A new restaurant has recently popped up in New York, leaving Aussies living in the US puzzled due to its striking resemblance to a popular Australian food outlet. The signage in New York’s NoHo bears a close resemblance to the restaurant Fishbowl, albeit with a slightly altered name, sparking confusion and speculation among expats and visitors.

Despite the initial confusion, it has been confirmed that the founders of Fishbowl are indeed taking their Asian-inspired salad and protein bowl takeaway business global. Set to open in mid-2024, the New York store will mark the company’s first outlet outside of Australia, operating under the name Thisbowl in the US.

The company’s three founders, who are friends from University, are strategically targeting the massive US market with their expansion. Nic Pestalozzi, one of the founders, expressed the company’s ambition to make a significant impact by launching in New York, citing it as the ultimate retail Mecca. The decision to prioritize New York over other potential locations reflects their determination to establish a strong foothold in the US market.

Originating from Bondi Beach in 2016, Fishbowl was founded by Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi, and Casper Ettelson with the vision of promoting healthy living through their Japanese, Malaysian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese influenced salad bowls. Their journey from university students to successful entrepreneurs highlights their commitment to building a brand centered around wellness and nutritious dining options.