New Cafe to Open in Lakeland Regional Health Hospital

LAKELAND, FL — Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro will open its fourth café inside Lakeland Regional Health at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805 in the Carol Barnett for Women & Children wing.

Owner Chris McArthur told Business Debut the team is targeting a soft opening on December 30.

What to Expect

The café will offer the brand’s full fast-casual experience, including counter service with meals brought to the table. The 2,600-square-foot space will seat about 50 guests and is designed as a warm, restorative setting within the hospital environment. McArthur said the goal is to provide an oasis for patients, families, and medical professionals.

Black & Brew’s menu includes breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, sandwiches, and small bites. Coffee is roasted locally by its sister company, Patriot Coffee Roasters, ensuring each café receives freshly roasted beans.

Menu and Vision

McArthur said the team built this menu by bringing together top-performing items across its three existing cafés. “We see this as an opportunity to expand our mission of hospitality,” he told Business Debut. His wife, Charity McArthur, encouraged him to take the project seriously after the initial site visit, recognizing the potential to serve people during critical and emotional moments at the hospital.

Patriot Coffee Roasters, founded by McArthur as part of the company’s growth, anchors the brand’s commitment to quality sourcing and roasting.

Background

McArthur launched Black & Brew when he was 22, leaving college after meeting a group of supporters who believed in his vision for a community-driven coffeehouse.

He had recently returned from serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, an experience that shaped his sense of purpose and hospitality. “I was able to share some of my dreams and ambitions, and they were very much taken with the idea of supporting a veteran,” he told Business Debut.

That early backing enabled him to open the first Black & Brew in downtown Lakeland in 2006, laying the foundation for the company’s growth over nearly two decades.

How the Project Came Together

Lakeland Regional Health initially operated the café space itself before approaching McArthur about taking it over. He declined at first, but Associate Vice President of Support Services Kevin Estroff persisted, ultimately prompting McArthur to tour the site.

After seeing the space with his wife, he recognized the alignment with Black & Brew’s mission of being “the best part of someone’s day.”

Ownership and Team

Black & Brew first opened in downtown Lakeland in 2006, followed by locations at the Lakeland Public Library (2018) and South Florida Avenue (2022). McArthur credits the community for the brand’s growth and longevity.

He also highlighted the long-standing leadership of Chief Operating Officer Amanda Rivera, who began as a barista 18 years ago and worked her way through multiple roles into her current position.

Opening Timeline

The café is targeting a December 30 soft opening, pending final construction progress.

Hours

Open Monday through Sunday, 6:30 a.m. — 8 p.m.

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