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WEST FARGO — Nautical Bowls, a health-conscious acai and superfoods restaurant, is set to open Saturday, May 14, at 665 32nd Ave. E. in West Fargo.
The past few months since the opening was announced in January have been “super stressful” but also gratifying, local franchisee Kim Scott told The Forum. “I’ve never been so stressed out in my life, but it’s good,” she said. “It’s a lot all at one time, but it’s all good.”
All the pieces required to start the business, from construction to stocking inventory to hiring employees, have fallen into place in advance of Saturday. “Just seeing everything come together, there’s been excitement with that,” Scott said.
Scott, who is franchising the Twin Cities-based brand with the help of her two daughters, said she’s gotten a “crash course” in what it takes to start a business. It also gives her an opportunity to set a positive example for her daughters.
“I look at it as personal growth,” she said. “It’s all, yes, stressful, but a lot of personal growth and just learning in general about a lot of different pieces. I’ve been able to kind of help my girls. They’ve been able to just kind of see what all of that looks like too, so that’s been really fun to share that experience with them.”
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The menu at Nautical Bowls features 10 signature bowls in addition to a build-your-own option. Bases include acai, mango, coconut, cacao and chia pudding. Diners can also choose from toppings like granola, hemp seeds, almonds, fruits, a variety of drizzles and peanut butter cacao protein crumbles.
Nautical Bowls was founded in 2018 and is based out of the Twin Cities. Scott was introduced to the brand based on the recommendation of a friend there, she told The Forum in January. Once she heard about franchise opportunities, she wanted to bring a location back home. The West Fargo store will be North Dakota’s first.
Inside, Nautical Bowls leans into its eponymous theme. Scott called the design “fresh” and “bright”, which she hopes will immediately make customers feel welcome once they step inside.
Come Saturday, Scott hopes to see the type of “ridiculous” turnout that some of Twin Cities openings have experienced. To sweeten the deal, the first 50 customers on line will receive a free bowl card. “We’re hoping and expecting to have an awesome turnout,” she remarked.
She is still working on staffing up. Thus far, Scott has hired 10 employees and would like to have between 15 and 20, both for part- and full-time roles. She’s also looking for a general manager to assist with the day-to-day operations.
As the franchisee, Scott said she is seeking to create a positive work environment for her employees. “My hope and dream for this business is to create a culture where people feel like they’re a part of something and they can come and build community with their friends and family,” she commented.
Nautical Bowls is the most recent addition in a run of health-minded food offerings opening in the metro area.
Nearby, former North Dakota State Bison wide receiver Cooper Wahlo opened a Mahana Fresh location in March. Mahana Fresh is a Florida-based chain featuring healthy menu options.
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Another fast-growing Twin Cities brand, Crisp & Green, opened in September 2021 . Crisp & Green features several salad and grain bowls.
Nautical Bowls has 74 locations either open or in the works nationwide. While many are in the Twin Cities area, others are located in Arizona, the Carolinas, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, South Dakota and Texas.
Scott said she’s ready to finally share Nautical Bowls’s offerings with customers rather than just showing them photos. “We’re ready to rock and roll,” she said.
Business profile
WHAT: Nautical Bowls
WHERE: 665 32nd Ave. E., West Fargo
CONTACT: 701-532-1076
ONLINE: nauticalbowls.com
HOURS: Opening at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 14; normal hours 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven day a week
