As Scott Mills neared the end of his close to 23 years of service in the Air Force, he knew that he wanted to go into business for himself.

The service had allowed him to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautics and a Master's Degree in Business Administration.

"I think my dad's businesses have always interested me in the business world," Mills began.

In preparing to transition, he attended all of the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) classes and talked with career coaches before making a decision to open Rush Bowls.

"It took a while to land with Rush Bowls," he continued during a conversation in his clean, bright and recently opened business located in Lakewood.

"Initially Rush Bowls was one of the first ones I looked at, but it was different and there wasn't one within a five-state radius to look at and try."

But Mills' thinking changed after a business trip to Dallas, Texas.

"I had the opportunity ... to try a Rush Bowls located in Flower Mound, Texas," continued the retired chief master sergeant, "and I was sold on the franchise after eating the product ... and I then decided on owning and operating the first store in Lakewood."

Begun in 2004, Rush Bowls has 24 locations in 14 states with approximately 120 additional locations in development across 20 states.

He allowed that, while serving at McChord Field, he and his staff would eat lunch in Lakewood a few times a week.

"We would rotate our restaurants, but there were not any healthy food options in our mix. Rush Bowls provides great tasting, healthy food that is a meal replacement."

Mills explained that while in the Air Force, he received "outstanding leadership training" to accompany the responsibilities he had.

"All the training I received throughout the years helps me every day in business when it comes to providing great customer service, understanding the team that works with me, staying organized, and adapting to the changing needs of the business."

So with all these business ingredients in mind, what is a Rush Bowl?

It is a thick, creamy blend of all-natural fruits and vegetables topped with delicious, crunchy, organic granola and a drizzle of honey. 

Rush Bowls has 40 bowls on its menu, and it also offers smoothies made with fruit and vegetables, to include acai, kale and avocado, to name a few.

"With up to five servings of fruits and vegetables and up to 40 grams of protein in each bowl, eating well on the go has never been easier," said Mills.

His business also offers online ordering as well as a catering service.

"Rush Bowls accommodates all types of dietary restrictions to include vegan and gluten-free," concluded Mills.

"We offer an alternative to fast food," commented Crystal Burkett, as she made a bowl called "If Looks Could Kale."

"This is healthy food; it fuels your rush."

Rush Bowls, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., daily, 5700 100th St. SW, Suite 330, Lakewood Pavilion, rushbowls.com/lakewood/contact