Miami Dolphins player to open health food franchise on Marco Island

Miami Dolphins cornerback Elijah Campbell is opening a Nautical Bowls franchise on Marco Island.

The 28-year-old football player and his wife, Anisse, have signed a lease for space at The Esplanade Shoppes for the first of three locations in the region. The new shop is expected to open later this year, according to Continental Realty Corp.

The Baltimore real estate and management firm owns the 51,000-square-foot retail center at 760 N. Collier Blvd. Its tenant roster includes CJ’s Restaurant & Bar, Cold Stone Creamery, Ocean Soul Jewelry, Yara’s Shoe Boutique and The Curated Crab.

With the addition of Nautical Bowls, the center will be 100% leased CRC says in a statement announcing the Campbell's shop.

Campbell, according to his official Dolphins bio, was signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 as an undrafted free agent and subsequently waived in August of that year. He spent two years playing in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football league and the XFL before signing with the New York Jets in 2020.

The Jets waived him Aug. 31, 2021, and the Dolphins claimed him off waivers the following day. He played 15 games with the team last season and in five games thus far this season.

Nautical Bowls was founded in in 2018 and currently operates about 60 locations nationwide, including two in Naples and one each in Estero and Miami. According to its website, a franchise requires $100,000 up front and a total of investment of between $300,000 and $400,000.

The company’s bowls are made with one of six bases — including acai, coconut, mango, and chia pudding — and fruits, honey oak granola and dry toppings. All of its ingredients are plant-based and gluten free.