Vitality Bowls, a chain of health food cafes, is set to open in Mechanicsburg in late summer

Health-conscious consumers should have a new place to eat and drink in central Pennsylvania by the end of summer.

Vitality Bowls, a California-based cafe chain that serves nutrient-dense meals, is expected to open in Mechanicsburg on Hogestown Road by the last week of August or the first week of September, owner Meetul Patel said.

“We try to serve healthy food to the entire Mechanicsburg area — healthy, accidentally delicious food,” Patel said.

The quick-service restaurant specializes in açaí bowls, which, according to the Vitality Bowls website, are “a thick mix of açaí berries topped with organic granola and a selection of superfood ingredients.” They also serve smoothies, paninis, freshly squeezed juices, salads and soups.

Vitality Bowls prides itself on being whole and allergen-free. Patel said all the food they serve is fresh and free of additives, and employees cater to allergy sufferers.

“Whenever someone is allergic to something, we prepare it in another line,” he said.

The menu displayed on TV in Vitality Bowls locations lists all of the ingredients for a meal, and customers can change the ingredients of their meal to their liking. When a customer has an allergy, Patel said, an employee indicates on the meal ticket what the allergy is. During preparation, staff take steps to ensure there is no contamination, including using special jars, gloves and bowls and separating ingredients from each other.

This will be the Vitality Bowl’s second location in Pennsylvania. The first, at King of Prussia, opened in November 2018. Patel, owner of both restaurants, said the Mechanicsburg location will be similar, but will be primarily a delivery location, with limited seating. Customers will also be able to order delivery through Doordash and UberEats.

Currently, Patel said, the franchise is awaiting final approval from Silver Spring Township to begin construction at its Hogestown Road location. Vitality Bowl will be right next to Tikka Shack, which opened on Thursday, but Patel said his business and the fast-casual Indian restaurant will be “completely separate”.

On opening day, Patel said, the first 50 bowls sold will be free and further discounts will be offered. There will also be a ribbon cutting.

Overall, Patel hopes to bring healthy food to Mechanicsburg, which he says has plenty of dining options, but few that are good for you.

“Get all the benefits,” he said, “without having a single junk percentage.”

• Read more: Tikka Shack, a fast-casual Indian restaurant, opens in Mechanicsburg
• All the news you need to start your day. Sign up for Good Morning, Pennsylvania