Chain new to Boise plans 5 to 7 area restaurants. Two open in Meridian soon
An açai chain new to Idaho is on track to debut with not one, but two Meridian restaurants.
And if all goes according to plan, more are on the way to the Boise area.
Oola Bowls is coming to 1245 W. Chinden Blvd., suite 100, and 2295 E. Fairview Ave., suite 110, franchisee Mike Kahn said. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Pennsylvania, Oola Bowls “is the leading health-focused QSR franchise known for one the highest pulp content, nutrient-dense açaí bowls in the U.S.,” according to a press release.
Açai is a Brazilian berry often touted as an antioxidant-rich “superfood.” Oola’s menu offers it in the form of bowls, smoothies, soft-serve and more.
As part owner of Jugo Superfoods gummies company, Kahn was naturally attracted to Oola Bowls, he said. “It kind of ties in with the superfoods and functional food category,” Kahn explained. “And then my kids are açai bowl nuts. They love that stuff.”
Kahn’s Meridian stores should be open in late November or early December, he said. A Boise resident, he also has a letter of intent for an Oola Bowls location in Southeast Boise.
Kahn plans to open a total of five to seven Oola Bowls restaurants in the Boise area, he said. They could be in Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Star — and in Boise, of course.
“Boise could probably support two to three,” Kahn said.
Although it’s a niche food category, açai isn’t new to the Treasure Valley. Other shops selling it range from the Rush Bowls chain to the family-operated Boise Juice Company.
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 4:00 AM.