Founded in 2004 in Boulder, Colorado, Rush Bowls has grown to over 50 locations across 22 states, emphasizing all-natural ingredients, nutrient-dense meals, and customizable blends featuring fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. With a fast-casual format and a focus on health-conscious eating, the company has built a strong presence in the wellness market and plans further growth in 2025. The company will soon open its first San Diego branch in the space formerly occupied by La Michoacana Estrella on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach.
San Diego may prove a challenging market to penetrate for the national chain. The city is already saturated with homegrown smoothie and fruit bowl shops, many of which have developed loyal followings and deep local roots. From acai-focused cafés in Ocean Beach and North Park to the many fresh juice bars that line coastal streets from La Jolla to Imperial Beach, San Diego’s existing offerings have long embraced the city’s health-forward ethos.
Pacific Beach, in particular, is home to numerous independent juice shops, health cafes, and trendy fruit bowl counters that appeal to the area’s active, beach-going demographic. While Rush Bowls brings a polished brand and national recognition, local operators may view the new arrival as yet another outsider vying for a piece of an already crowded market.
Still, Rush Bowls may find appeal among visitors and residents seeking consistent, made-to-order blends with customizable options. The menu includes staples such as acai, banana, mango, guava, and greens, all blended fresh and tailored to dietary needs. The new San Diego location is also expected to feature "The Legend Bowl," a limited-edition offering celebrating the company’s origins, made with acai, banana, and apple juice.
Whether Rush Bowls can establish itself in San Diego’s fiercely local and highly competitive health food scene remains to be seen. But with its franchise playbook, sleek branding, and a menu aimed at the wellness crowd, the company is clearly betting on PB’s high foot traffic and health-minded residents to fuel its California ambitions.
Rush Bowls is expected to open this summer at 1418 Garnet Avenue in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit rushbowls.com.
Still, Rush Bowls may find appeal among visitors and residents seeking consistent, made-to-order blends with customizable options. The menu includes staples such as acai, banana, mango, guava, and greens, all blended fresh and tailored to dietary needs. The new San Diego location is also expected to feature "The Legend Bowl," a limited-edition offering celebrating the company’s origins, made with acai, banana, and apple juice.
Whether Rush Bowls can establish itself in San Diego’s fiercely local and highly competitive health food scene remains to be seen. But with its franchise playbook, sleek branding, and a menu aimed at the wellness crowd, the company is clearly betting on PB’s high foot traffic and health-minded residents to fuel its California ambitions.
Rush Bowls is expected to open this summer at 1418 Garnet Avenue in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit rushbowls.com.
Originally published on June 8, 2025.
