EVOS Multiple locations After nearly three decades of flipping burgers with a health-conscious twist, Tampa-based fast-casual chain Evos closed its final three Florida restaurants in April—marking the end of an era for fans of its air-baked fries and organic milkshakes. Credit: Evos/Facebook
After nearly three decades of flipping burgers with a health-conscious twist, Tampa-based fast-casual chain Evos is closing its final three Florida restaurants — marking the end of an era for fans of its air-baked fries and organic milkshakes.

The company did not mention a reason for closing in its April 4 announcement. Its locations in Carrollwood and South Tampa are already shuttered.

The St. Petersburg location closes today, Friday, April 11.

Founded in 1994 by local friends and business partners Dino Lambridis, Alkis Crassas, and Michael Jeffers, Evos carved out a niche long before “clean eating” became mainstream.

The brand became known for putting a healthy spin on American classics, using organic and fair-trade ingredients, air-baking instead of deep frying, and offering fruit shakes made from real fruit and juice.

“What makes us different? Airbaking instead of deep frying!” the company’s website still proudly declares. “Enjoy the foods you love – less grease, less guilt.”

At its prime, the restaurant was poised for massive expansion. A 2007 report from the Business Observer highlighted ambitious franchise deals, including plans to open 207 locations in 12 western states, as well as restaurants in Atlanta, North Carolina, and additional outposts across Tampa Bay, including one near USF.

While those goals never fully materialized, Evos remained a cherished local brand for health-conscious foodies.

In a farewell statement, co-founder Jeffers said, “We’ve enjoyed this chapter of our lives immensely, but all good things come to an end.”


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Sofía García Vargas, born in Colombia, South America and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, is a journalism student at the University of South Florida and Editor-in-Chief of The Crow’s Nest, USF...