By Joe Ferderbar, Co-Founder of Oola Bowls
A feature piece from our Spring 2024 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication.
In the heart of Lancaster County, the story of Oola Bowls unfolds—a venture that revolutionized the local food scene with the introduction of açai bowls. My journey, alongside my co-founder, Brock Snider, mirrors the ethos of Lancaster itself—a narrative of risk-taking, community ties, and resilience. Unexpectedly, our story began at a networking event organized by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. As two individuals engrossed in our respective careers—myself in signage and Brock in commercial insurance—we discovered a shared zeal for entrepreneurship. This meeting became the catalyst for what would soon become Oola Bowls.
It wasn’t just our entrepreneurial spirit that bonded us, but a pivotal trip that highlighted the concept of açaí bowls. Joe ventured to San Francisco while Brock headed to the beach, and we both indulged in açaí bowls on vacation. The simple yet profound idea was to bring this healthful innovation back to Lancaster, a community we cherished and believed was ripe for such a concept.
The early days of Oola Bowls were filled with trials and learning curves. From perfecting the recipe to understanding the logistics of sourcing açaí, each challenge was met with a shared determination to bring our vision to life. Our efforts to engage with the community included bringing the food truck to local events and passing out bowls, creating a buzz and introducing people to the concept of açaí bowls. This direct interaction allowed us to receive immediate feedback and foster excitement around Oola Bowls.
Building a team of people who are not just employees but also our friends has been instrumental in pushing the goals of Oola Bowls. The passion and dedication they bring to the table have helped shape our brand, contributing to our mission of offering a product that enriches lives and fosters community connections. The unforeseen hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic tested our resilience and under scored the need for adaptability, pushing us to innovate with online ordering, delivery services, and eventually, our first drive-thru—a concept previously uncharted by açaí bowl ventures. This adaptation wasn’t merely a response to a crisis but a strategic evolution to meet our customers’ changing needs, ensuring convenience without sacrificing the quality of our offerings.
As we look to the future, our vision for Oola Bowls extends beyond Lancaster County. We’re driven by a desire to share our concept with a broader audience, expanding up and down theEast Coast while maintaining our commitment to balance, taste, and community. Our expansion efforts are bolstered by strategic partnerships and a minority investment from Catalyst InsightGroup, which will facilitate our growth and bring invaluable expertise to scale our operations effectively.
Reflecting on our journey, the lessons we’ve learned are manifold. The importance of community support, the value of resilience in the face of adversity, and the impact of kindness and positive interactions cannot be overstated. As we continue to grow, our mission remains unchanged: to offer a product that enriches lives and fosters community connections. Oola Bowls stands as a testament to the power of a simple idea, nurtured by a community that values health, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Our story is not just about açaí bowls; it’s about the bonds formed, challenges overcome, and the collective journey towards a healthier, more connected community. As I reflect on our journey, I’m filled with gratitude for LancasterCounty—the place where our dream found its roots and continues to flourish.
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