Elmhurst shoppers on the Route 83 corridor have a new option for açaí bowls, smoothies, and cold brew. Playa Bowls, a national superfruit chain with roughly 400 locations in 30 states, opened its first Elmhurst storefront on Saturday, June 6, at 359 S. State Route 83 in the Elmhurst Crossing shopping plaza.

The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu spans more than 40 items: açaí, pitaya, mango, green, and coconut bowls alongside oatmeal bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and cold brew. The chain labels every bowl and bag with allergen stickers and stocks gluten-free granola.

Local blogger Amara Andrew, who previewed the space on June 5, described the interior as having "coastal beach club vibes with a cozy fireplace, beachy decor, and lots of seating to actually hang out." The first 50 customers on opening day received a free bowl.

Founded in 2014 in Belmar, New Jersey, Playa Bowls opened 85 new locations in 2025 and was acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in March 2026. CEO John Cappasola has said the brand now operates in 30 states.

Playa Bowls is one of several businesses to arrive on Elmhurst's commercial corridors in 2026. Spark Scent Collective, a DIY candle and fragrance bar, opened May 16 at 128 N. Addison Ave. in the former Dulles Cleaners space. The 1,200-square-foot shop offers more than 70 scents, cocktails, small bites, and private events; architect Erica Blawat designed the storefront renovation, and the business received an Elmhurst Improvement and Renovation Business Grant. Other openings tracked by Hey Elmhurst! include Zodiac Cafe (April 17), Candycopia (April 9), Quad Edge Pizza (March 25), Pronto Italian Sandwiches (March 9), and Maple & Yolk at 254 N. York St. Hey Elmhurst! lists Bibim House Korean-Japanese fusion (113 Schiller St.) and Dipsy Desserts ice cream (Spring Road) as upcoming summer openings.