Restaurants & Bars

Woman-Owned PureBerry Bowls Offers Soft-Serve Acai In Naperville

PureBerry Acai Bowls, the brainchild of Neepa Mehta and Dorothy Sisnett, recently celebrated its grand opening.

PureBerry Acai Bowls, the brainchild of Neepa Mehta and Dorothy Sisnett, recently celebrated its grand opening.
PureBerry Acai Bowls, the brainchild of Neepa Mehta and Dorothy Sisnett, recently celebrated its grand opening. (Neepa Mehta )

NAPERVILLE, IL — PureBerry Acai Bowls may be tucked away in an unassuming storefront on Route 59, but Naperville's newest eatery is hardly something to be overlooked. The woman-owned acai bowl shop, helmed by Neepa Mehta and Dorothy Sisnett, specializes in soft serve acai that's made from berries and not powder, the pair told Patch.

The result is a creamy, soft texture that's also fast and efficient for customers. "We can get a bowl out to a customer in like 30 seconds," Mehta said.

PureBerry hosted its grand opening June 5 through June 8, and Mehta said the shop is already drawing customers back for bowls, which she and Sisnett say are a health-conscious meal alternative.

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"We have had lots of repeat guests already, so that’s a testament to how good it is."

Mehta and Sisnett met when they both owned a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise in the suburbs. During a chat about a year ago, Sisnett mentioned soft serve acai, which got both women brainstorming how they could offer this to Naperville residents while veering away from a franchise business.

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The pair told Patch they enjoy having more control over their business, despite lacking the "powerhouse of a franchise pushing marketing," Sisnett explained.

"It's still been a great experience, and we’re excited about the access of offering a healthier product to the community," she said.

The menu at PureBerry Acai Bowls features signature bowls, such as the island bowl, a melange of mango, pineapple and toasted coconut, and the PBJ bowl, which integrates cacao nibs, raspberries and a generous drizzling of peanut butter.

Diners can also build their own bowls, customizing them with an array of toppings that include granola, flaxseed, chia seeds and other treats.

Smoothies are available for customers who prefer sipping over scooping.

Both Mehta and Sisnett call Naperville home, so PureBerry Acai Bowls offers fundraising opportunities that benefit organizations in and around the city.

Future plans include expanding their footprint and possibly adding a food truck, but for now, Sisnett and Mehta are enjoying introducing residents to their inventive bowls.

“We have a product that is healthy that also tastes good," Sisnett said. "Come try our bowls."

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