Bolay restaurant celebrates grand opening

A fast-casual restaurant that offers gluten-free and vegan dishes opened in a corner of Miami Lakes that is drawing new restaurants to town.

Bolay, at 15141 NW 67th Ave., was filled with excited diners during a soft opening the week of Sept. 9, when food was given away during two lunch hours.

“The energy of Miami Lakes aligns perfectly with the brand - active, young-minded and health conscious,” says Bolay Chief Executive Officer Chris Gannon. “This area is so diverse and the people here love good food that is prepared with fresh ingredients and that has a lot of flavor.

“We can't wait to show them what we're all about and to become a part of their lives,” Gannon said.

Diners invited to the soft openings through email and on social media tried small “bols,” and were given a free drink and gluten-free cookie, too.

Bolay’s bol is a bowl of ingredients chosen by the customer: a base of noodles or grains, with veggies and a protein that may include miso glazed tofu or BBQ chicken. There are add-ons such as avocado; sauce choices include carrot ginger or spicy Thai.

Bol come in two sizes and there is a child’s portion, too.

On the giveaway days, the crowd was energetic and seemed to enjoy the flavorful dishes. Portions were generous.

The staff answered questions for those who had not tried Bolay before.

“I love Bolay,” said customer Jessica Whitehead, who works nearby for The Graham Companies. “I’m excited about the new addition to the area.”

Bolay was created by Gannon and his father Tim Gannon, a co-founder of Outback Steakhouse.

Bolay celebrated their grand opening weekend that began Sept. 13 with prizes, giveaways, gift cards and their Pineapple Scavenger Hunt. If anyone found five pineapples hidden around town, they could win catering worth $125, management said.

The Miami Lakes location is the chain’s first in Miami-Dade County. Its neighbors along Northwest 67th Avenue are the soon-to-be-open Jersey Mike’s Subs and Sergio’s Cuban Café + Grill.

There are a dozen other Bolay restaurants in South and Central Florida.

“Miami Lakes is a beautiful area where people like eating well and being active,” said Colleen Brady, manager at the Miami Lakes location. “It’s the perfect next move for our booming brand.”

The restaurant is within walking distance to Shula’s Athletic Club and Main Street.

“We are committed to becoming a neighborhood favorite and we want all of Miami Lakes to be that much healthier and bolder because of Bolay,” Gannon said.

Bolay is open seven days a week: Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
For more information call 786-409-0500 or visit: www.bolay.com.