Founders of Playa Bowls, Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor grew up along the Jersey Shore but were inspired by surfing trips to Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, among others. Almost all of the surf towns they visited offered a unique version of an açaí or pitaya bowl. They began experimenting with açaí to create their own twist on the bowls. Giuliani and Taylor made a deal with a pizza place on 8th Avenue in Belmar, New Jersey, and set up a makeshift shop in front of the store. They told their customers their story and educated them on the benefits of açaí and their quality of ingredients. Fast-forward a couple of years later, and Playa Bowl now has over 20 locations to spread the happiness. After starting out with a menu of açaí bowls and a few smoothies, they have expanded to green bowls, coconut bowls, chia pudding bowls, juices and more, with the Pura Vida açaí bowl and Almond Joy coconut bowl as customer favorites. Both Lehigh Valley locations are run by local businessman Jim Dale.
310 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 16 N. 3rd St., Easton | 610.419.4294 | playabowls.com
