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rio acai bowls

Rio Acai Bowls, located in Downtown Fresno since 2016, has opened a new location in Madera. Photo by Ben Hensley

published on March 20, 2023 - 10:34 AM
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Rio Acai Bowls opened its doors in Madera early this year, bringing fresh and healthy bowls, smoothies and shakes to the hometown of the Fresno location’s owners.

Abigail Gonzalez, part owner of the Madera Rio Acai location, said the goal was always to open a store in the Madera area. Last year, the family was given the opportunity to do so, welcoming the second Rio Acai Bowls to the Central Valley.

“We originally wanted to open up here as a franchise,” Gonzalez said. “When we were able to talk to the owner, he actually let us know that Fresno was for sale.”

The Fresno location of Rio Acai Bowls has been open since 2016.

Gonzalez, whose family also owns the Downtown Fresno Rio Acai Bowls, said that revenue has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, which was a key element in opening the second location.

Rio Acai Bowls is originally from Bakersfield, where the healthy-alternative restaurant has four locations.

Gonzalez said the reception for the Madera store has been largely positive, enjoying a very busy opening weekend in late January and maintaining steady sales since opening.

The only difference between the two stores is the lack of coffee options at the Madera location — something Gonzalez said will change by the end of summer. Fresno’s Rio Acai Bowls offers Peet’s Coffee.

Online ordering at both locations has seen positive reception, but Gonzalez said the Madera location sees a higher concentration of walk-in customers, crediting the accessibility of the location.

“It’s definitely more popular for people to walk in,” she said. “In Fresno it’s hard to get there so people like to DoorDash it.”

Rio Acai Bowls’ new store is located at 1301 W. Olive Ave. #D in Madera.


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