Latest news with #PlayaBowls
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NJ lawmakers push for stiffer penalties for disorderly conduct
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. -After a rowdy Memorial Day weekend in Seaside Heights that saw more than 70 arrests, three stabbing incidents, and multiple fights, visitors of the boardwalk walk away saddened by the bad behavior. 'It's kind of just embarrassing you know? I know we're all better than that,' said Lamin Golafali of Mt. Olive. 'I feel like everyone just needs to come out here and have fun and if you get too aggressive, that's how you just ruin it for us.' More Local News A bill in Trenton would establish the offense of inciting a public brawl and stiffen penalties for disorderly conduct. It was inspired by a brawl that broke out at a carnival last year in a South Jersey district represented by Democratic Assemblyman Dan Hutchison. 'I just think it's a real good way to focus on the root causes of these problems,' said Hutchison (D-NJ 4th District). After passing through both chambers in Trenton, Governor Phil Murphy issued a conditional veto in hopes of ensuring first amendment rights are protected. Since then, the Assembly passed it again, with the Senate's vote expected next week. 'I would suggest to you getting a better bill a week or two later is more important than getting a bill that's not as good, not as strong,' said Hutchison. Republican Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who represents Seaside Heights, hoped that the bill would have been passed in time for Memorial Day weekend. 'Seaside Heights here cracked down, they made a ton of arrests,' said Kanitra (R-NJ 10th District), but their hands were still somewhat tied.' A co-sponsor of the bill, he still hopes the amended version passes. 'Something is better than nothing,' said Kanitra. 'We're looking forward to getting this bill and signed by the Governor as soon as possible.' Many Seaside Heights visitors and business owners say the events of this past weekend do not reflect what this boardwalk is all about. 'It's the most positive place to be,' said Kenny Macchiaverna, owner of several businesses on the baordwalk, including Playa Bowls. 'Be nice and nice things happen. Be bad and bad things happen.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Tiny Storefronts Contribute To Playa Bowls Success
Healthy food via its acai or berry bowls is one of the keys to the growing success of Playa Bowls. Indeed it has grown to 304 shops in 27 states, mostly on the East Coast, with 275 franchised, 26 corporate-owned and 3 licensees. And it has been on a steady growth trajectory. It opened 74 new shops in 2024, 13 more in the first quarter of 2025, with more to come by year's end. But there's another hidden ingredient that propels its growth: its ability to operate tiny storefronts such as the 357 square feet MacDougal Street shop in the heart of Greenwich Village and modest shops of 800 to 1,500 square feet, with some going up to 2,000 square feet, explains 35-year-old Abby Taylor, its co-founder and chief brand officer, who was 24 when it launched. Taylor, who was a 30 under 30 Food & Drink Forbes recipient, says that after college she traveled and surfed around California and Hawaii, saw many versions of acai bowls and felt there was none at the Jersey shore where she lived. She and a partner Robert Giuliani (who is no longer involved in the business) scraped their money together to open a pop-up cart in May 2014 in Belmar, N.J. as proof of concept and then moved into a brick 'n mortar store. Food That Is Easy to Prepare Despite offering ample menu options, Taylor explains that its food doesn't require franchisees to 'purchase grills, fryers or other large cooking equipment.' Indeed food can be prepared using a blender or small kitchen appliances, enabling its stores to 'fit into smaller spaces in urban and high-rent traffic areas as well as suburban and rural areas,' she points out. Indeed Taylor noted that some of its shops open in the 'tiniest locations and still deliver very impressive numbers.' In expensive Manhattan, the smaller spaces also contribute to keeping their rents and costs down. 'That's better for our margins,' Taylor notes. Taylor acknowledges however that while placing a restaurant in such cramped quarters is doable it 'requires careful planning to ensure it meets equipment and storage needs.' She also noted in non-traditional venues such as airports, train stations, or campus food halls, there's often storage areas available to support daily operations. Why It Works for Franchisees The concept also works well for franchisees because of its 'simple menu and low-labor model,' Taylor says. Most shops are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., before most restaurant chains close, though franchisees have some latitude on varying hours. Health Benefits from Acai Bowls Acai berries stem from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, and offer a rich, fruity flavor with some subtle hints of chocolate, Taylor suggests. And the berries are loaded with antioxidants, more so than in strawberries or cranberries, which are healthy for you. Acai is also a great source of fiber, which promotes strong gut health and feeling energized through the day. Moreover, Playa Bowls has kept its price competitive, since it's average guest ticket is around $16, with most bowls in the $12 to $14 range before tax, and guests can add a grab-and-go-beverage. Taylor says that most people associate Playa Bowls with breakfast and lunch but its revenue breaks down to about 16% breakfast sales before 11 a.m., 32% for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 25% from 2 to 5 p.m. for snacks, and 27% sales for dinner after 5 p.m. Hence, Taylor says it appeals to different people at different times of the day. So lunch could be mom with her kids, college students eat later, and then young adults stop by after working out at the fitness center. Its target audience consists of people aged 18 to 44, including Taylor cites, a 'strong base of younger adults and teens who value fresh ingredients, bold flavors and convenience.' Hence, its clientele comes to Playa Bowls for a 'post-surf snack, a pre-workout boost, or a better-for-you breakfast on the go,' she says. Moreover, its colorful bowls lend themselves to being shared on Instagram. Its 2 most popular dishes are the: 1) Nutella Bowl, 2) Pure Vida or Playa acai topped with blueberry flax granola and more. Many guests customize their own bowls with toppings and ingredients. But its menu also offers snacks and protein bites such as chocolate peanut and vegan chocolate peanut and smoothies and cold brews. Taylor says that most guests order the snack option as an 'add-on order rather than a stand-alone snack.' What differentiates Playa Bowls from competitors such as Vitality Bowls and Clean Juice, Taylor says, is 'We create an experience, a certain vibe and energy.' On Yelp most consumers were positive about dining at the MacDougal Street store with some reservations. Kelsey from NY City wrote that 'the aloha acai is great; it's fresh, healthy, sweet and tasty.' But she found the pitaya bowl 'too sweet' for her taste. Tess from Brooklyn also liked her acai bowl but thought waiting 20 minutes for it was a bit too long. In the future, Taylor envisions continuing to expand across the U.S. Asked the 3 keys to its success, she replies: 1) Ignore the outside voices and focus on what you're doing and what you believe in, 2) Surround yourself with smart people, 3) Go all in and take some risks.
