The Roots
While living in southern California in the mid 2000s, the Life Bowl's owners developed an obsession for the tasty, colorful dishes created with the acai berry. They pondered its pronunciation (ah-kay? a-kah-i?) as they fueled up for long days of hiking, surfing, or rock climbing under the California sun. Soon, these healthy, nutrient-filled bowls became a staple of their diets.
Several years later, Jon and Justin reconnected, but this time, they were back on the east coast, in a town they both called home. They often reminisced about their days living out west and would always find themselves longing for those refreshing and satisfying purple bowls.
Where It Began
It was a warm day in Madison, CT in 2014 when Jonathon Bone and Justin McLaughlin were enjoying the kind of sun that was reminiscent of their afternoons in California. Suddenly, it struck them: there wasn't really a place nearby that offered the kind of healthy dishes that are so common on the west coast. With this in mind, the two joined forces, creating colorful dishes with Brazilian roots called acai bowls (pronounced ah-sigh-ee).
The foodie duo began their eatery journey with a food truck. Thanks to the fact that Life Bowls gives customers the option to dine healthfully, the food truck was a huge success, and the team was able to create Life Bowl's brick-and-mortar location in Madison, CT. While the food truck still exists, it can mainly be found traveling around CT in areas like New Haven, at college campuses like Quinnipiac University, and for private catering services at weddings, work events, and more.
The Present
Jon and Justin's goal of bringing healthy, delicious, and visually stunning bowls to the east coast has not gone unnoticed. People flock to the Madison, CT store to experience a menu that's designed to be altered and modified such that it fits any customer's tastes as well as health or dietary limitations. The menu includes a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone who wants to enjoy the deliciousness is welcome to imbibe. Real fruit is used in both the acai bowls and smoothies, while shying away from artificial flavors and sweeteners. Even items like the avocado toast and buddha bowl always contain the freshest produce—with homemade dressing included. In addition to providing a truly appetizing cuisine, Life Bowls strives to educate its customers and demonstrate the fact that eating healthy can be easy and enjoyable.
The Partnerships
Life Bowls proudly partners with local companies in the greater Madison area, including hot, iced, and cold brew coffee from Ashlawn Farm Coffee in Old Saybrook, CT, and a variety of toasts made with bread from New Haven's G Café, Whole G Bakery. And, since the storefront is located in a space that's subleased from Prive Swiss Fitness, the team's healthy food is a perfect complement to anyone who's just finished a hardy workout. Although they're not affiliated with the gym, the food and drinks served by Life Bowls is a great accompaniment to the patrons of the fitness facility.
The Future of Life Bowls
Life Bowls is just getting started! The owners and staff love playing around with recipes and testing out new ingredients, so be sure to look at the specials board when you come to the store. Fun twists and seasonal favorites are always in the works, so don't forget to look for cold-weather items like the homemade vegan soups to warm your belly this winter. You might just find a variety of new options the next time you stop by.
Will you see a new Life Bowls location somewhere besides Boston Post Road sometime in the near future? Stay tuned...!
If you'd like to join the team, we're always happy to meet friendly faces who are as excited about delicious dishes as we are. Stop by to fill out an application or send us your resume at lifebowlsct@gmail.com!