Franchise Deep Dive: Nautical Bowls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

With its array of superfood-packed açai bowls, Nautical Bowls taps into the consumer trend towards health consciousness — but can the brand keep up with its rapid growth?

By Luca Piacentini1851 Franchise Managing Editor

8:08AM • 03/18/24

LAST UPDATED: March 2024
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://nauticalbowls.com/franchise/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 59 open and 170+ awarded
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $300,000 to $400,000
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,095,647 (AUV for Top-Performing Units in 2022)

Nautical Bowls distinguishes itself in the fast-casual sector by serving açai bowls packed with superfoods that are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based and soy-free, containing zero refined sugars and made with organic, all-natural ingredients. This business model aims to fill the gap in the market for truly healthy on-the-go food options, providing complete meals that satisfy hunger and promote overall well-being.

How Many Nautical Bowls Locations Are There?

The story of Nautical Bowls began with Bryant and Rachel Amundson in May of 2018, then a young married couple of 24-year-olds. At the time of its inception, they were navigating life with a new house, two golden retrievers, and a baby boy on the way. Their spirit for embracing life's chaos with joy and passion has been a driving force behind the brand. The Amundsons' vision was clear from the start: to create a business aligned with their values of leading a healthy and active lifestyle and to make a meaningful difference in the community.

From the outset, Nautical Bowls was met with enthusiasm, quickly surpassing initial sales projections and experiencing significant year-over-year growth. This rapid success underscores the demand for healthier fast-eating options and positions Nautical Bowls as a frontrunner in the health-conscious segment of the fast-casual restaurant space??.

Today, Nautical Bowls continues to expand, with 59 locations open and 170+ in the works. Miami Dolphins defensive back Elijah Campbell and his wife Anisse recently signed on as franchisees to bring Nautical Bowls to South Florida.

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing though. The brand has had to close several locations, including a franchise in Edwardsville that lasted only 10 months. The team recently rolled out a new store design, fueled by a smaller footprint and reduced buildout costs.

What Is Nautical Bowls’ Business Model?

Recognizing the challenge many face in finding quick meals that don’t compromise on nutritional value, Nautical Bowls delivers an uplifting atmosphere where guests can enjoy superfood bowls that are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and brimming with essential vitamins and nutrients. This model not only meets the demand for healthier fast food, but also promotes a full and energetic lifestyle for its customers??.

Nautical Bowls' operational model is designed for efficiency and scalability, with build-outs that aren’t costly and a product line that is straightforward to create. The franchise emphasizes the creation of a streamlined process for every task associated with running the business, from inventory management to customer service, making it an attractive proposition for entrepreneurs seeking a simple, scalable business opportunity. Moreover, the small footprint of 600-1200 square feet for each location makes it easier to find real estate, speeding up the store opening process??.

The franchise also benefits from a rapidly growing market of consumers seeking healthy yet convenient eating options. With its array of superfood-packed açai bowls, Nautical Bowls taps into the consumer trend towards health consciousness, positioning itself as a leader in the healthy fast-casual industry. This market positioning, combined with the brand's commitment to an exceptional guest experience and a strong community presence, has enabled Nautical Bowls to achieve remarkable growth and brand loyalty among its customer base??.

How Much Can Nautical Bowls Franchise Owners Make?

Item 19: Top Performers Unit Volume (2022):

Gross Sales: $1,095,647
Cost of Goods Sold: $379,391
Labor Costs: $188,335
Rent: $60,895
Operating Expenses: $172,504
Royalties: $87,652
Net Profit: $206,870

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Nautical Bowls Franchise?

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Nautical Bowls is $300,000 to $400,000.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Nautical Bowls?

The franchise fee required to open a Nautical Bowls franchise is $39,500.

Who’s On Nautical Bowls’ Leadership Team?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Nautical Bowls?

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