The Tampa Bay area has experienced a wave of restaurant and bar closures in recent months, with twelve beloved establishments shuttering their doors. From long-standing vegan eateries to popular chains, these closures have left a notable impact on the local dining scene.
Among the casualties is Vine Vegan in Brandon, which recently served its last plant-based meals at its brick-and-mortar location. However, owner Stevens plans to continue offering fan favorites through a rebranded food truck concept.
The Tampa-based EVOS chain ended its nearly 30-year run in April, closing its final three Florida restaurants. Known for health-conscious fare including air-baked fries and organic milkshakes, the closure marked the end of an era for many loyal customers.
Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort and its Ikki Woo-Woo bar will soon be demolished after 68 years of operation. In a social media announcement, ownership cited extensive damage from last year’s back-to-back hurricanes, with approximately 80% of the resort suffering substantial damage. They plan a complete rebuild that will preserve the “…heart, soul, and charm that guests have come to love.”
The Wayward Goose in downtown St. Petersburg closed after a decade of business. The establishment was known for displaying works by local artists on its brick walls and served as one of St. Pete’s last pool halls.
Tampa’s Nebraska Mini-Mart in Seminole Heights shut down last month, just shy of its seventh anniversary. Parent company Proper House Group described it as “a tough business decision” in a social media post. The location has since been taken over by King of the Coop.
The KISS-themed Rock & Brews in Lutz ended its run on March 23 after opening in 2020. Co-founded by KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, the 7,900-square-foot restaurant will be demolished to make way for Chicago-based hot dog chain Portillo’s, which filed preliminary plans with Pasco County in February.
Melting Pot Social in downtown Tampa closed on May 2, less than two years after its debut. The company has completely retired this bar-centric dining concept but maintains that its traditional Melting Pot locations will remain open, including a new one in St. Petersburg.
The Avenue, a staple in St. Petersburg for 13 years, closed its doors in February. Known for game-day gatherings and weekend brunch, owner Stephen Schrutt told local media that the restaurant could not reach terms on a new lease and has no plans to relocate.
Squeeze Juice Works in St. Petersburg, a pioneer in Tampa Bay’s handcrafted juice scene since 2012, has also closed. Founder Kelly Lessem, who lives with the rare condition Myasthenia Gravis, started the business after beginning to juice for her own health needs.
Golden Dinosaurs, a vegan deli in Gulfport, went out of business in January after nearly seven years. Owners Brian and Audrey Dingeman cited financial burden as the reason for closure and will focus on their sister restaurant, Good Intentions, in St. Petersburg.
The original Mad Dogs and Englishmen location on MacDill Avenue closed in early January after 34 years. Owner Wilton Morley has partnered with restaurateur Blake Casper to open a revamped version nearby at 4914 S MacDill Avenue.
Hooch and Hive in Tampa closed after six years of hosting local and touring concerts. Known for innovative bar fare and what many considered the best palomas in town, the venue has been replaced by college sports bar The Lucky Spartan.
These closures represent significant changes to Tampa Bay’s dining landscape, though some concepts live on in new forms or locations as owners adapt to challenging business conditions.