By Cooper Hofmann

School ends at 3:30 p.m., and although that may be a sore spot for some who do not like school, it is hard to deny the promise of all that leftover daylight when we leave. The final bell rings, and suddenly you’re free to do things, hang out, and have fun. For many Granada Naturally, Granada Hills Charter (GHC) students tend to flock to the Granada Village, which is basically the unofficial after-school hub. Whether you’re celebrating the end of a long day, grabbing a quick snack before practice, or just killing time with friends, the Village is the go-to spot. 

With so many food options, choosing where to go can be a challenge. Maybe you’re in the mood for something refreshing, maybe you’re watching your budget, or maybe you just don’t want to spend 20 minutes waiting for a burger. That’s where Bearies Acai comes in, a hidden gem in the Granada Village food scene that more students are starting to notice. 

Bearies Acai serves smoothie bowls, and offers bases consisting of a variety of fruits such as acai, pitaya, and mango. The consistency is close to frozen yogurt, buttery and rich. With Bearies Acai, they let you add toppings in the form of granola, sweet drizzle, and two diced fruits. There are more specifics that can be delved into, but the bottom line is that it tastes good, and that’s what matters. 

What really sets them apart from other Granada Village restaurants, though, is how affordable it is. The truck is typically parked somewhere near the Jamba Juice, and it has a special offer for students in the form of the aptly named “student bowl.” 

“The student bowl is basically just a small bowl, kind of like a snack for the students,” a Bearies Acai employee said. 

While the smallest size for the normal bowls is around 11 ounces, the student bowl comes in at 6 ounces, which is sizable for its cost. Along with being close by and catering to students, Bearies Acai also partners with the school for fundraisers, cementing their relationship with GHC. 

“Bearies Acai is the one restaurant that my friends and I look forward to getting after school,” junior Judy Um said, “and they give back to the community, which I like a lot.”

With great taste, student-friendly pricing, and a commitment to the school, Bearies Acai is a standout choice for GHC students. Whether you’re a longtime smoothie bowl fan or just looking for something new to try, it’s worth checking out. Delicious, affordable, and the perfect way to wrap up the school day, sounds like a win-win.