Australian Bowl Chain THISBOWL Expands to Upper West Side

- The Australian chain, originally named Fishbowl, was founded in 2016 by university students Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi, and Casper Ettelson in Bondi Beach, Sydney. They aimed to challenge the culture of fast food by offering healthy and flavorful options. - Before its U.S. expansion, the company grew to over 40 locations across Australia. For its entry into the American market, the name was changed to THISBOWL to present the brand without preconceived notions. - The founders have strategically chosen to make New York City their first international market, believing that if the concept can succeed in such a competitive environment, it can thrive globally. - THISBOWL's menu is inspired by Asian flavors and focuses on fresh ingredients, with bowls featuring proteins like salmon sashimi and miso-glazed eggplant. Customer reviews often praise the quality and freshness of the ingredients. - The company has an estimated annual revenue of $10 million to $25 million and has funded its growth primarily through reinvesting profits, with some investment from friends and family. The founders still own approximately 75% of the business. - All THISBOWL locations are company-owned, a deliberate choice by the founders who prefer to focus on the product and customer experience rather than a franchise model. - The chain utilizes technology to ensure consistency and efficiency, employing tools like Square for its point-of-sale and kitchen display systems to manage orders and gain real-time sales data. - The fast-casual restaurant market in the U.S. is projected to see significant growth, with one report estimating it will grow by $65.2 billion between 2024 and 2028. This growth is largely driven by consumer demand for healthier, customizable, and convenient meal options.