[EXCLUSIVE] "Bol" Brand Bolay Bound for the Burbs

It's been a little over two years since we first reported that Florida-based bowl concept Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen had Atlanta on its expansion map.  We are pleased to be able to share now that the company has signed their first Atlanta area lease in Alpharetta.  The new restaurant, located at 10920 Haynes Bridge Road, is actively seeking to hire a General Manager and is looking to open next spring.  Bolay's Alpharetta outpost will take the place of Corner Bakery, which closed last August after about seven years in business. 

Bolay's new location will be situated between existing outposts of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Zoës Kitchen, which, as we've reported previously, will close soon and reopen about eight weeks later as Cava, another Mediterranean-focused quick-serve restaurant.  

According to the Bolay website, there are currently nineteen locations open in Florida, with six more "coming soon."  In addition, the company's Atlanta entry will be one of two new markets the brand enters, with the website also indicating a location is coming soon to metropolitan Washington, D.C. (Maryland).  

Bolay was started in early 2016 by Chris Gannon, who owns the concept with his father Tim Gannon, a co-founder of Outback Steakhouse.

As its name suggests, Bolay features a variety of "bol" options where patrons can either build their own or choose from a "chef crafted" "go bowl."  We have yet to visit a Bolay, but readers and research seem to agree that the concept is similar to Brack's Kitchen, which entrepreneur Brack Rowe opened in Buckhead's Chastain Park in May 2019.   

Bolay bases include Jasmine Rice, Forbidden Black Rice, Kale Yeah Salad, Cilantro Noodles, Baby Spinach and Asian Sweet Potato Noodles.  Protein options include Teriyaki Chicken, Lemon Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Mojo Pulled Pork, Spicy Thai Shrimp and Miso Glazed Tofu. 

Sources tell ToNeTo Atlanta that Bolay is in negotiations for several other spaces around metro Atlanta as part of the company's target to open 100 new locations in the next five years.  

Have you ever been to Bolay?  What is your favorite fast casual restaurant either here already or that you would like to see expand to metro Atlanta?  Where else would you like to see Bolay open?

Please share your thoughts below.