A new San Antonio restaurant from Puebla, Mexico, is hoping to give the U.S. chains a run for their money. Fresh Bowl & Co will open late 2025 at 115 N Loop 1604 E #2103 in the La Arcata Retail Center in Stone Oak, bringing a lighter take to a format popularized by Chipotle and Cava.
Fresh Bowl is an offshoot of popular Mexican chain Salad Bowl, operated by Monica GarcÃa Perdomo and Juan Carlos Haces of Abundali LLC. With help from Javier Menéndez Pandal, they are bringing the concept to Alamo City for the first time.
The fast-casual joint offers just what the name implies. Guests start with a base of greens, grains, or noodles, then add proteins like grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, and tofu before customizing with vegetables, dressings, and crunchy add-ons.
The interior has a crisp green and white palette. Rendering courtesy of Fresh Bowl & Co.
The restaurant sets itself apart from its competitors by introducing Latin-inspired flavors. Although Fresh Bowl didn’t share all the menu details, Salad Bowl has items like carne deshabrada, chipotle hummus, panela cheese, and tortilla strips among its toppings.
Salad Bowl also offers accompaniments like panini-style pressed sandwiches and acai bowls, but it’s unclear if those will make their way to San Antonio. Pandal did share that the eatery would serve smoothies and make aguas frescas fresh daily.
“Our goal is to offer a fast, healthy alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor,” says Pandal via email. “Think the freshness of Cava, Salata, and Chipotle meets the color and energy of Mexico.”
Although Fresh Bowl has not released full opening details yet, a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation estimated the buildout will be finished by mid-November. San Antonians can follow the restaurant on Instagram for updates.