A POPULAR fast-food chain known for its healthy twist on greasy food is closing its doors for good.
The Tampa-based eatery has been around since 1994, and stood out for its air-baked fries and organic milkshakes.
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Despite a run lasting over 30 years, Evos has announced it’s closing its final remaining locations in Florida.
The company didn’t mention reasons for the shutdown.
Local friends Dino Lambridis, Alkis Crassas, and Michael Jeffers first opened the burger joint in the 1990s.
Consumers quickly considered it a health-conscious fast food joint that was ahead of its time.
It also stood out for using fair-trade ingredients, but it unfortunately failed to expand the way the local friends had hoped it would.
A 2007 report cited ambitions for Evos to open 207 locations in 12 western states, but those plans ultimately fizzled out.
SHOUTING OUT
Several customers took to social media to pay their respects.
“Sorry to see such an innovative vegan restaurant go under,” one person wrote in a thread on Facebook.
“So sad to see them go. My husband and I were customers from the beginning at the Bay to Bay location. Michael and his co-founders are great people,” another said.
A third chimed in, “I’m sorry to hear that! I first started eating at Evos on South Howard back in 2000-2001.”
“At that time, there were no other healthy fast food restaurants,” they added.
THE CHOPPING BLOCK
Evos also isn’t the only popular eatery with a focus on more nutritious offerings that is closing its doors.
Hound & Harvest, a health-inspired and dog-friendly taco restaurant out of Huntsville, Alabama, has also shut down.
“To our loyal customers, neighbors, friends, and of course, your four-legged family members; thank you,” the restaurant posted on Facebook.
Restaurant closures in 2025
Denny’s – Denny’s has confirmed that up to 150 locations are set to close in the US by the end of the year as many of them are no longer profitable.
Red Lobster – The chain has said that it plans to close over 100 stores across the country this year as new CEO Damola Adamolekun takes over.
TGI Friday’s – TGI Friday’s is still being forced to shutter locations thanks to a bankruptcy filing, including 30 in April alone.
Applebee’s – This chain is projecting a loss of 20 to 35 Applebee’s spots in 2025 but is teaming up with IHOP to introduce dual-branded locations with a curated menu of the two’s best items.
Noodles & Company – This emporium is set to close between 17 and 21 locations in 2025 following a difficult 2024.
It was famous for offerings like the Chilean Chicken Bowl, Forage Bowl, and Surf & Turf Tacos.
The chain even served breakfast options like avocado toast and house-made granola cereal.
Liquidation of the restaurant’s assets took place on July 20, per CBS affiliate WHNT.
Loyal customers similarly expressed their grief online.
“I really hate to read this… Hound and Harvest is such a light in our community. You will be greatly missed,” someone said.
A longtime employee, Jarrod Rhoades Jr, also told the news outlet that he would “miss it forever and ever.”
This summer, another beloved burger chain also shuttered 79 locations in a fast food slaughter, leaving only 34 left.
The popular chicken-finger spot Sticky’s also announced it could close all of its locations amid financial troubles.
