By Heidi Watson-Held, HWH Learning Solutions and Consulting, LLC
Healthy eating is a way of life for Desiree Arroyo, the owner of Playa Bowls in State College.
But that wasn’t always the case.
While a student at Penn State, she often struggled to maintain good eating habits and was frustrated by a lack of healthy food options on and around campus.
After graduating, Desiree pursued a career as a therapist in New York City. Unfortunately, her health began to suffer and she saw her life turned upside down through a long process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
During her journey back to wellness, easy access to nutritious food became a priority for Desiree.
She began frequenting a restaurant called Playa Bowls in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The menu featured açaí, pitaya, coconut bowls and smoothies made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Desiree credits its healthy menu options with helping her to regain her health. She was so impressed, she decided to leave her therapy career behind to bring a Playa Bowls franchise to downtown State College.
With support from co-owner Ramona Schatzer and the Penn State Small Business Development Center, Playa Bowls opened its doors in 2019 and became a member of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC).
But that wasn’t always the case.
While a student at Penn State, she often struggled to maintain good eating habits and was frustrated by a lack of healthy food options on and around campus.
After graduating, Desiree pursued a career as a therapist in New York City. Unfortunately, her health began to suffer and she saw her life turned upside down through a long process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
During her journey back to wellness, easy access to nutritious food became a priority for Desiree.
She began frequenting a restaurant called Playa Bowls in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The menu featured açaí, pitaya, coconut bowls and smoothies made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Desiree credits its healthy menu options with helping her to regain her health. She was so impressed, she decided to leave her therapy career behind to bring a Playa Bowls franchise to downtown State College.
With support from co-owner Ramona Schatzer and the Penn State Small Business Development Center, Playa Bowls opened its doors in 2019 and became a member of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC).
A year later, Desiree met Daniel Morrow at a CBICC Business After Hours, hosted by Your Cigar Den.
Dan is the SVP Market Leader at First Commonwealth Bank on North Atherton Street.
The couple became “pandemic partners” and fell in love during the trying times of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. And in July of 2021, Desiree and Dan welcomed a baby boy named Liam Scott.
Dan is the SVP Market Leader at First Commonwealth Bank on North Atherton Street.
The couple became “pandemic partners” and fell in love during the trying times of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. And in July of 2021, Desiree and Dan welcomed a baby boy named Liam Scott.
As it turns out, Desiree and Dan’s sweet “CBICC love story” is the perfect compliment to the sweet smell of bananas and strawberries and the beach-like atmosphere at Playa Bowls, located at 482 E. Calder Way in downtown State College.
So kick back, relax and enjoy an acai or poke bowl with a variety of healthy bases and toppings to suit every taste. There are plenty of other fresh menu items available too, many allergen-free and vegan-friendly. Playa Bowls is open every day, from breakfast through dinner.
The restaurant offers delivery through the Playa Bowls app, DoorDash, Grub Hub, and UberEats. Playa Bowls also offers catering for all your events and occasions.
So kick back, relax and enjoy an acai or poke bowl with a variety of healthy bases and toppings to suit every taste. There are plenty of other fresh menu items available too, many allergen-free and vegan-friendly. Playa Bowls is open every day, from breakfast through dinner.
The restaurant offers delivery through the Playa Bowls app, DoorDash, Grub Hub, and UberEats. Playa Bowls also offers catering for all your events and occasions.
