NEW YORK, April 30 (Reuters) - The private equity owners

of Playa Bowls are exploring options including a potential sale

of the acai bowl chain that could value it at more than $300

million, according to people familiar with the matter.

New Jersey-based Playa, which is owned by Tamarix Equity

Partners and Pacific General Holdings, is working with boutique

advisory firm North Point to gauge interest from potential

buyers that could include other private equity firms, the

sources said, requesting anonymity as the matter is

confidential.

The restaurant chain was launched in 2014 when Jersey Shore

natives and surfers Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor opened the

first Playa Bowls location in Belmar, New Jersey. In 2021,

Tamarix Equity and Pacific General acquired Playa, which is

known for its acai bowls, for an undisclosed amount.

Playa, whose locations are mostly operated by franchise

partners, currently has more than 200 locations in 22 states and

plans to increase its footprint to 300 locations by 2025.

Playa could fetch a valuation equivalent to 20 times its

12-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and

amortization of over $15 million, the sources said.

Pacific General declined to comment. North Point, Tamarix

and Playa Bowls did not immediately respond to requests for

comment.

Private equity firms are typically attracted to

franchise-operated chains because of the steady royalty fees

generated by such businesses.

Last week, Blackstone agreed to acquire Tropical

Smoothie Cafe - another franchise-operated restaurant chain -

from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners for about $1.7 billion,

sources said.