All-in-one Healthy Eating Under One Roof

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roberto Sgueglia, Founder and CEO of Bowled Healthy Food Company, located in Albany, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are Bowled Healthy Food Company. We are one of the first restaurants to offer acai (superfood) bowls, salads, wraps, grain bowls, and smoothies, all under one roof. We specialize in build your own customization as well as signature bowls! Our customer base is a wide range. We cater to our youth as well as those much older in age looking for fresh and healthy delicious meals.

Tell us about yourself

Bowled all started with a vision to incorporate different healthy food alternatives, all under the same establishment. All too often, you see separate smoothie, salad, and acai shops. Our goal is to offer our signature bowls but still allow our customer to dictate their own creations and preferences and build a fully customizable option.

Our motivation daily is to become a national brand. Our branding, quality, and approach are really above our competitors, and I say that in a respectful way. We take pride in our employee retention by offering a great working atmosphere, which translates to better production and happier customers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building a brand from the ground up. What we thought would have been one store, we’ve quickly grown in three years to 6 opened locations, along with more signed franchised stores. Building something so quickly and in an effective manner is no small task. Even with the daily challenges, I am able to push forward with a continuous positive attitude even during the more difficult days.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

All of the moving parts. Between a staff of roughly 80 employees, the equipment, the inventory, the production side, etc. There are so many different things when running a business of this magnitude that constantly need attention, and there’s only so much time in a day. But when there’s a will, there’s a way. And if you are able to delegate your time in an effective manner, you can accomplish a lot. Even while still being able to provide time to your family and relationships.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Build a brand around your product or service. People recognize brands and names. When a service or product is wanted, if your brand is recognized, you will have a larger customer base from purchases and referrals.
Make sure your product or service is top quality but also priced right. You could have the best product in the area, but if you price yourself out of the market, you will yield fewer sales.
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Having a strong team is instrumental to growing any business. Being able to pass on certain responsibilities is key so you can focus on building the company. Also, make sure your team is positive and don’t allow anyone to create a toxic work environment.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bowledco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bowledco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bowled.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-sgueglia-ab980687/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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