2023
3
$165,400
$35,000
$474,200
No
Bonita Bowls is a dynamic and rapidly growing fast-casual franchise that specializes in health-forward meals, including smoothie bowls, poke bowls, wraps, smoothies, waffles, and toast. Founded in 2023 by Kyle Kissane in Illinois, Bonita Bowls emerged from a desire to offer nutritious, flavorful alternatives to overly sweet acai bowls. Headquartered in the Chicagoland area, the brand 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.
Health-Conscious Market Demand: With increasing consumer interest in healthy eating, Bonita Bowls caters to a growing market seeking nutritious and flavorful meal options.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The franchise offers a wide range of customizable meals, appealing to various dietary preferences and attracting a broad customer base.
Proven Business Model: Bonita Bowls provides a tested and scalable business model, offering franchisees a clear path to success.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to operate successfully.
Community Engagement: The brand emphasizes community involvement, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business.
Established Year: 2023
Founders: Kyle Kissane
Franchise Units: As of 2024, Bonita Bowls has 3 corporate locations in the U.S.
Headquarters: Chicagoland, Illinois
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining, Health Food
Ownership: Privately owned by the founder
Market Presence: Expanding within the U.S., with a focus on health-conscious communities
Bonita Bowls places a strong emphasis on empowering franchisees with the knowledge, tools, and ongoing guidance needed to run a successful, profitable business. Their support system covers every stage of the franchise journey—from pre-launch to daily operations—ensuring franchisees are confident and well-prepared.
Before the franchise officially opens, Bonita Bowls provides extensive pre-launch assistance, including:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Guidance in choosing the right location with high traffic, visibility, and demographics aligned with the target market. Support is also provided in negotiating favorable lease terms.
Design & Construction Assistance: The company provides floor plans, interior design concepts, and brand-compliant layouts to ensure a consistent customer experience across all locations.
Licensing & Permits: Help in navigating local regulations, health department approvals, and business licensing requirements.
Initial Inventory & Equipment Setup: Assistance in sourcing approved equipment and stocking initial inventory according to franchise standards.
Bonita Bowls ensures franchisees are fully equipped to run the business efficiently:
Hands-On Training: Comprehensive training at corporate locations or training centers, covering food preparation, portion control, safety standards, and customer service.
Point-of-Sale (POS) & Technology Training: Instruction on using POS systems, online ordering platforms, and other software essential for smooth operations.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Detailed operational manuals covering daily operations, staff management, and quality control.
Franchisees receive continuous guidance to drive sales and build a loyal customer base:
Local Marketing Campaigns: Support in planning and executing regional promotions, social media marketing, and community engagement initiatives.
Branding & Design Materials: Access to professionally designed marketing collateral, signage, menus, and digital assets.
Grand Opening Assistance: Step-by-step support to organize a successful launch event, including media outreach and promotional strategies.
Bonita Bowls provides continuous support to help franchisees grow and sustain their business:
Field Support: Regular visits from experienced franchise consultants to ensure operational excellence and adherence to brand standards.
Menu Development & Innovation: Guidance on introducing seasonal items, catering options, and local specials to attract new customers.
Troubleshooting & Advisory: Assistance in resolving operational, marketing, or staffing challenges.
Peer Community & Networking: Opportunities to connect with other franchisees to share best practices, strategies, and lessons learned.
Webinars & Workshops: Periodic training sessions to update franchisees on industry trends, new products, and advanced operational techniques.
Certification Programs: Optional programs for staff to enhance skills in customer service, nutrition education, and food safety.
Bonita Bowls seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about health, wellness, and community engagement. The ideal candidate combines entrepreneurial spirit, operational capability, and a genuine desire to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Franchisees should have a strong interest in healthy eating, nutrition, and wellness lifestyles.
A personal commitment to promoting fresh, wholesome, and balanced meals aligns with the brand’s mission.
Candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about the menu and products can inspire staff and engage customers more effectively.
Ideal candidates possess strong managerial skills and a basic understanding of running a small to medium-sized business.
Prior experience in restaurant management, retail, or franchise operations is a plus but not mandatory.
Franchisees should be able to handle finances, staffing, inventory management, and operational challenges efficiently.
Bonita Bowls franchisees should be committed to building strong relationships within their local community.
Engaging with schools, gyms, local events, and social causes helps drive brand visibility and loyalty.
Candidates who enjoy customer interaction and community involvement thrive in this role.
Prospective franchisees should have the minimum liquid capital and net worth required to invest in the business.
Financially prepared investors can comfortably cover the franchise fee, initial investment, marketing budget, and working capital without undue strain.
Successful franchisees are self-motivated, goal-oriented, and resilient.
They demonstrate a willingness to learn, adapt, and follow proven systems provided by Bonita Bowls.
The ability to work hard, lead a team, and make strategic decisions is essential for sustained growth.
Franchisees must be dedicated to exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for every guest.
Understanding consumer preferences, handling feedback gracefully, and fostering repeat business are key traits.
Bonita Bowls franchisees should be interested in areas with high foot traffic, health-conscious demographics, or university/office clusters.
Ideal candidates evaluate their market carefully to ensure the location supports long-term growth.
| Financial Category | Details (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $165,400 – $474,200 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% – 6% of monthly gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of monthly gross sales |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $50,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $300,000 – $600,000 |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months |
| Infrastructure / Leasehold Costs | Varies by location; includes build-out, equipment, signage, and initial inventory |
| Working Capital Requirement | Varies; estimated $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Expected Revenue Streams | Smoothie bowls, acai bowls, poke bowls, wraps, smoothies, waffles, toast, catering |
| Potential ROI | 20% – 35% (depending on location, market, and operational efficiency) |
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