Four new locations announced by franchise parent, WOWorks.
By Andrew Carlo
WOWorks announced that it is expanding its Frutta Bowls food and beverage franchise brand in the Memphis, Tennessee market.
A new, four-unit development agreement is being spearheaded by new franchisees Akash Chaudhari, Sanjay Chaudhari, and Brijesh Patel. According to WOWorks, the trio of entrepreneurs are long-time Memphis-area business owners with deep experience in hospitality, foodservice and retail.
The portfolio of businesses owned and managed by the group includes multiple Super 8 motels, liquor stores, and Subway locations across Tennessee, Missouri and Wyoming.
“When the hotel industry slowed during COVID, we realized the need to diversify,” said Akash Chaudhari. “After months of research, Frutta Bowls stood out as the perfect match for the Memphis market. For consumers, it’s healthy and quick. And from a business standpoint, we like that the brand has low overhead, and this concept is fresh and exciting to the market.”
Frutta Bowls serves specialty acai bowls and smoothies made with healthy ingredients. According to WOWorks, the dishes—or bowls—are packed with vitamin-rich ingredients and superfoods like acai, pitaya, kale and a multitude of grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Frutta Bowls’ menu offers customizable bowls, smoothies, toasts and protein bites designed to boost immunity levels and provide nutritious meals and snacks.
The Frutta Bowls franchisees spent several months conducting in-depth market research, including first-hand visits to existing Frutta Bowls locations, interviews with third-party delivery drivers and surveying employees from local hospitals and businesses, WOWorks said.
Under the new plan, the initial Memphis market location is slated to be in either Germantown or Cordova, Tennessee. Additional stores are planned throughout Memphis and into northern Mississippi communities like Olive Branch and Southaven.
Co-branding is also part of the mix with the group having eyes on another WOWorks brand, Saladworks In June, WOWorks announced a new franchise agreement that calls for 10 new Saladworks locations in North Carolina.
“This agreement is an exciting milestone for Frutta Bowls and our rapid expansion for this brand right now,” said Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks. “Frutta Bowls is seeing incredible momentum, and this team’s thorough research and community-driven mindset make them an ideal fit to lead our expansion in the Mid-South.”
Frutta Bowls has more than 40 locations in 16 states, the company said.
