or whey forms. 

The newest release, Matcha Mania, features various smoothies and bowls filled with the signature Matcha Base. It’s both “energizing and delicious,” Caplan said. 

But if you’re more of a back-to-the-basics kind of person, there is a plethora of signature smoothies—from the Tidal Wave Smoothie, which features coconut, banana, pineapple, and vanilla protein, to the classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie. Or if you have a little bit of a sweet tooth, try the Dolce Smoothie, which combines banana with chocolate protein, peanut butter, and coconut milk. 

Playa Bowls is widely known for the superfruit and acai bowls, which allow you the option to layer up a smoothie base with fresh fruits, granola, drizzles, and more. The extent of possibilities doesn't stop there. Other options include juices, cold brew, and cold pressed juices.

So the next time you’re in search of a refreshment on your way to or from the beach, it might be worth your while to stop by Playa Bowls.