The first of a planned five locations of a Brazilian açai smoothie chain so popular it's akin to Tim Hortons in its homeland is gearing up to open in Vancouver.
Oakberry, which debuted in Brazil back in 2016, rose quickly to fame and has rapidly expanded across the globe, with franchises in over 30 nations, including the U.S., France, and Australia.
Western Canada's Master Franchisee, Carter Friesen, first encountered the açai bowl and smoothie business while on holiday in Australia, and knew immediately he wanted to bring the business back home.
The first Oakberry in Vancouver will open its doors on Saturday, July 8 at 3139 W Broadway in Kitsilano.
Situated in a bright, modern new build designed under Oakberry's newest specs for its shops, Oakberry in Kits is right next door to the relocated family-run Greek bakery Serano and will be neighbours with the forthcoming second outpost of the Yum Sweet Shop.
During a sneak peek tour and tasting, it was immediately evident the neighbourhood has been yearning for a smoothie shop; a local said as much while sticking their head in to find out when the new business would be up and running.
What's on the menu at Oakberry in Vancouver?
Once Oakberry starts swirling its deeply flavourful açai base, guests can load up cups (called "bowls") in a variety of iterations, loaded and layered with unlimited toppings like chia seeds, fresh fruit, granola, and coconut, to be enjoyed with a spoon. The shop also makes sip-able smoothies (with up to three add-ins) using their real açai - which may strike you as being a far more intense flavour if you've only had more watered-down versions in the past. Oakberry's açai is made with 100 per cent natural ingredients, without dyes or artificial preservatives.
In addition to the smoothies and bowls, you'll find packaged goods like Oakberry's own line of açai protein bars, a canned matcha energy drink, and Vancouver-specific merch.
The West Broadway Oakberry will lead the pack in Vancouver, followed by four more locations, with some addresses already secured, including at The Post development in Downtown (kiosk-style), in Gastown, and a larger "signature" shop in the West End, as well as another location in Cambie Village.
Prior to getting off the ground in health-savvy Vancouver, Oakberry has enjoyed immediate popularity in other Canadian locales, like Calgary and the Greater Toronto Area. Further, Oakberry will expand with another five stores this year in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
To celebrate the opening, Oakberry will be giving away free signature açai bowls to the first 50 guests at their West Broadway location on July 8.
Oakberry in Kitsilano will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Video: Sneak preview of what to expect at Oakberry's first Vancouver location
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