We’re spreading the love to Lakeland’s small restaurant businesses. | Photo by Country Chicken ‘n Fish
It’s Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, but what makes Lakeland’s small biz scene so sweet? Just ask our local restaurant owners, who are here with order recommendations for your first (or tenth) visit.
Quick bites
Country Chicken ‘n Fish
“Lakeland’s first, original chicken-shack opened off Kathleen Road. Specializing in Southern-style fried chicken, gizzards, fish, collard greens, green beans, and Southern sides.”
Try this: our fried chicken — crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection — our tender gizzards and Southern sides.
Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen
“We are a plant-based kitchen and cafe offering mindfully crafted options, limiting the use of processed ingredients. We strive to make nutritious, wholesome food delicious and beautiful, changing our menu often to keep healthy eating fresh and fun.”
Try this: the made-to-order items. They change regularly and we always love them.
The ice cream-filled cotton candy burrito is a treat you just have to see to believe.
Photo by LALtoday
Desserts
Lakeland Ice Cream Company
“We are a hand-dipped ice cream shop with over 60+ unique flavors and sundaes, including a Harry’s Brew (butterbeer) and Insta Gram.”
Try this: The cotton candy burrito.
Food trucks + pop-ups
JJ’s Fusion Khaana
“We serve innovative, delicious fusion food with an Indian twist. We aspire to bring people together through food and cultivate a supportive, loving community.”
Try this: Sip a cup of Chai made from fresh ingredients.
Try the Straight Outta Lakeland for a taste of home.
Swan Brewing
“We create beers people want to talk about. We are always family and pet friendly.”
Try this: Straight Outta Lakeland.
Mitchell’s Coffee House
“At Mitchell’s Coffee House, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional coffee experiences that bring people together. Our mission is to serve high-quality, ethically sourced coffee in a warm and inviting space where community thrives.”
Try this: one of our house specialty lattes and a piece of cake — coffee cake, Coca-Cola cake, and carrot cake are all must-haves.
Our Small Business Week coverage is powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where you’ll find better banking for your local business.
Asked
Asked
How will you support Lakeland’s small restaurant businesses this week?
A. Meeting a friend at a restaurant for lunch B. Hitting my favorite food truck C. Grabbing a locally made latte D. Satisfying my sweet tooth with dessert
Yarn Over Broadway | 6-7:30 p.m. | Bartow Library, Bartow | Free | Join this new club where you can work on your knitting + crochet projects, or make blanket squares to donate to Warm Up America.
Off The Wall SOUL Line Dancing Class | 6:30-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $5 | Get off the wall and on the dance floor at this weekly movement class.
Tuesday, May 6
Taylor Swift Trivia | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Your Swiftie reputation is on the line at this enchanted evening of trivia — reservations required.
Florida Philharmonia Orchestra Pops Concert | 7:30 p.m. | St. Paul Lutheran Church | Free | Come ready to hear groovy pop tunes from the 1970s, including songs from your favorite musicals and movies.
Wednesday, May 7
TK
Thursday, May 8
Mom’s Night Out Workshop | 7 p.m. | Bloom Shakalaka | $125 | Unwind with friends as you sip cocktails and create floral arrangements under the guidance of experts.
Friday, May 9
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | See what’s new from Lakeland’s art, fashion, food, and jewelry makers as you shop beneath the stars.
Saturday, May 10
Kids Museum Day | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Florida Air Museum | Free | Eyes on the skies — the museum is free to explore for all families for one day only.
City commissioners are expected to vote on a new water quality improvement initiative for Crystal Lake during today’s meeting. After an assessment revealed that Crystal Lake was overly nutrient dense, the city plans to roll out a new technology that will help remove sediment + combat algae blooms.
Civic
Polk County’s Board of County Commissioners created an advisory committee to provide perspectives on the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The committee of 15 individuals will review the plan over the next several months to ensure its alignment with the best interests of residents.
Opening
Moo-ve over, ice cream scene — there’s a new shop in town. MooTown Scoops will open its doors on Thursday, May 8. The long-awaited, Motown-themed ice cream shop in the Lake Morton area is a new concept by Max Miller, owner of Blue Dog Craft Barbecue in The Joinery.
Number
~$469,000. That’s how much the City of Lakeland has spent on the Lake Mirror Promenade’s preservation over the last five years. The nearly century-old walkways, balustrades, and loggia underwent repairs to fix normal wear and tear + damage from Hurricane Milton, but more are likely to be needed. (LkldNow)
Edu
College commencement season might be finished here in Lakeland, but there are still plenty of graduations to be had. Today, Lakeland Regional Health will host its ninth Project SEARCH class graduation — celebrating PCPS students ages 18-22 with disabilities who have developed skills for employment in a wide variety of industries.
Outdoors
Hunting, fishing, and hiking — oh my. These are just a few of the activities that residents could enjoy at the upcoming Creek Ranch Wildlife Management Area in eastern Polk County. The 1,342-acre property will be managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. An opening date is TBA. (The Ledger)
Mansion Monday
Meet The Calista, which was named the Home of the Year in last weekend’s Spring Parade of Homes. This 4,575-sqft estate in the Delphi Hills community features a second-floor guest suite, wine room, and lanai, perfect for entertaining visitors over the summer. Take a look around.
Active
IMPACT Kickboxing & Fitness, a new kickboxing gym in the Lakeland Highlands area, is now open off of East County Road 540A. New boxers can sign up for a three-class bundle (and get a pair of free gloves) for just $20. We’ll hook onto that deal, please and thank you.
Step inside our day at Southeastern University’s College of Natural & Health Sciences, and see how it could set you up for a future in the sciences. Apply now to get access to cutting-edge tech and education that goes beyond the classroom.*
Wellness
Discover your biological age with a single blood test taken at home. Starting at $499, TruAge gives you a personalized longevity plan — save 20% with code WELLNESS20.*
Announced
While spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are closed ahead of Mother’s Day, we have a few more for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Did you know it’s possible to shop small on Amazon? Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these five items that can be personalized with your name or message:
Ready for summertime concerts? We’re putting together a list of upcoming shows that you won’t want to miss, but we want to hear from you. Where’s your favorite place to catch live music that we should add to our guide? Help us out.
}})
