Playa Bowls Targets West Coast Expansion with New Executive Team

Playa Bowls, a superfruit bowl franchise with over 340 locations, is advancing its national expansion strategy under a new executive leadership team. This development follows the company's acquisition by Sycamore Partners in 2024. The franchise aims to expand its presence across the United States, with a particular emphasis on entering West Coast markets.

John Cappasola, who became CEO earlier this year, is leading the company's growth initiatives. Cappasola, who has been on the Playa Bowls Board of Directors since the acquisition, previously held leadership roles at Nothing Bundt Cakes and Del Taco. His current focus includes strengthening support for franchise owners and enhancing digital capabilities.

The leadership team has been further bolstered by the appointments of Julie Klinger as Chief Operating Officer, Tony Reaman as Chief Financial Officer, and Christine Johnson as General Counsel. Klinger brings extensive experience in operations and franchising, having worked with brands such as Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen and Chili's Bar & Grill. Reaman, with a background in financial leadership at Luna Grill and Corner Bakery Cafe, is tasked with supporting Playa Bowls' expansion. Johnson, with over 20 years of experience in legal practice, has experience working with international franchise brands.

The company has signed 150 new franchise commitments this year, with 85% of these agreements involving existing franchisees. This expansion strategy includes opening 90 new locations by the end of 2025, with upcoming openings in states such as New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Maine, Arizona, and Tennessee. The brand recently celebrated the opening of its 300th location in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood.