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Last week, we asked you what food type is missing from Lakeland, FL. With 140+ poll answers, roughly 100 Facebook comments, and dozens of emails, you could say Lakelanders are passionate about food.
In addition to given options, we asked readers + followers to submit their ideas. With answers ranging from chain restaurants to locally-owned shops, here’s what you said:
- “Something creative/unique. Something that’s fun to go to when you have guests visiting or a special occasion like a birthday.” — Sara O.
- “Adult restaurant, not a pub or sports grill. Noise quiet enough to talk; we don’t need racket to think we are in a hip joint. Good basic home cooked food. Not everything fried in grease. Grillsmith is the closest to that. I’d love to hear other options. Not a chain is even better.” — Charlene B.
- “Soul food.” — Robyn F.
- “A good diner like the ones in the north east.” — Megan M.
- “Fondue!!!! That would be awesome and so much fun!!!” — Victoria C.
- “Ukrainian.” — Yvonne P.
- “French.” — Joy W.
- “Middle Eastern!!!” — Natalie K.
- “A full Salvadoran restaurant would be a nice addition to Lakeland.” — Jennifer M.
Other popular suggestions include Asian, Columbian, Ethiopian, German, Greek, Peruvian, fine-dining + options for individuals with dietary restrictions.
While Lakeland is notoriously fond of local options, 20+ chain restaurants were also named. The most popular requests were:
- Fresh Kitchen
- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
- ShakeShack
- MOD Pizza
- Whataburger
- Cookout
- Pollo Tropical
- 4 Rivers BBQ
- Maple Street Biscuit Company
- Portillos
- Cheesecake Factory
- Cedar River Seafood
- PF Chang’s
- Papa Gino’s
- Soul Bowlz
- Chicken Salad Chick
If you’re thinking of opening a new eatery in the 863, now you know what the people want. 😋
Poll
