What Are Smoothie Bowls and Why Do They Exist? | Eater

"Once a mid-aughts, jungle-themed smoothie chain known for oversized cups of sweet blended slush in flavors like strawberry–banana and a tween clientele, this brand helped lead the smoothie-bar boom. Over time it pivoted toward a fast-casual, wellness-oriented model—often colocated with gyms—adding juice “shots,” artisan flatbreads and Instagram-ready smoothie bowls topped with rows of sliced banana and peanut-butter drizzle. The shift reflects a broader move from simple sugary smoothies to curated, photo-friendly health fare as the company updated both its menu and its brand identity." - Brenna Houck