Meet Monkey Bowls! Colton Bertagna is the owner of Monkey Bowls. Learn more about the business and their delicious menu below.
Can you tell us a bit about Monkey Bowls?
Monkey Bowls is a family-owned local business that started in Durham, CA. Bertagna traveled around the world playing Pro Hockey and açaí bowls were his go-to pre-workout, pre-game meal. After trying açaí bowls around the world, Bertagna said that somehow he felt like he made the best one, so he came back home to Chico and opened up Monkey Bowls. Monkey Bowls try their best to use as much local, organic product as they can and everything behind the counter is healthy for you. It's all very good as a pre-workout and post-workout meal, or if you just want some energy to get through your day. Bertagna hopes to take the business far and open more locations in the next few years.
What are ways Chico State students can help and support local businesses like yours?
Bertagna says, “To be honest, just keep showing up!” So far, the Chico State community has been doing a great job at coming by and showing them some love. Monkey Bowls enjoys creating relationships with all who come in and want to make customers for life, not just one-time customers. They love to see their regulars!
What is your favorite part about working/running Monkey Bowls here on campus?
The best part about running Monkey Bowls here on campus is seeing all the faces that come and show support for their business. Bertagna expresses that it has been cool seeing customers light up after they take that first bite and say it’s some of the best stuff they’ve ever had or it was just what they needed that day. It makes Bertagna happy because he’s proud of what he’s done and reinforces his accomplishments so far with the business.
What is one of your most popular flavors on the menu?
Monkey Bowls’ most popular flavor is definitely the açaí – hands down. At one point, they sold out of that flavor for a week! Bertagna didn't realize he'd be selling three tubs of açaí a day, so it definitely took some learning on how to keep up with stock where they wouldn’t be sold out again. However, a good thing that came out of that was that they got to see the second,
third, and fourth favorite flavors. All the bright flavors seem to be at the top. The Blue Roots, which has blue spirulina algae in it acting as a natural dye was the second fan favorite followed by the Pitaya, which is dragon fruit, so it's very bright and pink. Then the mango or passion fruit seem to be tied as the next favorites.
If someone is trying Monkey Bowls for the first time, what should they get?
Monkey Bowls’ eight base flavors are flavors that most people are comfortable with and their pricing includes the toppings. They suggest getting everything that you like in your bowl as it is very customizable. All of the toppings are toppings for a reason as they all have nutritional benefits, so amplify your health benefits as much as possible. The menu is built in a way where you can have it your way every time, so it’s great for even the pickiest eaters.
What is a flavor on your menu that is underrated, and you think more students should try?
Bertagna says that's a hard one because none of them are too underrated. They all get some love and are all good, but if he had to choose, it would be the coconut cream. It’s Bertagna’s personal favorite because it mixes well with everything. No matter what flavors he gets, he always adds a thin layer of coconut in it - highly recommended!
Do you have other locations?
The first Monkey Bowls location is at 9275 Midway in Durham, CA. Bertagna’s parents own Almendra Steakhouse where Monkey Bowls is located. Bertagna is grateful to have his family's support to be in that building. They did great for the first few months, which led to the opportunity to move in the second location at Chico State. The location in Durham is also a café, offering coffee, smoothies, and energy drinks in addition to their acai bowls. They use local Daycamp and Stoble coffee beans as well. The Durham location is open on the weekends, so when students are getting the craving on the weekend, drive out to Durham. It's a short trip and a nice location. You could even tour the whole facility while you're out there.
What are some gluten-free, vegan and/or vegetarian options on your menu?
All of Monkey Bowls’ bases are dairy free, gluten-free and vegan. As for toppings, the granola isn't gluten-free but there are plenty of other options for toppings, such as fruits, seeds, and almond butter. As mentioned, the bowls are very customizable to meet your needs.
Monkey Bowls can be found at the Marketplace Café Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. They accept campus currencies, but do not accept cash.
Follow Monkey Bowls (@monkeybowls_chicostate) for new menu items, operational updates and more.
Chico State students, staff and faculty can use FlexCash, ReDD$, and Wildcat Dollars at dining locations on campus. For more information, click here. For more information about Associated Students Dining Services, please visit our website at as.csuchico.edu/dining.
