Special Reports

A focus on ingredients sets Rush Bowls apart in a crowded segment

Founder and CEO Andrew Pudalov started the better-for-you bowls brand after a career in finance.
Courtesy of Rush Bowls

Rush Bowls opened its first location 20 years ago, a pioneer in the now crowded smoothie bowl sector. The chain now has 52 locations in 23 states, expanding through franchising since 2016.

Founder and CEO Andrew Pudalov left a career in finance to start Rush Bowls after noticing a scarcity of better-for-you quick-service options for families. The bowls and smoothies are based on whole fruits and vegetables and health-promoting ingredients like acai, pitaya, oats and kale. Also available are portable scratch-made snacks called Rush Bites.

The fast casual opened 14 new locations in 2023, landing at No. 29 in the Restaurant Business Future 50 ranking.

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