Mesa veteran brings first Frutta Bowls location to Arizona

Mesa resident and U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard veteran Richard Allende is helping to open the first Frutta Bowls restaurant in Arizona.

The location opens on Tuesday, July 16, at 1902 E. Baseline Road Suite No. 5 in Mesa. The restaurant will be open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Sunday for anyone interested in checking out their menu of Acai bowls, smoothies, refreshers and more, according to a press release.

The location will be locally owned and operated by Allende. According to the release, Allende was inspired after switching to a plant-based lifestyle for half a decade due to a health issue and wanted to provide healthier dining options to benefit members of his community.

“This restaurant allows me to blend my passion for health with community service, providing the perfect place for people to enjoy delicious, nutritious food in a welcoming environment,” Allende said. “I’m thrilled to bring the first Frutta Bowls to Arizona, opening right here in Mesa.”

The restaurant will be partnering with local veteran organizations Azura Veterans Coalition and American Legion Post No. 91 to support veterans. Both organizations will receive a portion of profits from the restaurant from one designated day each month.

Each day of the restaurant’s opening week, there will be a series of promotions meant to bring the community together. This includes discounts, swag bags and giveaways. The promotions are as follows:

• Day 1: 20% of proceeds donated to the Azura Veterans Coalition
• Day 2: 20% off for teachers and faculty
• Day 3: 20% off for first responders
• Day 4: BOGO 50% entrees
• Day 5 & 6: 20% off for veterans

For information on Frutta Bowls, go to at https://fruttabowls.com/ .