Last week, we asked you what food type is missing from Lakeland, FL. With 140+ poll answers, roughly 100 Facebook comments, and dozens of emails, you could say Lakelanders are passionate about food. 

Data via our recent poll | Pie chart created on Google Sheets

In addition to given options, we asked readers + followers to submit their ideas. With answers ranging from chain restaurants to locally-owned shops, here’s what you said: 

“Something creative/unique. Something that’s fun to go to when you have guests visiting or a special occasion like a birthday.” — Sara O.
“Adult restaurant, not a pub or sports grill. Noise quiet enough to talk; we don’t need racket to think we are in a hip joint. Good basic home cooked food. Not everything fried in grease. Grillsmith is the closest to that. I’d love to hear other options. Not a chain is even better.” — Charlene B.
“Soul food.” — Robyn F. 
“A good diner like the ones in the north east.” — Megan M.
“Fondue!!!! That would be awesome and so much fun!!!” — Victoria C. 
“Ukrainian.” — Yvonne P.
“French.” — Joy W.
“Middle Eastern!!!” — Natalie K. 
“A full Salvadoran restaurant would be a nice addition to Lakeland.” — Jennifer M.

Other popular suggestions include Asian, Columbian, Ethiopian, German, Greek, Peruvian, fine-dining + options for individuals with dietary restrictions. 

While Lakeland is notoriously fond of local options, 20+ chain restaurants were also named. The most popular requests were:

Fresh Kitchen
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
ShakeShack
MOD Pizza
Whataburger
Cookout
Pollo Tropical
4 Rivers BBQ
Maple Street Biscuit Company
Portillos
Cheesecake Factory
Cedar River Seafood
PF Chang’s
Papa Gino’s
Soul Bowlz
Chicken Salad Chick

If you’re thinking of opening a new eatery in the 863, now you know what the people want.

Poll

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