Everybody’s Business: South Tampa’s Swami Juice to open avocado bar

TAMPA — The new owners of South Tampa’s Swami Juice are hoping the avocado craze is still in full swing.

Roger Stephan and Ziad Estephan, who have owned Byblos for the past 18 years, noted the franchise that had brought the cold-pressed juicing trend from South Florida was seeking new owners at its South MacDill location.

“Obviously in our plaza, we said why not?” Stephan said.

They hope to expand the menu and bring what they’ve seen take off in cities like New York and San Francisco.

“One of the things the Tampa Bay area is missing that is trendy in other cities is an avocado bar,” Stephan said.

The avocado bar will not stray far from its name, featuring all-things-avocado. Menu items will include tuna avocado salads, avocados with beets and arugula and a variety of avocado toasts, salads and protein bases.

Stephan said they also hope to bring some elements of Byblos into Mediterranean infused items on the menu, with the possibility of hummus toasts.

The two also hope to expand on the franchise’s other offerings. Swami Juice came to be known for their cold-press juices, smoothies and acai bowls. The new owners hope add more fruit options for customers to add to their acai bowls.

The restaurant, which built its base on the fitness conscious of South Tampa, will continue to focus on what it’s best at, Stephan said.

“When Swami came into town, they were the first to bring the concept of cold-pressed juice here,” he said. “It’s spread since, but our ingredients and mixes have kept our customers coming back.”

Swami Juice is located at 2832 S MacDill Ave. It’s open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.