Wellbeing Bar to Bring Acai Blends, Community Space to Bike Path in Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA — Taking a long bike ride or a walk down the Minuteman Bike Path may have been a bad decision in the past, but a new Arlington eatery is hoping to make those days ancient history.

Wellbeing Bar received unanimous approval from the Arlington Redevelopment Board during its meeting on Aug. 22 for the kiosk space located at 30-50 Mill St. between Shattuck's Ace Hardware and the bike path. Arlington native and Wellbeing-bar Co-Founder Teresa Regan is hoping that Wellbeing Bar provide a sort of community pit stop.

"We envision people coming off the bike path, sitting at one of the tables, enjoying their healthy bowl, smoothie or infused water and taking a bit of time to relax," Regan told Patch."That's really our goal with the Wellbeing Bar - to fuel anyone with an active lifestyle but also to take a deep breath in our busy lives."

Wellbeing Bar's menu will feature locally-sourced and organic acai bowls (pronounced Ah-Sigh-Ee), which customers will be able to customize with various fruits, vegetables and other unique flavors. Among the most usual options were chocolate-cayenne and even Kale.

"One guy friend we know said he didn't even want to try our bowl with kale and fruit in it," said Regan. But once he did, that flavor ended up being his number one choice out of our many unique options. He is making them on his own at home now!"

Acai bowls have become increasingly popular across the country, popping up on various menus in the Greater Boston area. Regan became interested in the bowls while on one of her many trips to California to visit her daughter.

A native berry to South America, acai berries are harvested from the acai palm tree native to the rainforests of Brazil and other South American countries.

While research is limited on the berry's health benefits, many believe it to have a higher antioxidant content than other commonly eaten fruits. According to the Mayo Clinic, the berries are also high in fiber and heart-healthy fats.

While Regan did not wish to reveal the restaurant's full menu, the Mill St. kiosk will also boast smoothies, infused waters and fresh lemonade. Suprisingly, Regan said the bowls were very popular among children during Wellbeing Bar's numerous taste-testings.

"I don't think children will think of them as being healthy because they taste so good," Regan added."We actually have done a couple of taste-testings and while we haven't focused primarily on children, the children there absolutely loved them."

An exact opening date has yet to be determined, but Regan stated that an October opening could be possible. Additionally, Regan was not sure if the eatery would remain open all four seasons, but stated that the eatery does hope to expand and be open year-round in the future.

Additionally, the Wellbeing Bar plans to host health and wellness workshops, and donate a portion of its profits to charitable organizations both at home and abroad.

"We are planning to provide very healthy and nutritious, but also delicious, food options for bike path users and other Arlington residents," Regan concluded. "Also we truly want to foster a community space of connection. It is time that some life was breathed into this great space."