The fourth Florida location for Taziki's Mediterranean Café is gearing up to launch in Tampa.
At 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, the newest franchise for the affordable Alabama-based restaurant chain will open its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the Carrollwood Area Business Association. A donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay will also help Taziki's celebrate its opening at 3825 Northdale Blvd.
The Mediterranean-inspired café — which became the first national franchise with REAL Certification (the emerging standard for foodservice nutrition and sustainability) in 2015 — is known for its varied lineup of healthful dishes, which includes meat, seafood and vegetarian selections. Among Taziki's most popular items are the Grilled Salmon Feast (Atlantic salmon served with Greek salad and basmati rice or new potatoes), tomato-basil sandwich and gyro offerings.
Like the other 60-plus cafes across 16 states, the Tampa location won't use fryers or microwaves to prepare food for customers, and hardwood furnishings, natural stone and residential lighting are part of the café's clean, refreshing décor.
The Bay area's first Taziki's opened to Clearwater off Ulmerton Road.
This article appears in Jan 5-12, 2017.