A healthy dining franchise is in talks with the city to open a restaurant in the space where Argo Tea was formerly located.

Freshii, which will open at 1596 Sherman Ave., announced its plans to open an Evanston storefront after Argo Tea closed its doors a few weeks ago.

Freshii will open within the next couple of months, said Rick Horn, whose family owns the property space. The Freshii team recently signed a lease and is currently in the process of applying for permits, Horn said.

The franchise currently has locations in more than 50 cities and 10 countries across the world, including multiple Chicago restaurants.

Horn, who described the dining option as fresh and affordable, said he’s been talking with Freshii management since the spring about plans to potentially open in Evanston. He said Freshii will likely be set up similarly to Argo Tea, with outdoor seating options if permits are given.

“I think they’re going to hit all of the demographics in terms of appealing to students, professors, faculty, downtown residents (and) the people who work in downtown Evanston,” Horn said.

Paul Zalmezak, the city’s senior economic development coordinator, said he does not know why Argo Tea, which first moved to Evanston in 2006, decided to close its space.

“I’m going to be reaching out to them to see if we can find them another location in Evanston,” he said. “We loved having them here. It was a great alternative to the chain and independent coffee shops that we have in downtown Evanston and our neighborhoods.”

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