The city of Lakeland never seems to be lacking for new businesses, shops and restaurants. Whether an emerging small business that got its start at Catapult is opening its doors or a well-loved franchise picks Lakeland for its newest restaurant there is always something new to try. We wanted to introduce you to three new restaurants coming to the area in the next few months and share the stories behind them.

Grievous Angel: Deceptively good burgers 

An all-new project from LoveBird founder Jeremy Brumley is coming to 801 E Main St this winter. 

Named after Winter Haven born songwriter Gram Parsons’ second and final solo album, Grievous Angel will be a honkey-tonk inspired bar specializing in smashburgers, hot dogs and fries. Brumley’s previous experience working with social media icon Mr. Beast to help operate MrBeastBurger and opening and running both LoveBird locations has allowed him to be able to bring this new project to the downtown area. 

He also says the support the community has shown for LoveBird gives him and his wife Leah confidence in this new venture. “If it wasn’t for the support of the community…we would never be thinking of another concept to put in Lakeland.”

Once renovations are complete at the former Unfiltered location, guests will be able to enjoy beer, wine, delicious food and jukebox tunes both inside and outside the bar with a new patio seating area. You won’t find chicken sandwiches on the menu, but you will find “high quality food, fun atmosphere and…neighborhood pricing” at Grievous Angel. 

Market on Kentucky: Making much of the community

Market on Kentucky is a community-focused kitchen space that aims to give emerging local bakeries and restaurants a place to prepare and sell their goods to the people of Lakeland. This is the latest project for Tina Calhoon, executive chef and owner of Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar—and self-described “grandmother of independent restaurants in Lakeland.” 

Calhoon’s goal is to provide a stepping stone for entrepreneurs coming out of Catapult or the farmer’s market by creating a space for new business owners to learn how to manage a brick-and-mortar location. 

Market on Kentucky is renovating the former Taco Bus location and splitting it in half east to west. One of the purposes of this remodel is to give Frescos an additional catering kitchen in the back portion of the building. Emerging businesses will then have the opportunity to take over an area of the storefront and have their equipment needs accommodated by Calhoon while working toward their dreams. 

“The new space is really about the community,” explains Calhoon. She believes restaurants would be more successful if the industry was less competitive and more supportive.  “We could teach each other through those ups and downs.” Calhoon said she expects Market on Kentucky to open in late September.

“The new space is really about the community…we could teach each other through those ups and downs.” – Tina Calhoon, Owner and Executive Chef of Frescos

Metro Diner: Classic homestyle fare

Since the original location was built in Jacksonville, Florida in 1938, Metro Diner has become a go-to destination for classic diner fare and reimagined breakfast classics, like fried chicken & waffles with spicy syrup. A new Metro Diner is opening on November 11 at 5293 Florida Avenue in the Lakeland South Center complex.

This chain, which has been featured on Food Network’s hit television show, “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives,” is excited to bring its homestyle cooking to the city of Lakeland. Guests can look forward to comfort food for the whole family at a price range of $10-20 per person.