Playa Bowls, a New Jersey-based smoothie bowl franchise, is set to open its first West Virginia location at Suncrest Towne Centre on February 1, 2025.  The franchise, known for its acai and pitaya bowls, has over 200 locations nationwide and will be located at 1042 Suncrest Towne Center Drive.

Beth Bennett, co-owner of the new location, said Morgantown’s population of both student and non-student residents contributed to the franchise’s expansion.

"Playa Bowls in college towns is really popular because the demographics of a Playa Bowls is between the ages of probably 13 and 30,” she said. “And then, we wanted to also have it too that when the college isn’t in session that we could be able to survive. ... So Morgantown is a great town for that because there's still a lot of people that are there during the summer months.”

Although known for its acai and pitaya bowls, the franchise also features cold brew coffee, juices and smoothies. 

Bennett said she hopes Playa Bowls will support a healthier lifestyle and promote community among residents. 

“Playa Bowls as a whole really likes to serve the communities and have the highest quality of products, and we really want to support a healthier lifestyle and inspire just a world of fun and excitement and togetherness,” she said.

“We've just been doing a lot of grassroots in the community, and I've met and talked to a lot of people. It is really community-oriented, and I'm really excited about that. And I think that if you offer people really good service, it makes them feel great.”

Playa Bowls Morgantown will open on February 1st at 10am and the first 100 customers will receive a FREE bowl & custom Playa t-Shirt.  Come out and try a bowl!