A fresh C-suit and strong franchise purchase-in are still establishing the brand for their most ambitious expansion.
key takeaways
- Playa Bouls has overhala with its leadership team with a new CEO and several C-Suite Higher.
- Under private equity ownership, the brand has opened 90 new stores by the end of 2025, focusing on entering the West Coast Markets.
- The expansion will not only test the consumer’s demand, but will also scalability of the brand.
Playa Bouls is entering a new chapter. The New Jersey -based ACAI and Smuthi chain, which ranks #304 at the franchise 500, has rebuilt its executive team and set ambitious development goals under the ownership of private equity firm Sycamore Sycamore partners. The company has opened 90 new stores by the end of this year, with special attention to California, Oregon and Washington markets.
Changes go far beyond connecting shops. Playa Bowls recently appointed former CEO of Del Taco John Capsola as its new Chief Executive Officer. He has joined by a slate of senior leaders including a new COO, CFO and general lawyer. Together, the fresh C-suit is tasked to score a brand that already contains more than 300 places across the country. Some of the new CEO aided by some personal knowledge are confident in the move.
“Whoever grew up and spent most of my life in Southern California, I know that naturally our surf-inspired brand will resonate on the west coast.” entrepreneur In a statement. “This is an inspirational opportunity to work with our team and franchise owners to bring that experience to new communities and continue to build a brand that is finalized.”
Related: Consideration of franchise ownership? Start now to find your personal list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
Buy franchisees
Private equity has become a powerful force in franchising, and Playa bowls provides a prime example of how the approach to the development of investment firms. New ownership means often leading to the leadership shake-up, capital for expansion and a push to enter new markets quickly. Although this strategy can cause rapid results, it also tested the flexibility of the franchise system.
In the case of Playa bowls, the franchisees appear eager to maintain speed. The company says that 85% of its new store agreement comes from existing operators. That level of procurement suggests confidence from people on the ground-Francaree who knows the model best. “The fact that the overwhelming majority of our development comes from the current franchise owners, our model has the strongest support,” Jason Tip, CDO. entrepreneur In a statement, “And this is what assures us in permanent nationwide expansion.”
Nevertheless, the West Coast presents a new challenge. The question is whether the beauty and menu of the brand will resonate in California and beyond, where the health food market is both crowded and competitive.
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Private equity playbook
Industry analysts have seen this playbook before. Private equity firms have promoted the rise of brands in food and drinks, nothing to the tropical smoothie cafe from cake (where Cappasola was an executive). The formula is familiar: install experienced leaders, double down on franchising and set aggressive growth goals. When it works, the results can be transformative. When this does not happen, the expansion risk is ahead of operating support.
The story of Playa Bouls is not just trying to grow an ACAI series. This is a case study how private equity franchise is re -shaping the landscape. Capital, experience and aggressive goals can accelerate success, but they also create pressure points for franchisees, which give many shoulders of execution.
As the New Jersey brand wants to put its flag in the Western markets, the company will not only test consumer demand, but will also have scalability of its system and support. The franchisees are clearly optimistic, but the brand’s ability to balance development with stability will determine whether this expansion offers long -term prizes.
Even if, the next year will be telling, because Playa Bouls is no longer a regional chain with the roots of the beach-it is part of a large private equity story that is playing in franchising.
Related: No experience? No problem. How did the franchise make a $ 3 million business for the first time.
key takeaways
- Playa Bouls has overhala with its leadership team with a new CEO and several C-Suite Higher.
- Under private equity ownership, the brand has opened 90 new stores by the end of 2025, focusing on entering the West Coast Markets.
- The expansion will not only test the consumer’s demand, but will also scalability of the brand.
Playa Bouls is entering a new chapter. The New Jersey -based ACAI and Smuthi chain, which ranks #304 at the franchise 500, has rebuilt its executive team and set ambitious development goals under the ownership of private equity firm Sycamore Sycamore partners. The company has opened 90 new stores by the end of this year, with special attention to California, Oregon and Washington markets.
Changes go far beyond connecting shops. Playa Bowls recently appointed former CEO of Del Taco John Capsola as its new Chief Executive Officer. He has joined by a slate of senior leaders including a new COO, CFO and general lawyer. Together, the fresh C-suit is tasked to score a brand that already contains more than 300 places across the country. Some of the new CEO aided by some personal knowledge are confident in the move.
“Whoever grew up and spent most of my life in Southern California, I know that naturally our surf-inspired brand will resonate on the west coast.” entrepreneur In a statement. “This is an inspirational opportunity to work with our team and franchise owners to bring that experience to new communities and continue to build a brand that is finalized.”
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