A regional acai smoothie and poke bowl chain is closing more than half of its stores, but not the ones in Fresno and Madera.
That’s different than the message many of Rio Acai Bowls’s followers got when the brand originally posted the news on Saturday afternoon.
On Rio Acai Bowls’ Instagram and Facebook pages, the company shared Saturday that Sunday was to be their last day open. Rio Acai Bowls had seven locations — four in Bakersfield, two in Fresno and one in Madera. Sophia Cummings, one of the chain’s co-owners, was tagged in the announcement, and in the comments said that all locations were closing.
“Rio started with a simple idea, to create something fresh, fun, and different for our community,” the announcement says. “What we never could have imagined was how many people would walk through our doors, become regulars, bring their families, celebrate milestones, and become part of the Rio story.
“From our very first bowl to the thousands of bowls we’ve served since, we are incredibly grateful.”
By Sunday, the brand’s Instagram closing announcement was deleted, and a new post clarified that the Bakersfield locations are the ones that are closing, and the Fresno shops at 1915 Fulton St. and 6721 N Milburn Ave. are staying open, as is the Madera branch at 1606 Howard Rd.
As of Monday afternoon, the original announcement is still available on Rio Acai Bowls’ Facebook page.
The company’s website only gives the address of the four Bakersfield locations, although it does say it has a shop in downtown Fresno. Rio Acai Bowls opened its Fulton store in July 2016, and the Madera spot in January 2023. The Milburn Ave. spot had its grand opening in July 2024.
The company’s Instagram page now lists the three locations as still open. An employee at the downtown location confirmed that the Fresno and Madera branches are staying open, and have updated their hours for the winter.
The Fresno Bee has reached out to Rio Acai Bowls for comment and by publication time had not received a response.
This story was originally published September 21, 2026 at 5:33 PM.
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Amber Hair (they/them) is the food and restaurants reporter and influencer. Amber has been in professional journalism for more than a decade, writing for outlets like the Orlando Sentinel, The Villages Daily Sun, the Pacific Coast Business Times and others. In their spare time, they enjoy going to concerts, reading and spending time with their cats.