Playa Bowls Shop Owners Brett and Amy Coleman Earn National Franchise Recognition

Presented annually by FBR, the Franchisee Excellence Awards honor franchise owners who demonstrate strong leadership and meaningful community impact. The Colemans were recognized for making waves in Columbus, both inside their shops and throughout the community.

“This recognition really belongs to our team and the community that has supported us from day one,” said Brett. “We opened our first shop during a time when so much felt uncertain, and what carried us through was the people around us. Whether it’s our team members stepping up during a busy shift or our neighbors showing up for local causes, Columbus has embraced us, and we’ve always strived to give that same energy back.”

Throughout the year, the Colemans and their team support causes across the Columbus area. Their efforts include donating more than 500 bowls to volunteers at the Columbus Clinic Host Group, which provides free medical and dental care, and contributing more than 800 bowls to participants and volunteers at Steps for Sarcoma. They have also supported BuckeyeThon events benefiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital, sponsored local middle and high school sports teams, and regularly provided donations to area firehouses and nurses.

Since opening their first Playa Bowls location on The Ohio State University campus, the Colemans have built strong ties with student organizations and student-athletes across multiple programs, welcoming them as Playa athletes and reinforcing their commitment to the broader campus community. They also participate in local events such as Taste of New Albany and Taste of Gahanna, further strengthening their connection to the neighborhoods they serve.

Beyond their own shops, the Colemans also contribute to the broader Playa Bowls system. Brett recently served on the brand’s 2024 and 2025 Franchise Advisory Council, where he represented franchise owner perspectives and helped foster collaboration across markets. Their willingness to share best practices and mentor fellow franchise owners reflects leadership that extends well beyond Columbus.

“Brett and Amy embody what it means to lead with purpose,” said Abby Taylor, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Playa Bowls. “They are deeply present in their shops, invested in their teams, and genuinely connected to their community. Their steady growth in Columbus reflects the kind of leadership that strengthens our entire brand.”

With locations spanning from The Ohio State University campus to New Albany, Dublin, Quarry Trails, and Polaris, the Colemans have built a strong presence across the greater Columbus region. Their next shop is set to open in early March in Athens near Ohio University, and another location in Clintonville is also in development.

Guests at Playa Bowls can pick from an extensive menu of delicious bowls or customize their own, choosing from a variety of unique blends made with superfoods, including acai, pitaya, coconut, kale, banana, oatmeal, and mango. Tasty and nutritious toppings, such as fresh-cut fruits, seeds, nuts, granola, dried berries, nut butter, and plant-based protein, are also available as add-ons. The superfruit bowl shop also offers a selection of juices, smoothies, cold brews, and other grab & go items.