Downtown Tampa is getting an upscale fast food restaurant next month, and it'll be open late so tipsy drinkers can indulge in some not-so-guilty pleasures.
Initially slated for a late spring debut at 305 E. Polk St. across the street from The Hub, Nojaks is now shooting for a mid-October opening.
In a previous conversation with the concept’s chef and co-owner, Wesley Rodrick, revealed that almost the entire menu at Nojaks will be vegan.
The fast-casual restaurant is a partnership between Tampa Bay culinary minds, Rodrick and Anthony Masters, who was the executive sous chef at On Swann.
"Our dream is to create a fast food restaurant with a focus on delivering more value per meal. We will offer delicious burgers alongside local vegetables—all at a great price," Rodrick told CL in a message.
We can also expect housemade buns baked daily, that are preservative-free and vegan.
Sandwiches on the working menu include the Classic Nojak with a veg patty and special sauce. If you’re a meat lover, you can grab the All-American Nojak with beef and cheddar cheese. Another is the NFT Supreme with super crispy, brined tofu with house pickles and ranch.
Side dishes range from oven-roasted potatoes with sauce to a house salad, and crunchy veg slaw. There’s also a beverage list with cold brew, natural wine, local beer, and Boylan Bottling Company sodas.
Rodrick has been hosting walk-throughs on the restaurant’s Instagram, giving future diners a behind the scenes look construction like the late-night menu board for downtown Tampa socialites and teasing some Nojak T-shirt merch.
In the meantime, the concept is doing limited deliveries, small caterings and pop-ups around town.
UPDATED: 09/07/20 2:06 p.m. Updated with working menu information.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Want to know everything going on with Tampa Bay's food and drink scene? Sign up for our Bites newsletter.
This article appears in Sep 3-9, 2020.
