Bowl of Heaven, the California-based concept featuring acai bowls and blended smoothies, announced the completion of a 5-unit franchise deal for Santa Clara County, California. Positioned in the growing health-conscious fast-casual segment, Bowl of Heaven is ramping up franchise expansion with the help of partner Fransmart.

The Santa Clara County franchisee is SCJEN Management, a capital management company with a portfolio of investments, the majority of which are currently in the pharmaceuticals industry.

The franchisees say they are currently looking for real estate near Los Altos, California, and are estimating the opening of their first store in spring 2014 pending real estate selection. Their schedule after that is one store per year, until their development is complete.

“We heard about the brand after they were featured on Entrepreneur’s 10 Promising New Franchises list. I’ve always been interested in the healthy food industry and I have a background in researching the beneficial effects of super fruits, like acai berries,” says a spokesperson for SCJEN.  “We believe the concept is revolutionary and will change the world’s view of healthy alternatives. The concept is not only one that is sustainable, but also one that has been around for a long time in other parts of the world.”

Bowl of Heaven currently has two company owned units in California, as well as locations in Idaho and Nevada.

Through a partnership with Fransmart, the franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands such as Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill, Bowl of Heaven plans to expand into select domestic and international markets.

Denise Lee Yohn: QSR's Marketing Guru, News, Bowl of Heaven