A store specialising in made-to-order salads is set to provide the Sunshine Coast with “a better alternative to fast food”.
FISHBOWL is scheduled to launch its first store in the region, at Sunshine Plaza, tomorrow from midday.
To celebrate, they will offer 100 free bowls, drinks and sunflowers.
FISHBOWL was founded by three university students at Bondi in 2016.
Co-founder Nicolas Pestalozzi said they were motivated to change fast-food culture.
“We couldn’t find anywhere to eat healthy food that tasted great and was delivered in a fun atmosphere,” he said.
It’s since expanded to 35 locations in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Mr Pestalozzi told Sunshine Coast News the Sunshine Coast was “the perfect fit for FISHBOWL”.
He said salads were increasingly popular and a “by-product of a healthier community”.
“With everyone being more and more health conscious, it’s inevitable that real food and awareness for what we eat is at the front of consumers’ minds,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve been able to grow and take market share away from burgers, burritos and typical fast-food brands. We care about health.
“The FISHBOWL culture is built on creating a better alternative to fast food.
“Everything we set out to do – from our store design, music, uniforms and the product we create – is fresh, exciting and presents great value to customers. That’s hard to find elsewhere.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to access and enjoy real food.”
Mr Pestalozzi said they sourced their salad ingredients from “local farmers who we know and trust”.
“All of our suppliers are aligned with our ethos and believe in our product, so it’s great to work with like-minded farmers and growers.
“In many cases, our growers have implemented regenerative farming practices with a focus on soil health and renewable energy.
“Our chicken is free range, beef is carbon neutral and all of our salmon is Ora King Salmon, the most sustainable and premium line of salmon in the world.”
There is a strong Japanese influence at FISHBOWL.
“We love Japanese food and what better way to enjoy a healthy bowl of produce than combining your favourite sushi flavours with the best of fresh and sustainable local produce,” Mr Pestalozzi said.
He said the ‘The O.G’. and ‘Chilli Chicken’ were two of the store’s most popular bowls.
The former boasts salmon sashimi or poached chicken, kale, beets, edamame, red onion, roasted sesame dressing, seaweed salad, tobiko and crispy shallots, while the latter includes poached chicken, sweet potato, cabbage, kale, cucumber, radish, mild hot chilli peppers dressing and umami cashew crunch.
“With so many veggies, dressings and additions, there’s something for everyone,” he said.
The store at Sunshine Plaza will be open seven days, from 11am to 9pm. It’s in prime position, near the main bridge next to Thai Thyme.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article.
