Playa Bowls, the Belmar-based superfruit bowl brand with over 340 locations nationwide, is embarking on a new chapter of growth powered by a refreshed executive leadership team. Following its 2024 acquisition by Sycamore Partners, the company is focusing on franchise expansion, guest experience and operational excellence to deepen its footprint from coast to coast.
John Cappasola stepped into the CEO role earlier this year, leveraging his 30 years of experience in growing brands. He previously served as CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes and Del Taco. In his new role, Cappasola is dedicated to strengthening franchise owner support, improving digital capabilities, and enhancing the overall guest experience.
“The Playa Bowls experience is truly unique, blending a lifestyle vibe with a menu that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat healthier,” Cappasola said. “It’s an inspiring opportunity to work alongside our team and franchise owners to build on that foundation and help lead this next chapter of growth, while staying true to the vision that’s made Playa Bowls a category leader.”
Cappasola is joined by new leadership team members including Julie Klinger as chief operating officer, Tony Reaman as chief financial officer, and Christine Johnson as general counsel. The team brings a wealth of experience from prominent brands in the restaurant industry, including Nothing Bundt Cakes, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and McAlister’s Deli.
Abby Taylor, co-founder and chief marketing officer, remains the heart of the brand, while Jayson Tipp, chief development officer, continues to spearhead franchise recruiting and market expansion.
Tipp highlighted the brand’s strong growth trajectory, noting that 85% of new franchise agreements this year are with existing franchisees. “This is a strong testament to the confidence and commitment within our system,” he said. “As we look ahead, we’re focused on quality expansion in existing markets and tapping into tremendous opportunities to open shops on the West Coast.”
Playa Bowls has already marked significant milestones this year, including the opening of its 300th location in Atlanta and entering 12 new markets. The company plans to open a total of 90 new shops by the end of 2025, with a major focus on western expansion. With a robust development pipeline of over 400 locations, Playa Bowls is poised for sustained nationwide growth.
