Latest news with #acai
Entrepreneur
21-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How Everbowl's Founder Built a Brand — and the Stores
After launching in 2016, Everbowl now has more than 100 locations and 350 more in development — many led by mega-investor Drew Brees. Jeff Fenster didn't set out to build a restaurant franchise. In 2016, he had just sold a business and was looking for his next move. A self-described "high-strung" entrepreneur, Fenster began tinkering with acai bowls in his home kitchen after experiencing the fruit in Hawaii. What started as a personal wellness experiment turned into something bigger, and he began preparing acai bowls for his friends during football Sundays. "When I was able to get them away from the traditional football foods, and they started asking for bowls, I realized this was not just for health-conscious individuals," Fenster says. Then, during a visit to a closing smoothie shop in California, Fenster had an idea: What if he took over the space and launched his own food concept? Four days later, he signed the lease — with no name, menu or restaurant experience. Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget. The birth of Everbowl — and WeBuild The first Everbowl location opened in October 2016 with the goal of making eating healthfully affordable, better-tasting and more filling. "Which meant I had to make big portions, figure out how to bring the cost down, make it taste good and build lots of them," Fenster says. But he quickly learned that building restaurants is expensive. That first location cost more than $300,000 to open. "That didn't make sense to me," Fenster says. "I'm not building a rocket ship." Rather than accept the high cost of entry, Fenster did what few founders would dare: He launched his own construction company. WeBuild, Everbowl's in-house construction firm, was designed to solve a simple problem — controlling buildout costs. Fenster brought on the contractor who helped with the original store to run the company. Together, they identified ways to cut costs using off-site fabrication, streamlined materials and efficient processes. Within a year, Fenster slashed buildout costs by more than half. "By the end of 2018, we were down to $150,000," he says. "Eventually, we got under $100,000 per location." This approach allowed Fenster to open 28 corporate-owned stores by early 2020, all without taking on debt. He also launched his own supply chain operation, importing proprietary acai strains directly from Brazil to give Everbowl a unique taste that consumers can't get anywhere else. "It's like french fries — they're all potatoes, but they taste different," he says. "Now, no one can say that they use the same acai I use." Related: Emma Grede Dropped Out of School at 16. Now the Skims Boss Runs a $4 Billion Empire — Here's How. Franchising for everyone When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, Fenster had to lay off more than 500 employees in one day. But within 48 hours, he and a small team invented "Later Bowls," a direct-to-consumer delivery service offering frozen acai bowls from shuttered Everbowl kitchens. That unexpected pivot led to an even bigger opportunity. "We got over 400 franchise inquiries," Fenster says. "That was the moment I realized what Everbowl could be." Fenster was initially skeptical of franchising — he thought it was only for the wealthy and was expensive and risky. "I didn't want winners and losers on my team," he says. Fenster ultimately embraced it, but his model was different; he wanted franchising to be available to everyone. "We don't care about net worth. We care about drive, culture fit and work ethic," Fenster says. "If you're all-in, we'll figure out how to get you a store." Related: How Entrepreneurs and First-Time Franchisees Can Become Effective Leaders Image Credit: Everbowl Enter Drew Brees One of those passionate believers was future NFL Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees. Fenster and Brees had nearly gone into another business together in 2018 but reconnected in 2020 during Covid, when Brees began sending Fenster photos of his kids eating "Later Bowls" at home. "All the stores were shut down, and we were like, Okay, what the heck do we do now?" Brees tells Entrepreneur. "We lived off acai bowls for breakfast for months in my house because my kids just couldn't get enough. It became a cool family bonding thing." Today, Everbowl is ranked #450 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, and Brees is the brand's largest franchisee, with 160 locations in various stages of development across 13 states. He's an investor and brand ambassador who lives the lifestyle Everbowl promotes. "I'm involved in a strategic capacity with each of the brands that I invest in," Brees says. "I sit on the board as one of the lead investors, and I'm always thinking about how we build the team and how we build the brand." Other notable partners include NBA star Jayson Tatum, UFC champion Kamaru Usman, and investors like Gary Vaynerchuk and Tim Grover. But Fenster insists it's not about chasing celebrity — it's about authenticity. "I don't ask anyone to post about us," Fenster says. "If they love the brand, they talk about it. If they don't, they shouldn't." Related: 'Send a Man Next Time': How an Entrepreneur and Her Daughters Built a $2.5 Million Franchise in a Male-Dominated Field A 'better-for-you' restaurant With over 100 locations open and more than 350 in development, Fenster is now eyeing international expansion. He's also working on making franchising even more accessible, with a long-term goal of offering zero money down for qualified operators. "I want to find the best people — not just the richest people — and help them build their future," he says. And although Everbowl started with bowls of frozen fruit, Fenster sees the mission as much broader. "We're not a health food restaurant," he says. "We're a better-for-you restaurant. If I can get someone to go from zero servings of fruit to one today, that's a win. Let's meet people where they are and help them get just 1% better every day." Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success.
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ornj' in Dhahran
Tucked between Tamimi Market and a cluster of other eateries, Ornj in Dhahran has been serving up vibrant, health-focused drinks for the past two years, but it's easy to miss if you don't pay attention. The small space focuses on fresh, made-to-order juicy goodness. They specialize in natural juices — no sugar, sweeteners, or artificial flavors — averaging SR17 ($4.53). For group gatherings, there's the juice bag: a dozen different juices for SR135. Smoothies are SR23 each, with options like the pink smoothie (banana, strawberry, milk, honey) or the avo smoothie (avocado, milk, honey, dark chocolate shavings). Dairy-free? They offer the Saudi-made No Moo brand in almond or coconut. We sampled the immune booster wellness shot (SR11) — green apple, cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger. It was light, smooth and refreshing. Other SR11 shots include the flu fighter (orange, lemon, carrot, turmeric, black pepper) and recovery (red apple, ginger, beetroot, lemon). They also serve freshly made sandwiches, including the intriguing turkey with date combo, which I'd like to try on my next visit. The highlight for me was the customizable acai bowl: rich, satisfying and layered with your choice of yogurt or peanut butter. Toppings include fruit, granola, and even tahini halva, for a fun twist I couldn't resist. I was impressed by the assembly on the spot. Ornj is a cheerful, orange-tinged spot for nutrient-packed drinks and light bites, perfect for anyone craving flavor without compromise. Visit them on Instagram @
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
From smoothies to shakes – three ways to enjoy trending superfood acai
IT'S a TikTok trend that's actually healthy – acai berry bowls, where the berries are blended with other fruit and toppings. Loved by stars including Gwyneth Paltrow and David Beckham, acai is a superfood from a palm tree in the Amazon rainforest. It is similar to blueberries but higher in antioxidants, omega fatty acids and fibre. Here I try three ways to enjoy it. Frozen SAMBAZON Frozen Scoopable Acai is perfect for scooping in smoothies, eating on its own or topping with fruit or nuts for a healthy breakfast or snack. It's 63 per cent acai puree with water, sugar, flavouring and locust bean gum to thicken. Sambazon provides organically grown, ethically sourced acai with the distinct taste – earthiness and berries mixed with chocolate – and a creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. It's two per cent fat, 14 per cent sugar and 111 calories per 100g. £4.70 for 380g, Sainsbury's. Shake 3 THE Kendalife Strawberry, Banana & Acai Superfood Shake contains 20g of protein per serving and 24 vitamins. The main ingredients are lactose-reduced skimmed milk powder and whey protein powder from grass-fed cows. It is 20 per cent bananas, ten per cent strawberry and only one per cent acai. As well as fruit flakes, there is also sweetener. There's a decent dose of fibre from the prebiotic inulin and psyllium husk powder and it's free from added sugars, palm oil, artificial colours and flavours as well as preservatives. Mix each sachet with 200ml water – it has a lovely sweet taste and 193 calories, 20g of protein and 4.4g of fibre per serving. But there isn't much acai in it! £9.50 for five x 50g serving sachets, Powder NATURYA Organic Acai Powder is pure dried acai that you can add to smoothies, yoghurt or porridge. You could even add it to savoury things like tomato sauces to give a rich, earthy flavour. For every 15g of powder there is 270g of fresh berries that have been dried. And a 15g serving provides one of your five a day, with just 72 calories and 5.6g of fibre. It's five per cent fat but that's packed with omegas 3, 6 and 9. It's good for bone health too, thanks to the manganese in acai. This really is super and I love it.
Globe and Mail
04-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness QSR Announces the Opening of Its Newest Location in Aurora, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada is pleased to announce the opening of its 26 th Heal Wellness, located in Aurora, Ontario. Heal Wellness (" Heal") is a fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies quick serve restaurant (" QSR"). The Grand opening will be located at 15570 Yonge Street, Unit 2, Aurora, Ontario, this Saturday July 5 th, 2025. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "This opening represents our 26 th location open and operating, with more in construction and scheduled to be open throughout 2025," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. We have seen tremendous growth with Heal and the rest of the Happy Belly's portfolio of emerging brands culminating in our accelerated store opening growth across both corporate and franchise locations. This ongoing rollout reflects our disciplined blend of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. "With each new restaurant opening our national footprint continues to expand. Heal's first-mover advantage in our chosen markets has enabled us to experience significant growth with more units now under construction in Alberta, Ontario and P.E.I. Supported by 195 units already secured under development agreements stretching coast to coast we have set the stage for continued, predictable expansion as Heal becomes Canada's first true national smoothie bowl brand." "With 606 retail locations under contract-spanning projects in development, under construction, or already open-our franchise pipeline is robust. By carefully selecting the right partners and prime real estate, we will maintain momentum and achieve our disciplined growth objectives through 2026." We are just getting started. About Heal Wellness Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. Franchising For franchising inquiries, please see or contact us at hello@ About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada. Happy Belly 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Sean Black Chief Executive Officer Shawn Moniz Chief Operating Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness QSR Announces the Opening of Its Newest Location in Aurora, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada is pleased to announce the opening of its 26th Heal Wellness, located in Aurora, Ontario. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies quick serve restaurant ("QSR"). The Grand opening will be located at 15570 Yonge Street, Unit 2, Aurora, Ontario, this Saturday July 5th, 2025. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "This opening represents our 26th location open and operating, with more in construction and scheduled to be open throughout 2025," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. We have seen tremendous growth with Heal and the rest of the Happy Belly's portfolio of emerging brands culminating in our accelerated store opening growth across both corporate and franchise locations. This ongoing rollout reflects our disciplined blend of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. "With each new restaurant opening our national footprint continues to expand. Heal's first-mover advantage in our chosen markets has enabled us to experience significant growth with more units now under construction in Alberta, Ontario and P.E.I. Supported by 195 units already secured under development agreements stretching coast to coast we have set the stage for continued, predictable expansion as Heal becomes Canada's first true national smoothie bowl brand." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "With 606 retail locations under contract-spanning projects in development, under construction, or already open-our franchise pipeline is robust. By carefully selecting the right partners and prime real estate, we will maintain momentum and achieve our disciplined growth objectives through 2026." We are just getting Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and franchising inquiries, please see or contact us at hello@ About Happy Belly Food GroupHappy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada. Happy Belly 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Sean BlackChief Executive Officer Shawn MonizChief Operating Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: www: or email hello@ you wish to contact us, please call: 1-877-589-8805 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
