OAKBERRY, the São Paulo-based açaí bowl chain, opens its first Johannesburg location on Friday, November 27 at Melrose Arch. The store will operate from 07h00–20h00 daily. The brand, which now operates more than 900 stores globally, brings frozen organic açaí sourced from Santa Izabel do Pará in Brazil. Each bowl is constructed from the company's signature deep-purple açaí base, layered with fresh toppings like strawberries, bananas, protein options, and crunchy garnishes. "In Brazil, açaí is how friends meet up, any time of day," says Leah McCrae, CEO of OAKBERRY South Africa. "Come in, say 'açaí' out loud and feel the smile." Customers can order from signature bowls or build their own from a toppings bar. The açaí is kept frozen throughout the supply chain to maintain freshness.
Founders Night and Purple Waiting List On Thursday, November 26, the first 50 members of OAKBERRY's Purple Waiting List can attend Founders Night with a guest, featuring DJs and complimentary samples. All list members receive opening-day specials. Those interested can join by scanning the QR code on the Melrose Arch hoarding or emailing marketing@oakberrysa.co.za.
Expansion Plans Cape Town is next. The brand will launch a Sea Point pop-up in December, followed by a V&A Waterfront store in early 2027.
Why It Matters
The açaí bowl category continues to expand in Africa's foodservice market. OAKBERRY's entry into Johannesburg signals growing consumer demand for health-focused, Instagram-worthy bowls in premium retail locations—a segment that has driven foot traffic to mixed-use developments like Melrose Arch.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Melrose Arch location open and close?
OAKBERRY opens at 07h00 and closes at 20h00 daily, starting Friday, November 27. That's a 13-hour daypart capturing breakfast through dinner traffic in a premium mixed-use location.
Where does OAKBERRY source its açaí?
All açaí comes frozen from Santa Izabel do Pará in Brazil and stays frozen throughout the entire supply chain to lock in freshness. The brand operates 900+ stores globally running this same sourcing protocol.
What's the Purple Waiting List and when is Founders Night?
OAKBERRY's Purple Waiting List members get first access to Founders Night on Thursday, November 26—the first 50 can bring a guest for DJs and free samples. List members also score opening-day specials; join by scanning the Melrose Arch hoarding QR code or emailing marketing@oakberrysa.co.za.
Where is OAKBERRY expanding after Johannesburg?
Cape Town is locked in with a Sea Point pop-up launching in December 2026 and a V&A Waterfront store opening in early 2027. South Africa is clearly a growth market for the São Paulo chain.
Why should operators care about this launch?
The açaí bowl category is expanding across Africa's foodservice sector, and OAKBERRY's entry into Johannesburg proves premium mixed-use developments like Melrose Arch can drive foot traffic with health-focused, social-media-friendly offerings. This is a segment worth watching for your own portfolio.
