Pictured: The signature Wanny's Bowl at Purple Bol is as flavorful as it is colorful. Provided photo.

“My husband and I are originally from Brazil, where açaí bowls were very popular even twenty years ago,” says Anny Scarabelli. “When we first started dreaming about starting a business, there weren’t many places in Sarasota that were doing açaí bowls yet.”

Açaí berries are small, dark purple fruits that grow on the açaí palm tree, native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, especially Brazil. They’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, and are often linked to supporting heart health, boosting energy and promoting overall wellness. In the early 2010s, açaí bowls saw a massive rise in popularity in the United States as people were drawn to their vibrant, colorful appearance and health benefits. The Scarabellis knew people in the sweltering Sarasota climate would enjoy this cool and refreshing treat, and with their background, they could create it with authenticity and care.

Anny and her husband, Warley, originally launched their business Purple Bol as a food truck in 2020. Over the last five years, they’ve added more food trucks and a trailer to their mobile food options (check Facebook and Instagram to see where they’ll be popping up next). Last November, they opened a brick-and-mortar location.

“An açaí bowl is basically a smoothie bowl. We start with the açaí bowl and mix it with something to sweeten it, because the berry by itself doesn’t have a lot of sweetness,” Scarabelli explains. “At Purple Bol, we use banana and apple juice. We make a really thick smoothie that goes on the bottom of the bowl and then we top it with granola, fruit and a bunch of other yummy toppings.”

One of their most popular treats is their signature Wanny’s Bowl, a portmanteau of their names. Their house-made açaí base is topped with banana, blueberry, strawberry, granola, chia seeds, flax seeds and a honey drizzle. The bowls at Purple Bōl come in three different sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect portion whether you’re looking for a small snack or a hearty pick-me-up.

Purple Bol, 3856 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, 941-323-4440, www.purplebol.com.

Pictured: The signature Wanny's Bowl at Purple Bol is as flavorful as it is colorful. Provided photo.