Established
2017
Franchise Units
100
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
Nautical Bowls is a fast-growing superfood café franchise built around one of the strongest consumer trends in the U.S. food industry: clean eating, plant-based nutrition, and functional wellness foods. Known for its vibrant açaí, pitaya, and blue majik bowls, the brand has carved out a distinctive position as a premium yet approachable health-focused concept that resonates with today’s lifestyle-driven consumers.
The franchise blends a coastal-inspired aesthetic with a purpose-driven menu that is 100% plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. This clean-label promise sets Nautical Bowls apart in a crowded smoothie and café market, appealing strongly to health-conscious millennials, Gen Z consumers, athletes, families, and wellness-oriented professionals. Each location is designed to feel fresh, energetic, and community-focused, creating an environment where customers don’t just grab a meal, but adopt the brand as part of their everyday lifestyle.
From urban neighborhoods and college towns to suburban retail centers and lifestyle plazas, Nautical Bowls has proven adaptable across diverse U.S. markets. With simplified operations, strong unit economics, and a recognizable brand identity, the franchise offers investors an opportunity to enter the booming better-for-you food segment with a concept that is both trend-forward and operationally efficient.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Nautical Bowls means aligning with a brand that sits at the intersection of wellness, convenience, and visual appeal. As consumer demand continues to shift toward nutrient-dense, ethically sourced, and allergen-friendly foods, Nautical Bowls benefits from powerful long-term industry tailwinds.
The franchise model is intentionally streamlined, featuring a focused menu, limited kitchen complexity, and no heavy cooking equipment. This results in lower labor challenges, faster onboarding and training, and consistent product quality. The brand also enjoys strong organic marketing advantages, as its visually striking bowls perform exceptionally well on social media and drive repeat customer engagement.
With expanding market presence, growing brand recognition, and increasing interest from multi-unit operators, Nautical Bowls presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking a scalable, lifestyle-oriented food franchise in the U.S.
Background
Established Year: 2017
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Founders: Founded by entrepreneurs with a shared passion for health, fitness, and community-driven food concepts
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Brand Journey & Company History: Nautical Bowls began as a single-location superfood bowl concept focused on clean ingredients and transparent nutrition. Strong customer demand and consistent performance led to franchising, allowing the brand to scale nationally while preserving its core values and quality standards.
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Ownership: Privately owned and franchised
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Franchise Active Units: Over 100 operating and development locations across the United States
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Market Presence in the USA: Strong footprint in the Midwest and Southeast, with continued expansion into suburban and lifestyle-focused markets nationwide
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Industry Category: Fast-casual dining, health food franchise, superfood and smoothie bowl segment
The brand has successfully positioned itself as a premium wellness concept rather than a traditional smoothie shop, helping it build loyal customer communities in competitive regions.
Support Training
Nautical Bowls provides a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide owners from pre-opening through long-term growth.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive guidance with site selection, layout planning, lease coordination support, equipment specifications, and vendor sourcing. The corporate team helps ensure every location aligns with brand standards while remaining efficient and cost-conscious.
Training Program
New franchise owners and key team members complete structured training that covers daily operations, food preparation standards, inventory control, customer service, and brand culture. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
Operational Support
Ongoing operational assistance includes performance benchmarking, system updates, menu rollouts, supply chain coordination, and access to experienced field support professionals.
Marketing & Brand Support
Franchisees benefit from national brand awareness campaigns, digital marketing strategies, professionally developed creative assets, and local store marketing playbooks to support community engagement and customer acquisition.
Ongoing Support
Continuous education, system refinements, and franchisee collaboration ensure owners stay aligned with best practices as the brand grows.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Nautical Bowls franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor who values healthy living, community involvement, and modern consumer trends. Previous food or restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory, as the franchise system is designed to support both first-time owners and experienced operators.
Ideal candidates typically demonstrate:
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Strong leadership and team management skills
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Passion for wellness, nutrition, or fitness-oriented lifestyles
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Ability to follow established systems while executing local marketing initiatives
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Financial readiness to meet investment requirements and sustain early operations
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Interest in single-unit or multi-unit development
The concept works well for owner-operators and semi-absentee investors with a capable management structure.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Number of Franchise Units | 100+ operating & development locations |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Grand Opening & Initial Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Marketing / Ad Fund | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Expected ROI (Location Dependent) | Competitive for fast-casual wellness segment |
| Primary Revenue Streams | In-store sales, takeout, online orders, catering, third-party delivery |