Tampa Bay has already said goodbye to a bunch of beloved eateries this year—including several vegan and vegetarian favorites. The area lost two chains as well, with EVOS serving the last of its organic milkshakes after 30 years and Melting Pot’s more casual Social spot drying up pretty quickly. Pour out a bottle of ketchup for these spots we’ll miss.

Danielle Stevens poses in front of her plant-based restaurant Vine Vegan. Credit: vineveganfl/Facebook
Tampa fast food chain Evos, known for its air baked fries and organic milkshakes, has closed. Credit: Evos/Facebook
Thunderbird Beach Resort in Treasure Island, Florida. Credit: Photo via James Kirkikis/Shutterstock
Owners of the Wayward Goose at 48 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. N in St. Petersburg, Flrida announced its closure last week. Credit: Photo via thewaywardgoosebar/Facebook
Nebraska Mini-Mart 4815 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa Just a few months shy of its seventh anniversary, Tampa’s Nebraska Mini-Mart said goodbye to Seminole Heights last month. In a social media post featuring a tearful burger and milkshake, Nebraska Mini-Mart parent company Proper House Group (PHG) called the closing a tough business decision. Before it was a burger shack, Nebraska Mini-Mart was a drive-thru convenience store. It underwent heavy renovations on the way to becoming a largely outdoor concept known for its family-friendly atmosphere and good music, complete with shuffleboard courts and outdoor games. King of the Coop has since moved in. Credit: Photo via Nebraska Mini Mart/Faceboo

Rock & Brews

26000 SR-56, Lutz
KISS-themed chain restaurant Rock & Brews debuted in Lutz back in 2020, and since then you could argue that it indeed rocked and rolled all night (well, until midnight on Saturdays) and partied every day (even on Sundays). But those Crazy Crazy Nights have came to an end on March 23. Rock & Brews, which was co-founded by KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, first opened the 7,900 square-foot spot in the Wesley Chapel Town Center back in 2020. Now, the Rock & Brews building will be demolished to make way for hot dogs. According to Pasco County records, Chicago-based glizzy chain Portillo’s filed preliminary plans on Feb. 20 to take over the lot. Credit: Photo via Rock & Brews/Facebook
Best Date Restaurant Melting Pot Social Finalists: On Swann, Bella’s Italian Cafe Credit: Photo by Ray Roa
Downtown St. Pete’s Avenue Eat + Drink has maintained its First Avenue South presence since 2011. Credit: Meaghan Habuda

Squeeze Juice Works

675 30th Ave. N, St. Petersburg
A pioneer in Tampa Bay’s small batch, handcrafted juice scene, Squeeze launched in 2012. The St. Petersburg shop once had three locations and a cafe—including a shop in South Tampa. Founder Kelly Lessem, who lives with the rare neurological autoimmune condition Myasthenia Gravis, founded Squeeze after she started juicing for own health. The shop served juice, shots, food and had recently started a juice cleanse subscription service. Credit: Photo via SqueezeJuiceWorks/Facebook
Golden Dinosaurs at 2930 Beach Blvd. in Gulfport, Florida. Credit: goldendinosaursvegandeli/Facebook
Wilton Morley (L) and Rick ‘The Colonel’ Craig at Mad Dogs and Englishmen in 2024. Credit: Photo via TheOriginalMadDogs/Facebook
Roxx Revolt & the Velvet plays Hooch and Hive in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 13, 2024. Credit: Photo by Dave Decker