Like D.P. Dough and betterBYRD, Zoes Kitchen, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant brand, is making its way to Tampa's SoHo district.
The Texas-based chain, which operates more than 180 locations, will launch its first outpost in the Tampa Bay area at The Morrison, a new mixed-use development along Howard Avenue, in early 2017.
"We recognize a community that has a desire to eat well, where we can bring a differentiated offering," said Marta Danylyk, Zoes public relations manager.
At 936 S. Howard Ave., the 2,800-square-foot Tampa restaurant plans to feature indoor seating and a large outdoor patio, which will enhance the space's casual, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this year.
The menu spotlights house-made Mediterranean dishes like a popular hummus trio (made up of classic, basil-pesto and red pepper hummus) and the Live Med Salad, tossed with zucchini, squash, farro, lupini beans, cherry tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan.
Other items include baked feta, a Greek chicken pita, an array of kebabs and orzo tabouli salad.
To celebrate its opening, the SoHo Zoes is set to promote a social media giveaway of "Zoes for a Year" and other surprises, with more details to come. A Sarasota location will follow at the end of 2017, and Danylyk said the chain is looking into additional restaurants along the west coast.
