5 Coming Soon Polk County Restaurants

Polk County has five new spots in the works, from NYC style eats to flatbreads, comfort foods, and Mexican cuisine. Read up on what you may have missed in the area.

To take a deeper dive, click the "Read the article" link under each section.

Fuego27 — Winter Haven

Address: 586 Avenue C SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Status: Scheduled to open December 5.

What to expect: Sit-down fast casual with late ’80s/early ’90s NYC vibes and music. About 40 seats, counter service plus full table service, and third-party delivery. Family-run.

Menu highlights: Organic-leaning American and Caribbean dishes. Yucca loca fries and a guacamole burger on plantain buns. Classics like burgers and hot dogs “with a twist.” Chef Tommy (5th in a recent Polk County cooking competition) leads the kitchen.

Hours: Mon–Sat 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun closed.

Who’s behind it: Owner Daniel Arce with Kimberly Arce.

Read the article.

Delectable Delights — Bartow

Address: 75 E Main St, Bartow, FL 33830

Status: Plans to open in February 2025.

What to expect: The brand’s largest ice cream, candy, and toy shop with ~20 indoor seats plus a small private party room. New “shop local” section showcasing goods from area makers.

Menu highlights: Award-winning Wisconsin ice cream. Favorites include “This Bleep Just Got Serious” (salted caramel with sea salt fudge and cashews), Zanzibar chocolate with strawberry, and the Papa Phil’s banana split. 25+ flavors and 20+ toppings.

Hours: Daily from noon. Sun until ~7–8 p.m. (final time TBA); Mon–Thu until 9 p.m.; Fri–Sat until 10 p.m.

Who’s behind it: Founder Devra Wygant; fifth location with a strong community-giving focus.

Read the article.

Kokomo’s Café — Winter Haven

Address: 322 4th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Status: Opening very soon, no exact timeline available.

What to expect: Full-service art-and-book collective café with a free lending library and rotating local art for sale. Back lounge with ~2,000 donated books, cozy seating, and a children’s nook. Indoor seating for up to 50 plus a small outdoor area.

Menu highlights: Soups, salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads like the Hot Honey Pepperoni. Espresso drinks, teas, boba, refreshers, energy drinks, plus beer, wine, and canned cocktails.

Hours: Tue–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Who’s behind it: Owner Chloe Shreeve with partner Christopher Barton; family contributions on design and build-out.

Read the article.

Raise the Bar and Grill — Lake Alfred

Address: 1504 Lake Alfred Rd, Lake Alfred, FL 33850

Status: Opening very soon, no exact timeline available.

What to expect: Community-focused full-service restaurant and bar with two bars, a game room, and two patios. Comfort touches like rocking chairs and blankets; programming to include live music, bingo, trivia, and seasonal events. Indoor seating ~74; up to ~100 outside.

Menu highlights: Sandwich-forward menu (about 15), flatbreads, soups, salads, and Sunday all-day breakfast. Signatures include the “Gigi” Italian and “The King” (PB + banana).

Hours: Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sun 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

Who’s behind it: Co-owners Heidi Whitcomb and Robert Meyer.

Read the article.

Tequila Real Mexican Bar & Grill — Davenport

Address: 400 Legacy Village Dr., Suite 101, Davenport, FL 33896

Status: They were aiming for December as of 11/4/25 when we spoke to them (pending construction).

What to expect: Full-service Mexican restaurant and bar with about 157 seats in a 3,100-sq-ft space. Family-friendly atmosphere, full bar, and signature margaritas. First Florida location; second overall after Milton, Delaware.

Menu highlights: Made-fresh-daily approach—nothing frozen. 11 burrito options and 6–7 fajita choices; owner’s pick is the Texas fajitas.

Hours: Tentative—Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Who’s behind it: Owner Richard “Richie” Acevedo with Maggie Flores (ops) and Melissa Acevedo (licensing/marketing).

Read the article.