Tell us what Dixieland is missing, Lakeland

Add a heading (35)

Dixieland neighborhood sign | Photo via LALtoday team

Table of Contents

Do you ever try to predict the future? This post in a Dixieland Facebook group got us thinking about the future possibilities of Dixieland + what residents would like to see open up in the area.

Nearly 30 individuals provided ideas spanning three basic categories: dining, specialty storefronts, and grocery. Commenters wanted mom and pop diners, pottery + quilting stores, and organic grocers to join the ranks of existing Dixieland businesses, including Hillcrest Coffee, Method Tans, Establish 37, and Uli & Co.

To keep the conversation going, we asked on Instagram and Facebook what new kids you’d like to welcome to the block. You suggested:

🥘 Dining

  • Fresh Kitchen — @kalesnicole_12
  • “An upscale taco place, like Bar Taco vibes.” — @madisynelyse
  • “A speakeasy or an upscale Asian restaurant (like Hawkers) or a specialty brunch spots” — @andallthatjazz96
  • Brewery” — @chasecheek
  • “Dixieland Mini Mall turned into an eatery, similar to the Joinery.” Tonya R.
  • “A coffee window with freshly made croquetas and Cuban coffee.” — Stephanie K.
  • More drive-thru options. I would love to get a delicious fruit or peanut butter smoothie without having to unload the little ones.” — Brittany E.

🧶 Specialty storefronts

  • “A plant shop, a ceramic clay throwing shop.” — @meraki_in_bloom
  • “A decent size non-commercial gym” — Mike V.
  • Rock climbing gym! Closest ones are vertical ventures in Saint Pete and then another one in Orlando, Lakeland would be perfect in some of the downtown warehouse type buildings.” — Linz L.
  • Lululemon — @syddcollins

🛒 Grocery

  • “A central Lakeland Aldi! And more farm to table type restaurants!” — @katkatikatie
  • Trader Joe’s — @lindseyorca
  • “I’d love a mini grocery store” — Abby J.
  • “A mini grocery store to grab milk” — Joyce P.

Poll

More from LALtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Swan City.
Some gifts don’t fit under the tree — make a lasting impact by giving your loved ones a giftable experience instead of a physical present.
What were the top things you ate, drank, and did in 2025? We’re sharing editor and reader picks for you to try in the new year.
From airport news to real estate, these are the top stories our readers loved most this year.
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
Your favorite hangouts can be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from this rare condo listing in downtown Lakeland.
Short answer: quite a bit. Get the quick updates you need to know about Polk County’s burn ban, water shortage, and an alternative supply project grant.
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
Celebrate Lakeland Community Theatre and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, which have reached 40 and 60 years in the local arts scene, respectively.