Franchising

Sambazon opens 1st franchised location in Brooklyn

Photo: Sambazon

July 18, 2025

Acai bowl purveyor Sambazon has opened its first franchised location in New York at 1175 Fulton St. in Brooklyn, owned and operated by Pau Hana Group, a business founded by siblings Henry and Sephra Engel.

The Brooklyn store marks the first franchise to open since Sambazon began its development program a year ago. Pau Hana Group, which also owns and operates L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, has plans to open nine more Sambazon locations throughout New York City. The next location is slated for Greenwich Village later this year.

"Henry and Sephra were just the type of business owners and entrepreneurs we had in mind to partner with," Sambazon co-founder and CEO Ryan Black said in a company press release.

Born and raised in Hawaii, the siblings grew up with a passion for acai and were drawn to Sambazon's focus on sustainable, organic and Fair Trade-certified sourcing.

"This isn't just a product, it's a movement," Henry Engel said in the release. "We're proud to introduce New Yorkers to the original acai bowl, served with purpose and packed with clean energy and nutrients. It's delicious food that you can truly feel good about."

The store features a menu of handcrafted acai Bowls, smoothies and savory snacks, including traditional Brazilian cheese bites.