BY THE CASTLE ROCK NEWS-PRESS – Zak Solis, 19, has dreamed of owning his own restaurant since he was a kid. That dream will become a reality this fall, when he opens Vitality Bowls at the Promenade at Castle Rock.
“I’m just excited to finally have my dreams come true,” Solis said, while peering across the parking lot from Kneaders Bakery at the space his restaurant will occupy. read more
Solis has been cooking since he was 10 years old. His love of food came from watching his family cook and helping them in the kitchen.
When he turned 16, Solis begged his parents to lend him money to buy and start operating a food truck. But that didn’t happen. So, when the Sedalia resident graduated from Sky View Academy in 2015, he started working in restaurants with the goal to one day own his own.
Solis’ father, Sael, helped by becoming a business partner with his son. The co-owners are aiming for a September opening.
“Zak and Sael are exactly the right entrepreneurs to grow the brand in Castle Rock,” said Tara Gilad, co-founder of Vitality Bowls. “By combining Zak’s passion for the culinary industry and Sael’s experiences in business management, this duo is set up to achieve great success.”
Vitality Bowls, which originated in Northern California, is known for a dynamic café vibe and superfood menu. The fast-casual dining chain specializes in açaí bowls that feature a thick blend of the Amazon’s antioxidant-rich berry, topped with a variety of superfoods.
Zak Solis found the eatery while perusing the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.
“My first bite of an açaí bowl at Vitality Bowls was a game-changer,” Solis said. “It’s a punch of flavor. I want to bring that same experience to everyone in the market.”
The menu features a variety of options, such as the Energy Bowl, with organic açaí, goji berries and bee pollen; the Dragon Bowl, featuring organic pitaya, coconut milk and bananas; and the signature Vitality Bowl, with organic açaí, strawberries and honey. Additionally, the brand recently announced additions to its kids’ menu. Fresh juices, organic soups, panini and salads are also offered.
There are more than 20 Vitality Bowls restaurants across the United States with 40-plus franchise units under development. The Castle Rock store will the the second in Colorado.
But the ambitious 19-year old said this is just the beginning. Following the fall opening in Castle Rock, the father-son duo is planning to open three additional locations in close proximity of Castle Rock.
“I feel like this is a perfect spot for it because Colorado is booming with population and Castle Rock keeps growing,” Solis said. “I’m excited to open here.”
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