Franchising

Shaka Bowl plans for growth, signs with franchise developer

The Gormeley sisters have opened two Shaka Bowl locations in Hoboken, New Jersey and are looking for more expansion. Provided

October 8, 2021

Sisters Kiersten and Krista Gormeley opened their first Shaka Bowl, a Hawaiian-inspired fast casual healthy eatery in 2016 in Hoboken, New Jersey, with a menu centered around acai, pitaya, poke bowls, and smoothies. After expanding the menu, the Gormeley sisters opened a second Hoboken location near the first.

Now the company wants to expand and is partnering with Oakscale Franchise Development, according to a company press release.

The brand is seeking experienced multi-unit franchise operators to develop franchise territories in top markets worldwide.

The menu includes a coffee bar, house-made baked goods, oatmeal, tacos (breakfast and lunch), and offers seasonal LTOs. Shaka Bowl includes the fan favorite Cinnamon Toast Crunch Smoothie in the winter and Coconut Mango Shrimp Tacos in the summer.

Kiersten Gormeley is Food Network "Chopped'' champion who didn't attended culinary school. Brother Eric Gormeley, recently hired as CEO, has experience in construction and real estate development as the former CEO of Deugen Development, also based out of Hoboken, New Jersey.

"Shaka Bowl has built a fresh brand that has clearly resonated with the Hoboken community. They've found a winning formula of creating meals that are healthy for you, can cater to all dietary needs, and are packaged in an environmentally friendly way," Joshua Kovacs, Oakscale CEO, said in the release. "Oakscale's goal has always been to amplify brands that are progressive in practice, and in the restaurant industry Shaka Bowl is ahead of the curve with their emphasis on nutritional value and sustainability. These factors, combined with the strong performance of their restaurants in a small market like Hoboken, are incredibly encouraging, especially as we help Shaka Bowl expand to bigger markets that offer far more potential customers."