Playa Bowls Brings the Beach to the ’Burg This Fall

Local Family Introduces New Jersey’s Original Acai Bowl Shop™ to Virginia Tech With a Grand Opening & Giveaways on September 27
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Playa Bowls, the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop, is bringing its signature tropical flavors and laid-back beach vibes to Blacksburg with the grand opening of its newest location just steps from the Virginia Tech campus. Local franchise owners Greg and Christine Wathen, alongside their son Zach, are opening the shop on September 27, offering students and locals a refreshing, health-forward destination to fuel their day.
Located at 460 Turner Street NW, Playa Bowls will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, September 27, with a full day of giveaways and good vibes. The first 50 guests in line will receive a free bowl and a custom Playa Bowls t-shirt. Guests are invited to drop in, soak up the tropical atmosphere, and enjoy a taste of Playa’s super fresh, nutrient-packed menu.
 
“What I’ve always loved about Playa Bowls is the consistent, high-quality experience—no matter where you are, you know you’re getting something refreshing, delicious, and nutritious,” said Christine. “After visiting our daughter at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech and experiencing the Blacksburg community, we felt inspired to bring something new to the area. And, as a breast cancer survivor, I’m more mindful than ever about the ingredients I put in my body. Playa’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and naturally fresh options won me over from the start. Now, we’re thrilled to share this brand with our neighbors, fellow Hokie families, and anyone looking for a nourishing and vibrant meal.”
Christine, a longtime Playa Bowls fan and New Jersey native, brings decades of experience as a business educator, including 20 years teaching at the college level. Greg, a U.S. military veteran, has spent his career in the food service industry and previously owned a family entertainment business. Together, they’ve built a strong foundation in both entrepreneurship and service.
Their son Zach, who has a Bachelor's degree in Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies and has a background in hospitality and food service, will serve as the shop’s general manager.
“This is a true family business,” said Greg. “Zach will be leading day-to-day operations, and our daughter is a student at Virginia Tech, so this really will feel like home. Family-run businesses are a part of our story, and we’re excited to grow roots here in Blacksburg. Whether it’s students looking for a healthy pick-me-up or families grabbing something quick and fresh, we’re here to serve the community with something that tastes good and feels even better.”
Guests at Playa Bowls Blacksburg can pick from an extensive menu of delicious bowls or customize their own. They can choose from a variety of unique blends made with superfoods, including acai, pitaya, coconut, kale, banana, oatmeal and mango. Tasty and nutritious toppings, such as fresh-cut fruits, seeds, nuts, granola, dried berries and nut butter, are also available as add-ons. The superfruit bowl shop also offers a selection of juices, smoothies, cold brews and other grab & go items. Playa Bowls can be made vegan or gluten-free, and can be adapted to integrate into Whole30, Keto and Paleo diets.
 
Founded by surfers Abby Taylor & Rob Giuliani, Playa Bowls was born out of the desire to recreate deliciously healthy versions of the acai and pitaya bowls the pair encountered on various surf trips spanning from Costa Rica to Hawaii. The duo discovered new and unique twists on this popular post-surf treat at each beach and came home wanting more. Abby and Rob set up a blender and a small cart across from the boardwalk in Belmar, New Jersey, and Playa Bowls was born. After ten years, thousands of employees, and hundreds of thousands of bowls later, Playa Bowls continues to offer superfruit-packed menu items with a mission to lead communities in healthy, sustainable living.
 
The new shop in Blacksburg will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
 
To learn more about Playa Bowls and the Blacksburg location, visit www.playabowls.com/location/blacksburg and follow the shop at @playabowlsblacksburg on Instagram for the latest updates!
 
About Playa Bowls
Known as New Jersey's original acai bowl shop, Playa Bowls is the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop serving up an extensive and unique menu of over 40 items, including the bright flavors of acai, pitaya, green and coconut bowls alongside oatmeal bowls, juices, smoothies, and cold brew made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge in 2014 has flourished into more than 300 shops nationwide that operate in 28 states, thousands of employees, and a mission to lead communities in healthy, sustainable living. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades including No. 7 on the 2025 Franchise Times Fast & Serious List, Forbes 30 Under 30, Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers, QSR Young Leaders to Watch, and finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Visit playabowls.com for additional information and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. For more information on franchising, please visit franchise.playabowls.com/.