Rush Bowls—a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its meals-in-a-bowl crafted from the finest fruit, topped with granola and honey, and blended with protein, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients—has signed a multi-unit development deal for the brand’s first three restaurants in Indiana, with the first slated to open mid-2018.

The development deal comes on the heels of Rush Bowls’ first franchisee-owned location which opened in Nashville in 2017, and more than 50 franchise developments in major U.S. markets, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina and Oregon, Tennessee and Texas. The three-store agreement is signed with Indiana University junior Ethan White, a 20-year-old investor and operator, who is eyeing areas around his university, in downtown Bloomington and Indianapolis for his locations

“I have a passion for health and wellness, and I see Rush Bowls as an opportunity to bring value to my community by introducing a premium health product, served in a vibrant atmosphere, by an energetic team who understand the importance of excellent service,” White says. “I especially look forward to meeting the needs of people with dietary restrictions. Being someone that deals with restrictions myself, I have always appreciated restaurants that go out of their way to provide customers with what they need.”

Previously working in commercial banking and financial analytics, White has been building a diversified investment portfolio. Along with his profits from investing, White used personal savings and a small group of outside investors to finance his Rush Bowls locations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ethan to the Rush Bowls family,” says Andrew Pudalov, founder and CEO of Rush Bowls. “Ethan embodies everything we look for in a franchise partner and more. He is passionate about helping others, dedicated to his health, and has an incredible executive presence, especially for someone his age. I look forward to seeing how he will help grow Rush Bowls and elevate the brand to new heights.”

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 13 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 quick serve concepts,” 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 adds that the brand has over 50 Rush Bowls restaurants currently in various stages of development across 11 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.

Emerging Concepts, Franchising, News, Rush Bowls