Digital Transformation at Playa Bowls

Powering Growth and Clarity for an Emerging Brand

July 2, 2025

Jill Weston

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5 min read

Playa Bowls partnered with Figure 8 in 2024 and 2025 to modernize its core digital infrastructure - laying the groundwork for smarter growth, stronger guest experiences, and scalable franchise support. From outdated legacy systems to a fully integrated digital stack, this transformation touches every layer of the business.

Challenge

A bold brand with a fresh, vibrant menu and deep commitment to community connection, Playa Bowls has become a nationwide leader in the superfruit bowl space, now with over 300 locations.

But behind this rapidly growing quick service restaurant brand was outdated digital infrastructure that could not keep up.

Legacy systems created inefficiencies, extensive manual support by the Playa Bowls team, and a subpar digital guest experience.

Objective

Figure 8 was engaged to lead Playa Bowls through a complete digital transformation.

To support rapid growth and reduce operational drag, Figure 8 identified five core systems in need of modernization.

Point-of-Sale (POS)
Loyalty Program
Payments Platform
Gift Card System
Website Design & UX

What We Offer

First, Figure 8 initiated and led comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes for each system.

Strategic Vendor Selection

We designed RFPs, fielded and analyzed 40+ vendor responses, and negotiated cost-effective Master Service Agreements.

Growth Alignment

We aligned with Playa Bowls' current needs and projected growth strategy.

Now, we’re now managing full-platform implementations across all systems.

Seamless Project Execution

Our end-to-end project oversight includes structured testing before go-live, careful sequencing of workstreams to minimize disruption, and coordination of all parties to maintain timeline integrity.

Results & Impact

The impact of this work is already clear, in vendor performance, internal efficiency, and speed to market.

01

Increased cost savings

due to rigorous negotiation leveraging competitive benchmarks.

02

Enhanced vendor partnership confidence

through strategic vendor selection and tailored contracting.

03

Faster implementation

thanks to integrated oversight and coordination.

04

One accountable digital system

that unifies all core systems.

05

Streamlined operations

through expert change management.

With Figure 8 at the helm, Playa Bowls is positioned to scale with confidence and serve up elevated digital experiences.

Given our rapid growth, we have the opportunity to quickly implement a best-in-class digital transformation with thoughtful, focused and strategic technology investments that enhance the guest experience and empower our franchise operators to continue delivering amazing results… We’re excited to have Figure 8 working as an extension of our team to help us ride this next wave of innovation.

Jayson Tipp

Chief Development Officer at Playa Bowls

As implementation continues across systems, Figure 8 remains a strategic partner, ensuring Playa Bowls can adapt, grow, and lead with confidence in a fast-changing QSR landscape.