Movie theater snacks are typically high in calories, salt and sugar, but a Connecticut business is giving film buffs a healthier option.
The business “Boost Bowls” is expanding into the New Haven region with a third location, Holiday Cinemas, at 970 North Colony Road in Wallingford. The official opening is Thursday, March 7, when the first 30 customers will get a free treat.
Boost Bowls also operates at 16 P.T. Barnum Square in Bethel and inside Riverview Cinemas at 690 Main Street South in Southbury.
Tatiana and Valdrin Mehmeti of Danbury, the business’ founders, hope their drinks and snacks will soon be as popular at the concession stand as popcorn, soda and candy.
“Movie theater food hasn’t changed for ages, and so we are spicing things up a bit,” Tatiana Mehmeti said. “We wanted to offer more options in theaters that pair well with the cinema’s concessions menu.”
Due to the business’ success at its Southbury theater location, the Wallingford theater’s management supported the business opening there also. The theater has been advertising the business’ upcoming opening, noting “Boost Bowls is well known for their build-your-own smoothie bowls.”
Boost Bowls include a variety of fruits like Acai, bananas, peaches, pears and dragon fruit. Customers can customize their own bowl by adding yogurt, hemp or chia seeds, walnuts, goji berries, quinoa and bee pollen. Toppings also include drizzles like honey, peanut butter, almond butter, agave and Nutella.
There are options for moviegoers who prefer vegan and gluten-free treats also.
“The drizzles are what turns an average bowl into a foodie’s dream,“ Tatiana Mehmeti said.
Moviegoers also can order smoothies, juices and high-protein shakes. A “Green Dream” super smoothie, for example, comes with banana, kale, strawberry and coconut milk. A fresh juice drink called “Glow” comes with carrot, orange, pineapple and turmeric.
The menu also includes Matcha-based treats. Matcha is a powdered green tea known for its antioxidants. Customers can order Matcha lemonade with fresh lemon juice, a latte or plain Matcha tea.
Feedback on their alternative menu options has been positive, according to the Mehmetis.
“People say it’s nice to have a smoothie instead of a soda,” Tatiana Mehmeti said. “If you go to the movie right after work, it’s nice to be able to grab one of our bowls, which are pretty filling.”
High school and college-aged students make up a large portion of their clientele, and Mehmeti said she hopes to attract customers from colleges and universities throughout the New Haven region.
Boost Bowls’ hours will be from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Customers can visit Boost Bowls in the theater even if they aren’t going to watch a movie.
Visit the company’s web site at www.boost-juice.com for more information.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com
