After 30 years of serving “feel great food,” Florida-based burger chain EVOS is closing all its locations, leaving health-conscious fast-food enthusiasts with one less guilt-free option.
At a Glance
- EVOS, a Florida-based health-conscious burger chain founded in 1994, is closing its last three locations by April 12, 2025
- The chain pioneered “Airbaking” instead of deep frying and used hormone-free, antibiotic-free ingredients in their menu offerings
- Co-Founder Michael Jeffers confirmed the closure while assuring that jobs have been secured for remaining staff members
- EVOS was recognized for environmental sustainability practices, including using recycled materials for all packaging
- The restaurant industry continues to face challenges with inflation, changing consumer habits, and increasing operational costs
A Pioneer in Healthy Fast Food Closes Its Doors
EVOS, the Florida-based burger chain that carved a niche in the fast-food industry with its health-conscious approach, will shut down all remaining locations by April 12, 2025. Founded in 1994, EVOS distinguished itself by offering nutritious alternatives to traditional fast food while promoting environmental sustainability. The chain’s final three locations in Carrollwood, South Tampa, and St. Petersburg will permanently close, marking the end of a three-decade run that challenged conventional fast-food norms with its innovative cooking methods and quality ingredients.
The restaurant pioneered a trademarked cooking method called “Airbaking,” which eliminated the need for deep frying and significantly reduced the fat content in their menu items. This approach allowed EVOS to advertise their standard orders as 50 to 70 percent healthier than typical burger joints, appealing to consumers seeking better nutritional options without sacrificing taste. The menu featured a variety of options including Wild Alaskan Salmon Burgers, Grilled Chicken BLT Burgers, Chipotle Blackbean Burgers, and their Original Steakhouse Burger, all available with organic or gluten-free bun options.
Environmental Commitment and Quality Ingredients
Beyond its health-focused menu, EVOS gained recognition for its commitment to environmental sustainability, earning an Earth Charter Award for its eco-friendly practices. All packaging, including gift cards, was made from recycled materials, reinforcing the company’s dedication to reducing environmental impact. The chain emphasized using humanely and naturally raised beef and chicken, organic milk and sugar for milkshakes, and real fruit for fruit shakes, setting a standard for sustainability in the fast-food industry long before it became a mainstream concern.
EVOS further distinguished itself with premium toppings including natural, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and nitrate-free bacon, natural aged cheddar, vegan smoked gouda, and fresh Hass avocado. This attention to ingredient quality attracted a loyal customer base willing to pay slightly higher prices for food they could feel good about consuming. As one company representative noted in 2008, customers recognized the value of investing in food that was “inherently good for them” and made a positive difference in their lives and the environment.
The End of an Era
While no official statement has detailed the specific reasons for closure, the restaurant industry as a whole faces significant challenges including inflation, price hikes, and changing consumer habits. These factors have contributed to the closure of numerous restaurant chains including locations of Denny’s, Red Robin, Cracker Barrel, and Outback Steakhouse. EVOS initially expanded beyond Florida to other Southern states in the early 2000s but faced declining sales and eventually halted growth, suggesting the chain had been facing headwinds for some time.
Co-Founder Michael Jeffers expressed gratitude for community support throughout the years and confirmed that the company had taken steps to secure employment for their remaining team members. “We have no regrets and we leave having taken steps to secure jobs and futures for our valued team,” Jeffers stated. Despite the closures, the EVOS website remains active, highlighting their mission and unique offerings as a final testament to their three decades of providing healthier fast-food alternatives to communities across Florida and beyond.
