STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A young Staten Island couple is making waves in Eltingville with the launch of Bowl Me Up, a health-focused restaurant offering fresh, customizable bowls and clean eating options. Located at 3848 Richmond Ave., the eatery is the brainchild of Naser Kolar, a South Shore native, who opened the business earlier this year with his wife Ardiana to meet the community’s growing appetite for healthy dining.
Located at 3848 Richmond Ave., Bowl Me Up is the work of Naser and Ardiana Kolar, who opened the eatery to meet the borough’s growing appetite for wellness-driven dining.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time—and I’ve always envisioned doing it in Eltingville. I know the area, I know the people,” said Naser, a Tottenville High School graduate. “Ever since COVID, everybody wants to stay healthy, be healthy—and it’s this lifestyle of feeling good and well-being that we’re really appreciating in these times.”
He added, “It’s fast food but healthy fast food.”
The Mexican bowl is the most popular selection, although this version includes all greens without the rice to eliminate the carbs. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)A Menu Built Around Wellness
The restaurant specializes in customizable bowls made with fresh ingredients and health-conscious preparations. The most popular item is the Mexican bowl, which includes romaine lettuce, cilantro lime rice, chipotle chicken, jalapeños, onions, and corn. Customers are encouraged to personalize their bowls by adding or removing ingredients. Food is prepped fresh daily using locally sourced products whenever possible.
The restaurant has done a brisk business catering office parties and meetings where healthy eating is a priority. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
For those following specific diets, Bowl Me Up offers keto-friendly options featuring avocado, greens, and no carbs. Instead of traditional French fries, the restaurant serves fried pita bread as a starchy alternative.
The menu also includes protein cookies made with honey and maple syrup as natural sweeteners, combined with quinoa, oatmeal, and coconut flakes.
“It’s so good you’ll think it’s unhealthy, but it’s truly healthy — and really delicious,” Naser said.
Located just off of the Eltingville train stop, Bowl Me Up has a few seats for outdoor dining. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)A Family Legacy in Food
Ardiana brings deep restaurant experience to the business through her family’s legacy in the food industry.
“Since I was born, my dad was a restaurant owner,” she said, referring to her father who operates pizzerias and Italian restaurants in New Jersey, including locations in Fairfield, Ledgewood, and Dover.
The Garden State native said, “I’m born and raised in the restaurant business.”
Naser Kolar explored restaurant concepts from around the world that would work on Staten Island. He designed the spaces himself governed by his own dining preferences and the potential to expand in the Big Apple. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Recipes have been in development for several years, guided by a team of professional chefs. What developed under their guidance is a menu featuring various rice options, carne asada, chicken, turkey meatballs, cheese selections, vegetables, and nutritious dressings.
Staten Island Roots, Big Dreams
For customers aiming for a taste, Bowl Me Up operates weekdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The menu can be found on the company website — bowlmeup.com.
In addition to dine-in service, the restaurant offers delivery via DoorDash and Grubhub, and has its own mobile app featuring a rewards program.
“Spend a certain amount of money, you get money back,” Naser explained. “It keeps you coming back.”
“This business was proudly born and raised on Staten Island,” said Naser. “We’re young parents of three and hoping to do some really amazing things.”
Located in walkable Eltingville, with its variety of restaurants open for lunch and dinner, Bowl Me Up reflects the couple’s commitment to healthy living and appreciation for their South Shore community.
“Whether you’re plant-based, geared to a Mediterranean diet, or just looking for a fresh lunch,” Naser said, “we’re hoping our small business is making a big impact—one bowl at a time.”
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