Rush Bowls, a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its meals-in-a-bowl crafted from the finest fruit and vegetables, topped with granola and honey, and blended with protein, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients, has signed a development deal to open a location in downtown Oakland.
Located at 350 17th Street, the 950 square foot store is slated to open late summer 2018 and will be owned and operated by locals Robert and Shamani Walker.
“We knew we wanted to own a business together and we couldn’t be happier to fulfill our dream with something we are truly passionate about,” says Robert Walker. “Personally, I went through a health transformation myself and I saw first-hand how much of an impact proper nutrition can have on one’s life. I want to not only bring a healthier product to the community, but I also relish in the opportunity to educate my neighbors on nutrition and wellness.”
No stranger to entrepreneurship, Robert Walker, a native Oakland resident, opened a trucking company before teaming up with his wife Shamani to pursue a combined business interest. Shamani pursued her Master’s in Health Care Administration while assuming her role as a health care benefits consultant. Within Shamani’s role, she is also the wellbeing champion and resource for her Bay Area offices, a title she wears proudly.
“Rush Bowls is an incredible product—we loved it on the first bite! Combining that with our passion for health and the expertise from the Rush Bowls team, we are confident that we will be able to deliver a tasty, wholesome product to the Oakland community,” says Shamani Walker.
Health and fitness enthusiasts, the Walkers were drawn to the inclusive nature of Rush Bowls. Providing healthy alternatives and nutrition on-the-go for any lifestyle, the store allows the Walkers to be a touch stone to educate the community on wellness.
“We wanted to offer a product that was for everyone—regardless of age, gender or habits,” adds Shamani Walker. “Since we are self-taught about health and wellness, we organically grew into this space and saw the opportunity to provide nutritious meals for our entire community.”
Founded in 2004, Rush Bowls offers meals crafted from all-natural fruit, topped with organic granola and honey, and blended with protein, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients that taste delicious while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Customers can choose from over 40 signature bowls or all-natural smoothies made with fruit and vegetable bases, including acai, kale and avocado.
Over the past 14 years, Rush Bowls has cultivated a loyal following with its menu specializing in healthy, all-natural, fruit-blended meals-in-a-bowl for those on the go. Bowls are also available in vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and dairy free options, and anything can be custom made to cater to any and all dietary needs.
“Our number one priority is 100 percent all-natural nutrition, which makes Rush Bowls different from other grab-and-go concepts,” Rush Bowls founder and CEO Andrew Pudalov adds. “Our meals are crafted from the finest fruits and vegetables, we hand-grind our own peanut butter and make our jam in house; we do this to ensure the highest quality and taste for our customers.”
Pudalov added that the brand has over 50 Rush Bowls restaurants currently in various stages of development across 12 states with a variety of deals in the pipeline in major markets throughout the United States. Company plans call for having over 20 locations open by the end of 2018.
