Yesterday, Oct 20, franchisee Jan Vega and JMM Group LLC received some of their final permits for a new Acai Express located at 2402 Sand Mine Rd in Davenport. According to Vega – who hopes to open by year’s end – there are still a few outstanding issues that have to be resolved including training, construction, and logistical issues with both the property owner and the county.
“There are a few things that need to get resolved, and some are even out of our hands, so I don’t have a precise date,” Vega tells What Now Tampa, adding, “some things with the landlord, a few damages we had because of [Hurricane Ian] – so we’re waiting on that as well – but for now, it’s kind of up in the air.”
When it does open, the Davenport outpost will mark Acai Express’ first foray into the Tampa market. The brand currently has two locations in Florida; one in Cocoa Beach and the other in Miami Lakes, with a few others peppered throughout the US.
Acai Express began as a single food truck operated by founder Hector Westerband in Puerto Rico, who wanted to find “healthy and delicious food on the go and at the beach,” where the young entrepreneur spent much of his time surfing.
“When the number of my trucks went from one to 13 and were located throughout Puerto Rico,” Westerband writes on the company’s website, “I knew I had a business concept that small business owners anywhere could use. And, one that could marry an active lifestyle and career with an appreciation of honest, organic, and nutrient rich foods.”
