Are you looking to cool off with a sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty? Nautical Bowls, located on the ground floor of Pier 33 may be just the thing.  

The national franchise, owned locally by Todd and Cathy Natale, opened in March and is gearing up for a busy summer season. The Natales own the license to operate in both Wilmington and Leland, but said they opted to open the Wilmington location first because of the area’s ongoing growth and revitalization.  

“With this location being right along the riverfront at the marina and its proximity to so many surrounding apartments and venues such as Cape Fear Community College, Live Oak Bank Pavilion, the Skyline Center and the convention center, we really wanted to be a part of this area,” Todd Natale said.  

Their 1,300-square-foot space offers seating for 18 inside and four outside with online ordering and catering available.  

When the Natales relocated from New York to Wilmington after retiring from the construction business, they were looking to open a food-related business. Cathy Natale, a vegetarian, was initially drawn to Nautical Bowls because of the healthy menu. The couple also felt that both the name and the concept were well-suited to the area.  

Nautical Bowl’s menu is all-natural and plant-based as well as gluten-, dairy- and soy-free. 

There are 11 signature bowls, a build-your-own option and six superfood smoothies. Each bowl or smoothie starts with a base of sorbet, acai, chia pudding or dairy-free cacao (or some combination) and is topped with options, ranging from granola and fresh fruit to a variety of dry toppings and drizzles.  

“What really makes us unique to the market is all of these health benefits without the addition of any refined sugars,” Todd Natale said.  
For those having trouble narrowing down the options, Nautical Bowls is featuring a summer sample flight board with three 5-ounce portions of its signature bowls – the Sunrise bowl, the Nauti bowl and the Paddle. 

Nautical Bowls is located at 32 Harnett St. in Wilmington and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Natales are looking for property in both Wilmington and Leland for a second Nautical Bowls location.