Even with new restaurants announced all the time, Lakelanders are always hungry for what’s next. That’s why we’re gathering the suggestions we hear from our readers + followers into the ultimate Lakeland restaurant wishlist.
Let’s see which foodie wishes are granted — and which ones will take a little more dreaming. Send your wishes here.
💭 Reader wishes
“We need a Cheesecake Factory! Maybe a Melting Pot too, and Kobe’s.” — Shawna V.
“Lakeland absolutely needs Raising Cane’s! My wife and I used to go weekly when they built one in Hawaii when I was stationed there!” — Jake M.
“I’m still waiting for the day when we get Pollo Tropical” — @jen_0399
“I’m with Jen - we need a Pollo Tropical in North Lakeland.” — Peggy R.
“Lakeland needs a Melting Pot!!” — Amy D.
“We need and so want a true Jewish deli-style restaurant, much like that in NY, like the famous Katz restaurant and deli.” — Joan R.
“Man... I sure wish we could get a good French restaurant.” — @dwight.macpherson
“We definitely need a White Castle in Lakeland.” — Bill M.
“A Portillo’s wouldn’t hurt” — @tvdirksholar
“We need a drive-through that has fish! Everything has closed - Long John Silvers, Captain D’s, Arthur Treacher’s. Now we can only get ‘square fish’ from Burger joints.” — Anonymous
“MOD Pizza needs a Lakeland location.” — Bob W.
“Now I just need @blazepizza to be here” — @nyletteadagostinoo
“Bahama Breeze would be nice.” — Neal P.
“I would like to have a Skyline Chili hot dog restaurant. I grew up in Cincinnati and miss my cheese conies and 5-way.” — Piper M.
🪄 Dreams come true
“I can’t wait, no more driving to Brandon for CAVA” — @lovelydria1
“Years ago, I had only hoped for Dutch Bros to come to Florida. Seeing how it was a western coffee chain, I am beyond happy Lakeland is getting one!” — @mysensesfailedme
“This was my favorite in Tally! So cool to have one here now!!” — @tina05.24 on Lucky Goat Coffee Co.
Editor’s note: Responses may be lightly edited for clarity.
