Downtown Littleton welcomed its newest business on Jan. 2, as Playa Bowls opened its doors at 2490 W. Main St.

The shop, which sells smoothie-like bowls centered around acai fruit, had a line stretching down the block long before the 11 a.m. opening.

“I'm originally from New Jersey, which is where Playa Bowls started,” said Shane Sawin, at the head of the line. “So when I heard there was a Playa Bowls opening 20 minutes from my house, I knew I had to come.”

The Littleton location will be the first Playa Bowls in Colorado, and the chain's 103rd location.

The Littleton shop opened in partnership with local entrepreneurs Cody Benisch and Robert Wissing.

“We decided to bring the best acai bowls from New Jersey to Colorado,” Benisch said. “This is our first of what we're hoping to be multiple locations in Colorado. We just love that we were able to bring an amazing product that we love and share it with everyone in Colorado.”

Benisch has a background in hospitality and retail, while Wissing has strong restaurant experience.

The two met 10 years ago, and “were honestly both just wanting out of our desk jobs,” Benisch said. “So we searched for something to do, and this was just a really good fit for us.”

“It's looking good,” Benisch said of opening day. “We have a good strong staff, and it seems like the community is going to come out in support.”

Serving smoothies, juices, and acai bowls all made with fresh fruit, Playa Bowls offers a healthy treat to customers. The shop is decorated with surfboards, bright colors, a tin ceiling and lots of leafy art.

“(We want) to feed everyone superfruits and keep their immunity high,” Benisch said. “And just have a really cool place that everyone can come in and spend 15 to 20 minutes in a tropical paradise and hang out with us.”

“We're just super excited to serve our community and be a part of it,” Wissing added.