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Answered: What you want to see in Lakeland’s vacant storefronts

While we always hate to say goodbye, we also want to know: What would you put in these now-vacant Lakeland buildings?

Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland

Crispers closed its four remaining locations in fall of 2022.

Photo by LALtoday

Crispers, 217 N. Kentucky Ave.

Crispers’ former Lakeside Village location has already been spoken for by KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, but it appears the downtown spot is up for grabs.

We asked our Instagram followers what they’d like to see. The top-liked comments included:

  • “We need a wine bar” — @alexislafferty_
  • “A diner would be so cute!!” — @nyletteadagostinoo
  • “Chicken Salad Chick!!” — @"ryon_flanagan
  • “Could totally see a boba tea spot!” — @grizbizzz
  • “Is it weird that I really want someone to put an arcade there? Like Dave and Busters style with games and prizes” — @radxcity
  • “We need a Trader Joe’s, or Lucky Dill’s.” — @luciabelfiore
  • “A nice Greek restaurant that’s not fast food.” — @_randi144
  • “I will always respond the same .. BRING A @traderjoes or @wholefoods to Lakeland! Besides having healthy grocery stores in town I’m sure the City of Lakeland would love to get extra taxes on their hands.” — @flamenkitaviajera

Tuesday Morning, (2625 S. Florida Ave.)

  • “At Home would be great at Southgate where Tuesday morning was.” — Linda
  • “Cheesecake Factory” — Carolyn G.
  • “We need a Trader Joe’s in Lakeland.” — Neal P.
  • “I’d like to see a good diner type restaurant that stays open later….maybe destination dessert/coffee/tea cafe….” — Cindy L.
  • “Pei Wei is so good... It’s the fast food P. F. Changs.” — Sharon P.

Have an idea of what you’d like to see at either of these locations or the former La Imperial Bakery (830 E. Main St.)? Send them our way. Pro tip: Specify which building you’re talking about in your email.

Editor’s note: Some reader submissions have been edited for clarity.

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