Superfood: Sambazon Acai Cafe in Cardiff

While açaí is now a common household name, many consumers blindly follow the hype without truly understanding the power of the berry.

Because this Amazon superfood is new to the market, there is a lack of regulation that greedy companies take advantage of. Forget açaí weight loss pills and faux açaí juices; when it comes to 100% açaí in purity and principle, there is one name to trust: Sambazon.

The Story: When Ryan and Jeremy Black first experienced açaí with local surfers during a trip to celebrate the new millennium in Brazil, they were amazed by the natural energy and nutritional benefits of the fruit. From that moment they started working on a plan to share açaí with the world, while protecting the Amazon rainforest. Flash forward over 12 years later, and Sambazon products are sold in virtually every health food store, juice bar and grocery store in the United States. Meanwhile, over 10,000 people in the Amazon help harvest açaí through Sambazon’s certified organic program, giving them incentive to manage their land and protect it for generations to come.

Ryan and Jeremy Black, along with the rest of the founding team, always envisioned creating a Sambazon Café where they could educate health-conscious customers about the real power of 100% organic Amazon superfoods while enjoying a traditional açaí bowl in a laidback, welcoming atmosphere. After achieving success in the whole sale market, they were able to circle back to their original idea in March of 2011.

The Café: Although Cardiff is an obvious choice location for a healthy and eco-conscious café, it wasn’t the natural seaside vibe that drew the Black brothers to North County San Diego. But rather, it was a little tip from good friend and brand ambassador Rob Machado. This surfing legend lives right up the street from the Cardiff Seaside Market complex, and noticed when a prime spot across from Zenbu Sushi opened up. All it took was one phone call to set the new Sambazon Açaí Café in motion.

A perfect representation of the brand, the café is furnished with sustainably sourced materials and was designed in collaboration with eVocal, a community of local artists who specialize in eco-design and environment revitalization. The café offers 100% organic and sustainable Brazilian superfoods, including all-natural açaí bowls and smoothies, along with coffee, herbal teas and hot snacks. 

Signature bowls include The Rio Bowl with original açaí packs, apple juice, granola and banana; Coconut Mango Bowl with original açaí packs, apple juice, granola, mango, banana and coconut shavings; and the namesake specialties, Burnquist’s Berry Bowl with original açaí packs, apple juice, banana, granola, strawberry and blueberry; and Machado’s PB & Banana Bowl with original açaí packs, chocolate hemp milk, peanut butter, granola and banana. Make it your own by adding Bee Pollen, Yerba Maté Boost, Cacao Nibs, Shelled Hemp Seeds and more.

Sambazon Açaí Café is now open in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and will celebrate a grand opening on Saturday, April 9, featuring complimentary snacks and beverages, prize giveaways and live music. View more photos below!

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