From Family Recipe to Michelin Recognition | The Story of Psomi | Spoke Stories Ep. 2

On this ride through Tampa, we’re joined by Christina Theofilos — owner, operator, and chef behind Psomi (@eatpsomi), one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants and a 2023 Michelin Young Chef Award recipient.

We start in the Encore District, roll along the Cass Street Cycle Track, and end our ride at Psomi in North Hyde Park — a modern Greek-American bakery and café that has become a staple of Tampa’s culinary scene. Along the way, Christina shares her journey from collegiate athlete to entrepreneur, the challenges of building a business from scratch, and what it means to create a restaurant rooted in both family and community.

In this episode:
• How Christina turned a family idea into one of Tampa’s most-loved restaurants
• Lessons learned from opening and growing Psomi — and surviving the early days of COVID
• Why her lack of formal training became her biggest advantage
• A look at Tampa’s growing bike infrastructure and how small businesses can support alternative transportation

🎙️ Spoke Stories is a podcast where we ride through Tampa with the people shaping it — one short commute and one real conversation at a time.

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🎙️ Created in partnership with:
• That’s So Tampa
– your guide to what’s happening in the city
• Pedal Power Promoters
– experts in creating bike-friendly communities
• Tampa Downtown Partnership
– driving mobility, placemaking, and growth in downtown Tampa
• EMOTO Supply Co.
– Florida’s destination for electric bikes and lifestyle mobility

📍 Route: Encore District → Cass Street Cycle Track → Psomi, North Hyde Park
🍽️ Guest destination: Psomi | Michelin Bib Gourmand & Young Chef Award Winner

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