A Look at 3 Restaurants Coming Soon in Polk County

Keep an eye on these three fresh concepts in Polk County before they open.

Our team interviews and confirms this information directly with the business owners.

The Abigaile — Auburndale

Address: 117 East Lake Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823

Status: Targeting a mid-June opening.

What to expect: The Abigaile is headed for the former Craven Copper restaurant and brewery space in downtown Auburndale. It will be a full-service Modern American restaurant with a craft bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and live music. Big patio energy, too. The space is planned for about 80 seats inside and 80 more outside.

Menu highlights: This will not be a Fresco’s copy-and-paste. Chef Tina Calhoon is building a separate concept with a smaller, more flexible menu that can change regularly. Expect fish dishes, appetizers, desserts, protein options, vegan and vegetarian plates, gluten-free choices, whiskey, craft spirits, and house-made cocktails.

Hours: Planned hours are 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday. Dinner service is expected to start with Friday and Saturday nights. Brunch is planned for Saturday and Sunday.

Who’s behind it: The restaurant comes from Chef Tina Calhoon, who is the chef and owner, with Tim Calhoon serving as vice president of the business. The Abigaile is the first concept under Curated Restaurant Group Inc. The Calhoons also operate 413 Hospitality Group, which includes Fresco’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, Fresco’s Catering and Events, and Fresco’s Cafe.

Read our full article.

La Pinata — Lakeland

Address: 850 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

Status: Targeting around August 15, though final timing is still being finalized.

What to expect: La Pinata is being built as more than a standard restaurant. The team is planning a full-service Mexican concept with a market-style feel, including space where guests may be able to shop, grab coffee or wine, or take prepared food to go. Inside, there will be about 28 seats. Outside, the plan calls for room for about 60 guests.

Menu highlights: The focus is traditional Mexican cuisine, made in house. That includes tortillas and bread. Standout dishes include birria tacos with slow-cooked brisket, cheese, and consommé for dipping, plus pollo albóndigas served with salsa macho, a pepper and peanut-based sauce.

Hours: Initial hours will center on dinner. The plan is 4 p.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m.–10 p.m. on weekends. La Pinata is expected to be closed on Mondays, with morning service possibly added later.

Who’s behind it: The concept is led by Chef Jonathan Cisneros and Chef Alfredo Ortiz, along with partners Vincent Nacimos, Aiden Maher, and Cisneros. Both chefs bring experience from Roca in Tampa, where the team was part of a Michelin-recognized operation. The goal is to bring that level of technique into a more traditional Mexican format for Lakeland.

Read our full article.

Three J’s Ice Cream — Winter Haven

Address: 1600 Dundee Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Status: Opening very soon, pending final inspections and licensing approvals.

What to expect: Three J’s Ice Cream is moving from a food trailer into a permanent Winter Haven storefront. The shop will have a bright, family-friendly setup with a small seating area and a visible cold plate station. Guests will be able to watch the ice cream being made fresh. That is part of the draw.

Menu highlights: The specialty is rolled ice cream made on a cold plate at about negative 21 degrees. Customers start with a cream base, then add mix-ins. The menu is expected to include more than 20 options, from cookies and cream to fruit-forward combinations, plus seasonal specials like Christmas tree snack cakes in winter and Peeps around Easter.

Hours: Planned hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Weekend hours are still to be announced.

Who’s behind it: Owner Jaryaca Baker named the business after her three sons, Jericho, Jhennie, and Jheptzyn. The business started as a food trailer that served multiple Central Florida counties and private events. Now it is growing into a brick-and-mortar shop, with Baker’s family still playing a major role in the operation.

Read our full article.