Vitality Bowls, a health food café chain, is slated to open in Mechanicsburg in late summer

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

Vitality Bowls, a California coffee shop 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’re trying to serve healthy food to the whole Mechanicsburg area – healthy food that accidentally tastes delicious,” Patel said.

The quick-service restaurant specializes in açaí bowls, which, according to the Vitality Bowls website, are “a thick blend of açaí berries topped with organic granola and a selection of superfood ingredients.” They also serve smoothies, paninis, fresh 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 that employees meet the needs of allergy sufferers.

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

The menu displayed on TV at Vitality Bowls stores lists all of the ingredients in a meal, and customers can change their meal ingredients to their liking. When a customer has an allergy, Patel said, an employee marks on the meal ticket which allergy it 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 second location of the Vitality Bowl in Pennsylvania. The first, in King of Prussia, opened in November 2018. Patel, who owns both restaurants, said Mechanicsburg’s location will be similar, but will be primarily a delivery location, with little seating. Customers will also be able to order delivery through Doordash and UberEats.

Right now, Patel said, the franchise is awaiting final approval from Silver Spring Township to begin construction on its Hogestown Road site. Vitality Bowl will be right next to Tikka Shack, which opened on Thursday, but Patel said his business and the fast-casual Indian restaurant would 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 cut.

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

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

• Read more: Fast and casual Indian restaurant Tikka Shack opens in Mechanicsburg
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