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Baltimore, MD - July 9, 2021 - BJL is proud to be the first to announce the upcoming opening of a new local kosher retail establishment. 

“Healthy Fast-Casual Restaurants” offering a variety of fruit bowls and smoothies are one of the fastest growing genres of food establishments throughout the country.  Within this field, Playa Bowls has earned a reputation as a leader in the industry.  The company began as a beachfront stand selling smoothies on the Jersey shore, and in only a few years already has more than 100 locations in 17 states.  Playa Bowls offers a large menu including Acai, Pitaya, and Coconut Bowls, as well as a wide range of smoothies and juices.

Playa Bowls is one of the most popular and fastest growing franchises in the United States, and franchisees have been identifying ideal areas for expansion.    After much planning, one of the company's newest stores and the first location in the greater Baltimore area will soon be opening at the Quarry!

Even more exciting for our community is that the store will be kosher certified.  There are currently three other kosher Playa Bowls locations in Englewood, Franklin Lakes, and Oakhurst, NJ, all of which have become extremely popular destinations for the local orthodox communities in those areas.  

BJL had the opportunity recently to talk to store owners Michael and Sherri Bogdan. The couple already owns two Playa Bowls stores in other states, and are confident that this new location will achieve much success.   According to the Bogdans, “The Quarry Lake location is one of the most beautiful retail sites we have seen.   We are not members of the Jewish community, but have already met several locals and learned that a Playa Bowls location in the heart of the Baltimore Jewish community would greatly benefit the town with a new healthy and delicious kosher food option.  We have recently signed a contract with the Star-K, and our store will display their 'Star-D' certification. Although most of our menu items will be Parve, there are some products that are dairy that will be clearly labeled with signage in the store. We are very excited to be kosher certified by such a highly-regarded agency."

Michael explained how he is fascinated by the kosher certification process, and even though it requires substitution of a few products available at other non-kosher locations, he feels the investment will be well worth it.  “We look forward to meeting more members of the community in the coming months and years, and serving the community’s needs”, added Michael. “Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we progress with construction.”

Opening day is scheduled for late summer or early fall.    For further updates, follow @PlayaBowlsQuarryLake on Instagram or email playaquarry@gmail.com to join the email list.