Initially slated to make its debut before the end of 2019, it looks like Lakeland's first food hall 'The Joinery' is set to open its doors to the public this month.
Lakeland natives, husband-and-wife team Jonathan and Sarah Bucklew are heading up the operation and have been diligently updating followers on various forms of social media to build the excitement of the debut. Jonathan shared with CL that beginning next week, The Joinery will begin hosting private events, as well as friends and family gatherings before the grand opening event later this month.
Located at 640 E. Main St., it may be a little bit of a drive for 'Burg residents and those on the other side of the Howard Franklin, but it seems like Tampa Bay businesses are excited for the migration and addition of a new food hall in the area as a few heavy hitters have added their names to The Joinery's vendor list.
The food hall will soon be home to the second locations of Gallito Taqueria, King State and Ava.
As far as the rest of the vendor list goes, CL knows of the most recent shared list consisting of Gallito Taqueria, King State, Sabu Ramen, Ava Pizzeria, Ato (from the founders of Armature Works' Zukku) and Mayday Ice Cream (from the company behind Hyppo Pops). Other than bites, Bloom Shakalaka will be on-site as a resident boutique flower and gift shop.
According to The Joinery's website, it is currently hiring bartenders, bar backs and porters.
The food hall made its way onto CL's list of 'The most anticipated new restaurants coming to Tampa Bay in 2020.'
Tampa Bay is still waiting for a few more food halls to make their debut including Hall on Central and the new Sundial hall which is set to begin construction in the coming weeks. Until then, get your fix at Armature Works, Hall on Franklin or NoHo Junction. Hope you're hungry.
More details to come once the official opening date is announced and we can get a taste of what Lakeland has cooking.
Want to know everything going on with Tampa Bay's food and drink scene? Sign up for our Bites newsletter.
This article appears in Jan 9-16, 2020.