Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$255,944 - $1,037,794
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Min Cash Required
$25,000
Total US Locations
290
Business Summary
Playa Bowls operates fast-casual shops that serve a menu of healthy items, including acai bowls, pitaya bowls, coconut bowls, mango bowls, oatmeal bowls, smoothies, and juices. These items are available for on-premises dining, carryout, catering, and delivery. Playa Bowls also offers individual unit franchises and multi-unit development opportunities for these shops.
Corporate History
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC was established in New Jersey on June 21, 2016, to operate the Playa Bowls shop franchise system. The company began offering franchises in July 2016. Its direct parent company, PB Group Holdings, LLC, was established on June 22, 2021. In August 2024, an investment fund managed by Sycamore Partners Management, L.P. acquired a controlling interest in PB Group Holdings, LLC and its affiliates.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$255,944 - $1,037,794
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$35,000
Minimum Cash Required
$25,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$163,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$692,684
Working Capital
$42,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC's parent company, PB Group Holdings, LLC, reports significant net losses for the year 2024 and had negative working capital as of December 31, 2024. The company experienced a change in control on August 29, 2024, when an investment fund acquired a controlling interest. This acquisition led to a new accounting basis, including substantial increases in goodwill and intangible assets on the balance sheet.
Financing Details
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. It also does not guarantee any franchisee's notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
290
Franchised Units
261
Corporate Units
29
Avg Square Footage
1,750
Franchising Since
2016
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC has no litigation to report in Item 3 of its FDD.
Bankruptcy History
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC has no bankruptcy history to report in Item 4 of its FDD.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Playa Bowls franchisees must comply with their franchise agreement, provide 180 days' written notice of their intent to renew, sign the then-current franchise agreement and related agreements, and execute a general release. Franchisees must also pay a renewal fee and remodel or upgrade their shop to meet current brand standards. They must also have the legal right to continue occupying their shop location. All owners and their spouses must be in compliance with their agreements and personally guarantee the terms of the new renewal franchise agreement.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC assists franchisees with granting the right to operate a shop and defining its territory. It provides access to a confidential operations manual, reviews and approves proposed shop sites, and offers lists of approved suppliers and equipment. The franchisor identifies the franchisee's shop on its website and provides initial training to the franchisee's managing owner, one general operating manager, and one employee at its facilities in Belmar, New Jersey, or other designated locations. Post-opening, Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC may require supplemental training (for a fee), provide ongoing communication of operating standards, approve marketing efforts, and administer marketing funds. It also coordinates an annual system conference for franchisees.
Initial Training Hours
91
Training Location
Belmar, New Jersey
Ongoing Support
After opening, Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC may require franchisees and their operating managers to participate in supplemental on-site training for a fee. It also offers initial training for replacement operating managers, for which franchisees must pay a fee. The franchisor communicates updated operating standards, marketing standards, and provides lists of approved vendors. It may also coordinate an annual system conference (with an attendance fee) and administer system-wide marketing funds. Franchisees are solely responsible for hiring and training their own employees.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC requires that franchisees, or their designated managing owner if a corporate entity, be personally responsible for the management and overall supervision of their shop. The managing owner must be approved by Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC, complete its initial training program, and be actively involved in the day-to-day management and on-site supervision of the shop. If an operating manager is hired, they must meet minimum standards, complete training, and sign a confidentiality agreement. All owners and their spouses must personally guarantee the franchisee's obligations.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC designates a territory around the approved shop location, generally a two-mile radius from the shop in all travelable directions. However, the size can be smaller based on population density, demographics, and geographical boundaries. For shops in non-traditional or captive market facilities like shopping malls, stadiums, airports, or universities, the designated territory may be limited to the physical boundaries of that specific facility.
Staffing Notes
Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC does not provide assistance with hiring and training employees, with franchisees being solely responsible for managing and supervising their staff. Franchisees must ensure all employees wear approved branded uniforms and that all system supplies and approved products are prepared and served according to system standards and the operations manual. The managing owner, or an approved operating manager, must actively manage and supervise the shop on-site at all times. Operating managers must meet specific criteria, complete initial training, and sign confidentiality agreements. If the shop is not managed by an approved individual, Playa Bowls Franchisor LLC can appoint a manager for a fee.