OUR STORY
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Grace Figueroa got her first taste of restaurant ownership from her father. She knew as a child that someday she would want to follow in his footsteps. She attended college in Massachusetts and became employed by one of the top accounting firms in the world where she learned business principles.
One day, while Grace was vacationing in Montauk, NY, she ordered an açaí bowl, at the original Happy Bowls location, owned by Tyler Davis. The healthy, fruity flavors and the beachy vibe reminded her of her childhood in tropical Puerto Rico. She knew right then that it was time to leave Corporate America and make her childhood dream come true by opening a location of Happy Bowls of her own in New York City.
Originally opened as a franchise, Grace built the New York City location of Happy Bowls at Astor Place from the ground up and in 2024, became the sole owner of that location and the Happy Bowls brand. The Montauk and Puerto Rico locations are not affiliated with Grace.
Happy Bowls partakes in the New York City Summer Youth Program and Work, Learn and Growth in connection with its local Boys and Girls Club. This program facilitates young students an opportunity to break into the work site and get exposure to the real world. Happy Bowls provides them with a solid foundation and teaches them day-to-day tasks that will help them in any job setting.
Grace is a hands-on business owner and you will frequently see her behind the counter greeting customers with a big smile on her face. Happy Bowls is conveniently located in the heart of East Village, near St. Marks and Union Square and now has a second location with extended operating hours in Times Square. Under Grace’s leadership, Happy Bowls has expanded its product offerings beyond açaí and pitaya bowls, to include poke bowls, salads, oatmeal, toasts and coffee. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and superfoods, Happy Bowls has a “Build your own bowl" concept, allowing you to craft your perfect bowl with plenty of gluten-free options and vegan food choices, ensuring there's something for everyone, accommodating corporate lunches, dinners and catering or just your go-to healthy meal. Grace loves the menu and thinks you will too. She hopes that she will “açaí you soon”!