Bonita Bowls is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in health-forward meals like smoothie bowls, poke bowls, wraps, smoothies, waffles, and toast. Founded in 2023 by Kyle Kissane in Illinois, the brand emerged from a desire to offer nutritious, flavorful alternatives to overly sweet acai bowls.

Headquartered in the Chicagoland area, Bonita Bowls began franchising in 2023, inviting entrepreneurs to join its mission of delivering wholesome, customizable meals to health-conscious consumers.

The franchise's menu features a variety of options, including acai, pitaya, green, and coconut smoothie bowls, as well as protein-rich poke bowls, hearty wraps, refreshing smoothies, and indulgent yet healthy waffles and toast.

Each item is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, catering to diverse dietary preferences such as vegan, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free. This commitment to quality and customization sets Bonita Bowls apart in the competitive health food industry.

Training

Bonita Bowls provides a comprehensive suite of training programs to support franchisees in successfully launching and managing their locations. These programs are both mandatory and supplemental, ensuring operational consistency and brand integrity.

1. Initial Training: The franchisor offers an initial owner and operational training program lasting approximately 7 to 10 days. This program must be completed by up to two owners (including the Managing Owner) and one Designated Manager at least three weeks before opening. The franchisor covers the cost of instruction and materials, while the franchisee bears other expenses such as travel and lodging.
2. On-Site Opening Training: Around the opening date, one or more of the franchisor's representatives will provide up to four days of on-site training. This hands-on support helps ensure a smooth launch and familiarizes staff with daily operations. Any additional on-site support requested by the franchisee will incur costs.
3. Supplemental Education: The franchisor may require attendance at up to five days of additional training sessions, seminars, or webinars annually. These may be held at locations and times determined by the franchisor, with associated tuition and travel costs borne by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Bonita Bowls offers its franchisees a degree of territorial protection through what it defines as a “Protected Area.” Within this Protected Area, the franchisor agrees not to establish or allow another franchise to operate, as long as the current franchisee remains in compliance with the agreement.

The Protected Area is typically defined by geographic markers such as zip codes or city lines and must have a minimum population of 15,000 people.

However, the protection is not absolute. The franchisor retains broad rights outside of the Protected Area and may also engage in activities like internet sales, national accounts, and multi-area marketing that could reach into the Protected Area.