Nautical Bowls Superfoods Eatery Expands to San Diego

Healthy food chain Nautical Bowls is expanding to San Diego, California, with three locations planned. Minneapolis-based founders Bryant and Rachel Amundson launched the business as a food truck in 2018 and have since opened over 40 locations, with hundreds more in development. The menu emphasizes health-conscious bowls made with sustainably sourced superfoods such as açaí, blue majik, and spirulina. The bowls are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, soy-free, and contain no refined sugars. 

Franchisee Brian Gibbs will open the first San Diego outpost at a site formerly occupied by an Afters Ice Cream location on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach. The launch is expected to take place in July, and in keeping with its name, the eatery’s interior will have a nautical theme. The Amundsons cite their faith as central to the company’s values and have said they are “excited to see what [God] is going to continue to do” with Nautical Bowls.  

The restaurant describes itself as a place where customers can “enjoy an açaí bowl with a side of Jesus love,” although non-religious customers need not feel excluded. Nautical Bowls has developed a loyal following, and its website states that its mission is to “create a joyful, purposeful culture that cultivates opportunities for people to grow and thrive personally and professionally.” Customers can customize their bowls with an array of toppings, including fruit, nuts, chocolate, and honey. 

As well as offering healthy food options, Nautical Bowls focuses on sustainable practices, sourcing its ingredients carefully and seeking out compostable or reusable packaging options. The company also runs a “Nauti Cares” program, which donates a percentage of profits to organizations supporting clean oceans and healthy food options for communities in need. Gibbs is excited to bring the chain to San Diego and introduce customers to the Nautical Bowls ethos. Interested diners can find out more at nauticalbowls.com.