3 Coming Soon Polk County Restaurants

Polk County has three new restaurant concepts in development, including an Italian cafe and retail market and cafe, a revived Cajun restaurant and a waterfront Indian fusion destination. Here’s what’s currently planned.

Fresh Pasta Etc — Lake Wales

Address: 1 N Scenic Hwy Ste 101 & 103, Lake Wales, FL 33853

Status: An opening date has not yet been announced.

What to expect: Fresh Pasta Etc will combine two concepts under one roof, with a retail food market on one side and a cafe on the other. A central kitchen will separate the two areas, while customers will also have access to two small dining rooms and an outdoor patio.

Menu highlights: The retail side will sell fresh pasta, sauces, desserts and sweets that customers can take home and prepare or enjoy later. The cafe will serve sandwiches, coffee and the same selection of sweets, giving guests the option to sit down and eat on-site.

Drink program: Owner Jean-Francois Poirier plans to pursue a beer and wine license. The patio is expected to be an important part of the experience, offering customers an outdoor place to relax with a drink.

Who’s behind it: Jean-Francois Poirier is developing Fresh Pasta Etc as a new venture for his team.

Article coming soon!

Bebos Cajun Kitchen — Auburndale

Address: 117 E Lake Ave, Ste 101, Auburndale, FL 33823

Status: Targeting the first couple weeks of September, although construction could affect the timeline.

What to expect: Bebos Cajun Kitchen will revive owner Philip Robinson's former Winter Haven concepts as a full-service restaurant in downtown Auburndale. The long, narrow building will feature Louisiana-themed murals, televisions, a full liquor bar and an alley that will be used for outdoor seating.

Menu highlights: Louisiana-inspired favorites will include po’boys, shrimp and grits and jambalaya. Robinson also hopes to work with local businesses where possible, including nearby bakeries for bread and pastry products.

Space details: Plans call for approximately 85 seats inside and another 25 to 30 seats outdoors in the alley, depending on the final layout.

Hours: The restaurant is expected to operate seven days a week. Exact hours are still to be announced.

Who’s behind it: Philip Robinson is bringing the Bebos name back after previously operating versions of the concept in Winter Haven.

Read our full article.

Aroma Indian Bar And Grill — Auburndale

Address: 330 Denton Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823

Status: Targeting the end of July, pending final permits and construction. Ownership mentioned July 28 or July 29 as possible opening dates, but neither was finalized.

What to expect: Aroma Indian Bar And Grill is planned as a waterfront fusion restaurant near the Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Club. The roughly 6,000-square-foot restaurant will seat at least 120 guests and includes a dock, patio and lawn.

Menu highlights: The compact menu will combine Indian street food with international influences, including Mexican and American dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all planned, with some of the strongest global-fusion influence expected during breakfast.

Drink program: Full-service dining will be accompanied by a bar operating under a full liquor license.

Event space: The waterfront lawn is expected to accommodate private events and weddings for as many as roughly 250 people beneath a tent.

Hours: Planned seven days a week with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Exact all-day operating hours are still to be announced.

Read our full article.