Playa Bowls Owner Brings a Bit of the Beach to Parker
If you’ve ever wished for a little slice of the beach right here in Douglas County, you’re in luck. Playa Bowls, known for its açaí bowls, smoothies, and tropical vibes, has officially opened in Parker, and it’s already making waves in the community.
From Jersey Shore Favorite to Colorado Dream
For owner Jackie Baker, Playa Bowls isn’t just a business, it’s personal. Originally from New Jersey, Playa Bowls was Jackie’s first stop when she visited back home. In fact, her love for it ran so deep that she even requested Playa Bowls the morning of her wedding in New York City!
After Josh and Jackie moved to Colorado, they continued to try out an açaí bowl every Sunday. After another visit to New Jersey in early 2024, they started seeking out Playa Bowls specifically because they knew it was the best bowl, and would often travel to the Denver Tech Center or Littleton to get one. After a time, they started to think maybe there needed to be a location closer to home.
That idea quickly turned into reality. Their first location opened in Castle Rock in February 2025, where they were met with an overwhelmingly warm welcome from the community.
Building Community, One Bowl at a Time
From the start, Jackie and Josh have embraced being more than just a place to grab a smoothie. They’ve become deeply involved in the community by partnering with local schools, sports teams, and nonprofits, and even delivering bowls and smoothies to nurses at local hospitals.
“The community aspect has been incredible,” Jackie says. “Getting to know people, connecting with other business owners, and being part of local events has been so rewarding.”
After the success in Castle Rock, opening a second location in Parker felt like a natural next step. The Parker shop, which opened in March 2026 as part of The Juniper development, is a perfect fit for the area’s strong sense of community and family-friendly feel.
More Than Just a Smoothie Shop
Step inside Playa Bowls and you’ll immediately feel the difference. With its surf-inspired décor and tropical atmosphere, it offers a refreshing escape from the typical Colorado scene.
“It’s meant to feel like a little getaway,” Jackie says. “Fun, relaxed, and full of flavor.”
And the menu? It’s just as vibrant as the atmosphere. View the menu here.
Favorites include:
- The Nutella Bowl (a clear customer favorite)
- The Tidal Wave Smoothie (a limited-time hit)
- Build-your-own bowls, where you can customize everything to your taste
- Fresh, house-made protein bites, including gluten-free options
Even better, Playa Bowls caters to all ages, making it a go-to stop for families. They also offer catering and events, including birthday parties, with build-your-own bowl options for groups of up to 100 people.
A Focus on Health and Simplicity
One thing that sets Playa Bowls apart is its commitment to simple, wholesome ingredients. Their smoothies are made with just frozen fruit and milk with no added sugars or juices, while their açaí bowls are packed with antioxidants that can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion.
It’s all part of the brand’s larger mission: promoting healthier lifestyles while creating a fun, welcoming environment.
Locally Owned, Community Driven
While Playa Bowls is a recognizable name, many people are surprised to learn that each location is locally owned and operated. Jackie and Josh, who live in Castle Rock with their 11-month-old son Cooper, are proud to be part of the Douglas County community.
Josh, a Colorado native and former electrical business owner, and Jackie, who has a background in marketing, made the move to Castle Rock in 2023 in search of a change of scenery from where they were living in northern Colorado, and quickly fell in love with the area.
“It’s just so beautiful here,” Jackie says. “We’ll go on drives through Castle Rock and Parker, seeing the farms, the mountains, the small towns – it’s such a special mix. You can’t help but feel lucky to live somewhere so safe, connected, and community-oriented.”
Stop By and See for Yourself
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick smoothie, meeting friends for a healthy treat, or planning your next event, Playa Bowls in Parker is a refreshing addition to the local scene.
And who knows – you might just feel like you’ve taken a mini vacation, no plane ticket required.
When you stop by Jackie’s Playa Bowls locations in Castle Rock and Parker, be sure to say hi! You can also find a separately owned Playa Bowls in Highlands Ranch.
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