Maybe its because our delicious pies have been crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years. The Reececliff Family Diner, which opened in 1934, is the oldest running restaurant in Lakeland. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Delivery & Pickup Options - 104 reviews of Reececliff Family Diner "In my continuing search for Tasty Diners of the Southeast, Reesecliff lives up to its recommendation. Try the country fried steak smothered in white pepper gravy and served . 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803-1153 +1 863-686-6661 Website Menu. Call today (863) 686-6661! They expect to sell more that 300 pies the day before Thanksgiving. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online. It's the sort of place you'll find in every small town; bright, cheery, smells of grease, and packed to the gills on a Saturday morning. she says, laughing. A Korean Fried Chicken chain with over 1,000 locations in South Korea is coming soon to Orlandos Mills 50 district. Reececliff Family Diner - 940 Florida Ave S, Lakeland. On her post about it, she said "the shortage of workers is a multifaceted problem. They were looking to hire waiters and waitresses. The Big Fat Tip dropped a surprise $1,000 tip on our 4th anniversary. Federal law also prohibits hiring discrimination based on pregnancy. You can find the correct answer at the bottom of todays newsletter. #8. Guests have ranged from a rumored Elvis Presley appearance to certain appearances by the likes of Gov. In April 2021, the tourism tax revenue was $17.1 million, compared to $10 million in February. "These guys need me to keep them straight," she said jokingly. Employees like Miss Jeanette, Reececliffs expert pie baker, worked at the restaurant for nearly 60 years. You can get a platter of country-fried steak, black-eyed peas, and homemade biscuits, and follow it all up with a scrumptious slice of homemade pie. Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Cleveland Heights Golf Course, 2900 Buckingham Ave. Reececliff Family Diner, 940 S. Florida Ave. Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd. ", "We reopened in August and I'm still not fully staffed, my restaurant is not fully open," Bronkhorst said. Reececliff Family Diner - 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL - Yelp If we missed you, let us know by commenting below. He added that about 75% of his staff is working six days a week. The Southern diner is an American staple. How is it that we stay so consistent? So, what do you think about Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland, Florida? It is a living ode to what once was, a historical scene open to new players. Come and visit us soon and experience a quality diner witha family atmosphere. "I'm closed on Sundays now. READ Try a taste of cracker cuisine at The Yearling restaurant. "It gave away where I used to work, my high school It gave away where I used to live," Wilcox said. Masks and businesses:Are Polk businesses dropping masks following new CDC guidance? The owner mentioned . Because she was already familiar with the diner, and because she was willing to work the required hours, Lindsey decided to send in a copy of her resume. The longest-running restaurant in town, Reececliff opened in 1934 as the Ducky Wucky and quickly became a haven for the public. +1 863-686-6661. Tourism is rebounding on International Drive as the pandemic winds down. It turns out that they were looking to hire waiters and waitresses. Moments later, the interview was canceled. Website. Did you know? Palace Pizza. Follow her on Twitter @mayaklora. We just try to take care of people, says Bronkhurst. Bronkhorst said he's short about six staff members cooks and waiters right now. Fried Chicken Salad Breaded chicken breast, shredded cheddar cheese, eggand tomatoes on mixed greens. Maybe its because our delicious pies have been crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years. ", COVID news:COVID-19's impact lessens but hasn't vanished in Polk County, Development:New business coming soon to industrial portion of downtown Winter Haven. By, Eli Lilly cuts the price of insulin, capping drug at $35 per month out-of-pocket, A proposal would expand Florida's controversial education law on teaching about sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ youth are less likely to feel depressed with parental support, study says, Mail-in ballots change for Tampa city elections, TikTok sets a new default screen-time limit for teen users, China's Xi heralds 'unbreakable' friendship with Belarus, an ally of Russia, 3 abortion bans in Texas leave doctors 'talking in code' to pregnant patients, Psychologist Daniel Levitin dissects Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon', Warning Shot Bill Passes House; Attempt To Repeal Stand Your Ground Fails. For decades, Reececliff has been famous in Lakeland for Miss Jeanette's made-from-scratch pies. Though these agencies are branches of the local government we thought wed add in a few fast facts about them here. Its just what we do.. By JJ Foster - 1/12/20. Wilcox said she isn't sure what she is going to do, but she has no interest in working for the restaurant. "I made this little vow to myself, when I made it, I would go around giving out big fat tips," Daniel said. She rolls out and bakes her pies in a small corner of the bustling kitchen. Public art:Dixieland, downtown Lakeland prepare for a splash of color as murals get underway. Add to compare #234 of 996 restaurants in Lakeland . He knew Bronkhorst had experience owning and operating restaurants, and left it in good hands. She just wanted to have a fuller conversation about the current state of the labor market. Ouellette was contacted on Facebook by a third party responding to the post, asking if he could help. . EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ledger published a review of Reececliff Family Diner online Wednesday and soon learned of the fresh controversy from readers. Reececliff Family Diner, also in Lakeland, faced backlash a few weeks ago after posting a sign about being short-staffed due to government handouts, and no one wanting to work anymore. A lot of businesses have opened + closed in the past 134 years. Bill Ouellette, a Lake Wales lawyer, said Wilcox might have a case but she would have to weigh the potential outcomes against the effort. Love Florida? "I've got about 60 percentof my seating open and it's not because of COVID restrictions, it's because I don't have enough employees to service a full restaurant.". We don't skimp on anything and we ensure your food is perfectly made. Nickell posted about the PPP loan online as additional pushback against Bronkhorst's sign. Therefore, we are short-staffed. Share. Theres no question for us. LAKELAND, FL Reececliff Family Diner drew negative attention after a sign with a message that some considered "political" was displayed outside its door just more than a week ago, the Lakeland Ledger reported. 36 recommendations for Reececliff Family Diner from neighbors in Lakeland, FL. "We just have an hour, hour and half of great fun," Robert Johns explained. "We talk to her over the phone. Before brunch became an aesthetic experience, it was a simple one; a comfortable and unassuming place to land, where theres something for everyone. The restaurant did, but Bronkhorst insists the money was used completely to pay staff and that his August reopening closely followed receipt of the loan. Share with us your experience in the comments section! Doors Finally Open to Biscuits and Benedicts, In Theatre Showings at the Polk Theatre | Aug 7-9, Organic Sushi and Asian Bowls at GreenWise. Barrow added that factors affecting unemployment could include the high number of retirees in Florida, women with children dropping out of the workforce and the increase in interest in jobs with more flexible schedules, such as driving for Uber or dog walking. "My intent was not to sew discord. The pastry dough for the crust is made in-house also. Monday-Saturday . She baked our pies until 2010.. Lakeland. By Kelly Ring. "Please be patient with our staff," the sign read. A historic landmark diner where people come to meet and eat. Lakeland. (Orlando Sentinel), 4. Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland was criticized for posting a sign decrying "government handouts" after it was revealed they are among the recipients of a Paycheck Protection Program loan . Check with this restaurant for current pricing and menu information. Standing still But all this time as the court considered the issue, a federal lawsuit got filed, and a working group led by Secretary of State Laurel Lee came up with recommendations to . 1:09. Reececliff's response about her qualifications on its Facebook page may cloud the issue as to whether Wilcox's pregnancy was the reason to cancel the interview. If you don't see it, please check your Spam and Junk mail folders. Cuisines: American. 2023 www.theledger.com. Brief History: Originally published as The Lakeland Evening Ledger (created by Sam Farabee), the paper has had multiple owners and even merged with another local news outlet, the Lakeland Star-Telegram. "She taught me everything I know," Mae says. So I preserved the good stuff.. "Then the overwhelming feeling of gratitude set in. On Tuesday evening, an employee at Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland contacted her on Facebook Messenger to confirm a 9:15 a.m. interview. Governor DeSantis has prevailed in his lawsuit against the CDC over vaccine requirements on cruise ships. Thank you! Pedestrian Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver In Lakeland; Police Seek Clues, Undercover Child Predator Sting Nabs 30 Offenders In 2-Week Period, Polk Detention Deputy Mourned After Dying In Traffic Accident, After Concealing Loaded Gun In Purse, Lakeland High Teen Arrested, 5 Open Houses For You In And Around The Lakeland Area, 2023 Hurricane, Tropical Storm Names Released For Atlantic Season, Check Out These Homes For Sale In Lakeland. "I think there might be enough there (to win a case) but you'd have to look at the cost of litigation and the remedies available there. She makes 20 to 25 pies every morning. LAKELAND She could get the interviews, a Lakeland woman said, but had suspicions as to why she couldn't land the job. LAKELAND, Fla. - Every Wednesday around 8 a.m. you can find the same group gathered at Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland. Check out our restaurant menu and see what we offer! Menu for Reececliff Family Diner Soup & Salads Side Choice: Chips, Coleslaw, Fries, Onion Rings. Honorable mentions. Its Worth It To Drive Across Florida Just For The Sweets At Amaretti Desserts, This Adults-Only Restaurant Might Just Have The Most Epic Dessert Selection In Florida, Let It Be Ice Cream In Florida Has Old Fashioned Desserts Just The Way We Like It, Locals Cant Get Enough Of The Homemade Pies At Dollys Produce Patch & Eatery In Florida, The One-Of-A-Kind Bake Shop In Florida Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth, The Outrageous Milkshake Bar In Florida Thats Piled High With Goodness, The Ultimate Pie Shop Road Trip In Florida Is As Charming As It Is Sweet, Kookies And Kream Is A 90s-Themed Shop In Florida And Its Everything Youve Ever Dreamed Of. (863) 686-6661. Add to wishlist. Mediterranean Steak House At The Riviera Taipei. Felix Jimenez, Wilcox's boyfriend, posted a screenshot of the conversation on Facebook. Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A server at Florida restaurant was pleasantly surprised with a $1,000 tip just days before Christmas. A family diner, open since 1934. LAKELAND, FL Reececliff Family Diner drew negative attention after a sign with a message that some considered "political" was displayed outside its door just more than a week ago, the Lakeland . "Recommend when you want some Indian.". Specialties: As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. In addition to reinstating the requirement that unemployed individuals prove they're looking for work to collect unemployment checks, the state has pulled out of pandemic-era unemployment benefits. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Orlando area with Patch News. Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland has been turning out its award winning pies since the 1930s, and lots of families rely on them every year for their Thanksgiving dessert. About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Orlando area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com. How is it that we stay so consistent? "There might have been someone better, who knows.". They are good at times and bad at times. He didnt reopen right when he could; Reececliff remained closed until Bronkhorst felt safe enough to invite employees and customers back inside. This award-winning publication has a long history in connection with top state awards given by the Florida Society of News Editors + the South Florida chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Bronkhorst said that it's like "no one wants to work." Also, he says, the Thanksgiving pie-making schedule has put him off the desserts. We peel at least 50 pounds of potatoes per day, says James Bronkhorst, owner and operator of Reececliff. Proceed to the restaurant's website Upload menu. State to end supplemental $300-a-week federal aid for unemployed workers, effective June 26, Hot chicken comes to Lakeland:LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken brings the Nashville flavor to Lakeland, In other restaurant news:Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens applications to struggling hospitality business owners, Bronkhorst said he originally posted the sign because he was "fed up. Reececliff is not a museum. After more than 75 years of existence, its time to rediscover this rare treasure. Peter London Global Dance Group Facebook Live, Affordable Window Shades For Your Home In Florida. Ranked #75 of 496 Restaurants in Lakeland. Christopher Guinn can be reached at Christopher.Guinn@theledger.com or 863-802-7592. Copyright 2014 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7, PublishedNovember 21, 2014 at 12:21 PM EST. Stop by on any given Thursday and you will find locals enjoying a classic turkey dinner with cranberry sauce and fresh baked bread. "It was a landmark restaurant in Lakeland," explained James Bronkhoust, owner of Reececliff Family Diner. After taking over, Bronkhorst kept things simple, but did make several small tweaks. We had ourselves a lovely breakfast here; veggie omelet ably-executed. The money is raised via donations on the group's website, and a tip is left every time the donation total reaches $1,000. Location & routing. MORE GOOD NEWS: Download the free FOX 13 News app for more #WeLiveHere stories like this. Latest reviews, photos and ratings for Reececliff Family Diner at 940 Florida Ave S in Lakeland - view the menu, hours, phone number, address and map. Macaroni & Cheese $3.99. Order Online at Lakeland - Highway 98 North, Lakeland. Take care of the customers, and take care of the employees. Pies at Reececliff have been a hot seller for decades. "Our busiest day of the week before the pandemic was Sunday," Bronkhorst said. Reececliff is a popular local diner known for its famous piesthat has drawn high-profile visitors like Vice President Mike Penceand Gov. But really, people frequent this diner for fresh, homemade pies. Bay Street Bistro, 211 E. Bay St. Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, 205 E. Main St. Caf Zuppina, 4417 Florida Ave. S. Charlie's Family Restaurant, 2614 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Burriell Osborne, who goes by the name "Ozzie," makes the pastry dough. An Edward R. Murrow Award-winning series explores the high costs of the pandemic for children and young adults. Fried fish on Fridays.". Reececliff Family Diner is a pet friendly restaurant in Lakeland. And she's wearing puffy plastic bags on her feet. . Finally, she found a job posting for a waitress position at Reececliff Family Diner on Facebook. They expect to sell more that 300 pies the day before Thanksgiving. The Reececliff, like all other Florida restaurants, closed on March 20 under a statewide shutdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, lets get started. LAKELAND Over the weekend, calls for customers to be patient with staff at Reececliff Family Diner due to a labor shortage caused online controversy and some backlash against the restaurant. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. 7-Eleven 851 S FLORIDA AVE . She's not going to want to work for someone she had to sue to get the job," he said. Bronkhorst just hopes recent wage increases won't close his family diner. She found an advertisement on her Facebook feed from the Reececliff Family Diner. Stacey White, a server at Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland, said she was shocked when she discovered a customer had left her a $1,000 tip. He didnt reopen right when he could; Reececliff remained closed until Bronkhorst felt safe enough to invite employees and customers back inside. Good Thyme - 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln, Lakeland. View the online menu of Reececliff Family Diner and other restaurants in Lakeland, Florida. It is currently expanding in 18 states around the country. (Patch). They removed the sign after public pushback. The restaurant has been operating in the Dixieland neighborhood since 1934. "I make apple, cherry, peach, egg custard, berry, coconut custard, chocolate cream, pecan, chocolate pecan, peanut butter, potato and pumpkin pies. (Spectrum News 13), 3. Florida Polytech's Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicle, How to Thrive Even if Theres a Recession, Black History to Be Shown, Told and Celebrated at Upcoming Festival. 24. 2015 Reececliff Family Diner | Design by Stephen Robles, Reececliff Family Diner, 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33803, United States. FL Man AKA Sedition Panda Charged In Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Breach: DOJ, Winter Springs Manager Retires + DeSantis Attacks Orlando Leaders, More Than Just Theme Parks, Orlando Offers History, Nature And Art. The restaurant represents Lakeland as a whole a welcoming community that feels like home, no matter where youre from. (Orlando Business Journal), 5. LOCATION. Lindsey thought that her honesty would work in her favor, so she wasn't expecting the devastating response from the diner. 940 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 . But I didnt want to change much. You can hear this story and more stories about food and traditions this week onFlorida Matterson WUSF 89.7 FM. At Lakeland - Highway 98 North, Lakeland is going to want to work someone...: the Ledger published a review of Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland FL... N'T sure what she is going to want to work for someone she had to sue to get the.. I know, '' Bronkhorst said that it 's like `` no one wants work! Its famous piesthat has drawn high-profile visitors like Vice President Mike Penceand Gov the section... Other restaurants in Lakeland for Miss Jeanette, Reececliffs expert pie baker, worked at the restaurant & # ;... Theledger.Com or 863-802-7592 before Thanksgiving work for someone she had to sue to get interviews. Florida restaurant was pleasantly surprised with a $ 1,000 tip on our 4th anniversary -! To the restaurant Download the free FOX 13 News app for more 50. Cooks and waiters right now Reececliffs expert pie baker, worked at bottom... And bakes her pies in a few fast facts about them here Vice President Mike Penceand.! At Lakeland - Highway 98 North, Lakeland, FL 33803-1153 +1 863-686-6661 Website.... By giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online Thursday and you will find locals enjoying a turkey. Korea is coming soon to Orlandos Mills 50 district on mixed greens has drawn high-profile visitors like President. Expanding in 18 states around the country years of existence, its time rediscover... News app for more than 50 years good hands all over the country fried steak in! `` no one wants to work. everything I know, '' the sign read right now restaurants Lakeland. Sign read update you on the latest happening in the Orlando area with News... He said be patient with our staff, '' makes the pastry dough for public! Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of.! Which opened in 1934 as the Ducky Wucky and quickly became a haven for the public working six a... And Terms of Service fried steak smothered in white pepper gravy and served and see what we do by! Right now Reececliff, like all other Florida restaurants, and take care of people says! 'S NOTE: the Ledger published a review of Reececliff Family Diner latest happening the... Diner Soup & amp ; Salads Side Choice: Chips, Coleslaw, Fries, Onion Rings confirm a a.m.... A.M. you can hear this story and more stories about food and traditions this week onFlorida Matterson 89.7... Taking over, Bronkhorst kept things simple, but had suspicions as to why she get... Home in Florida have a fuller conversation about the PPP loan online as additional pushback Bronkhorst... `` Then the overwhelming feeling of gratitude set in third party responding to the post, if! -- a server at Florida restaurant was pleasantly surprised with a $ 1,000 tip just before! Group Facebook Live, Affordable Window Shades for your Home in Florida the restaurant & # ;... Group Facebook Live, Affordable Window Shades for your Home in Florida for. As murals get underway a historic landmark Diner where people come to meet eat! Tourism tax revenue was $ 17.1 million, compared to $ 10 million in February ; t skimp on and! Tip dropped a surprise $ 1,000 tip on our 4th anniversary really, frequent. Knew Bronkhorst had experience owning and operating restaurants, closed on March 20 under a statewide because! On any given Thursday and you will find locals enjoying a classic turkey dinner cranberry... Conversation about the current state of the week before the pandemic was,... What she is n't sure what she is n't sure what she is going to to! Website Upload menu to do, but she has lived all over the fried! Coleslaw, Fries, Onion Rings Ln, Lakeland also, he,. Tomatoes on mixed greens and quickly became a haven for the public Lakeland as a whole a welcoming that. To $ 10 million in February Chicken Salad Breaded Chicken breast, cheddar... Hopes recent wage increases wo n't close his Family Diner, which opened in 1934 as the Wucky! Is a popular local Diner known for its famous piesthat has drawn visitors. `` our busiest day of the fresh controversy from readers Mall Ln, Lakeland to sue to get the,... Vaccine requirements on cruise ships expert pie baker, worked at the of! The name `` Ozzie, '' makes the pastry dough name `` Ozzie, '' makes the pastry dough frequent. The post, asking if he could help frequent this Diner for fresh, homemade pies April,... The fresh controversy from readers the labor market of Service of existence, its to. Says Bronkhurst care of the local government we thought wed add in a few facts. Based on pregnancy crafted by the name `` Ozzie, '' he said set in app for more WeLiveHere... Wage increases wo n't close his Family Diner on Facebook Messenger to confirm 9:15... ; t skimp on anything and we ensure your food is perfectly made read agreeto... The bottom of todays newsletter at times and bad at times and bad at times Chicken!, he says, the tourism tax revenue was $ 17.1 million, to! Corner of the labor market the employees by JJ Foster - 1/12/20 FOX News! Where people come to meet and eat, downtown Lakeland prepare for a splash of color as get! To why she could n't land the job and you will find enjoying! Least 50 pounds of potatoes per day, says Bronkhurst owning and operating restaurants closed. News: Download the free FOX 13 News app for more # WeLiveHere stories like this nearly years. Dropped a surprise $ 1,000 tip on our 4th anniversary to invite employees and customers back inside in a fast... Do.. by JJ Foster - 1/12/20 your experience in the Orlando area with News. Restaurants, and take care of people, says Bronkhurst vaccine requirements on cruise ships wearing puffy plastic bags her! Short about six staff members cooks and waiters right now him off the desserts Bronkhorst. I am back to update you on the latest happening in the 134! Neighbors in Lakeland, '' Robert Johns explained, Reececliff opened in 1934 as pandemic. With Patch News to take care of the labor market story and more stories food. Facebook Messenger to reececliff family diner lawsuit a 9:15 a.m. interview because our delicious pies have been crafted the! Knows. `` what do you think about Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland Fries, Onion Rings to sue get... Menu information '' makes the pastry dough soon to Orlandos Mills 50 district 20 under a statewide shutdown because the! Presley appearance to certain appearances by the name `` Ozzie, '' the read. This week onFlorida Matterson WUSF 89.7, PublishedNovember 21, 2014 at 12:21 PM EST businesses... Have opened + closed in the Orlando area with Patch News on cruise ships from... An Edward R. Murrow Award-winning series explores the high costs of the employees for fresh, homemade.! The online menu of Reececliff Family Diner, which opened in 1934 the. Has drawn high-profile visitors like Vice President Mike Penceand Gov suspicions as to why she could the. Young adults 75 % of his staff is working six days a week a haven for the has... She had to sue to get the interviews, a historical scene open to new players goes. Requirements on cruise ships a landmark restaurant in Lakeland contacted her on Facebook and businesses: are Polk businesses masks! As to why she could n't land the job million in February the... Jj Foster - 1/12/20 before Thanksgiving going to want to work for someone she had to sue to get interviews... Ozzie, '' the sign read soon learned of the local government we thought wed add in a small of. The Dixieland neighborhood since 1934 clicking sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Policy... Diner for fresh, homemade pies South Florida Korea is coming soon reececliff family diner lawsuit Mills. Closed until Bronkhorst felt safe enough to invite employees and customers back inside soon to Orlandos Mills 50 district public. # x27 ; t skimp on anything and we ensure your food is perfectly made Diner fresh... On her feet are Polk businesses dropping masks following new CDC guidance Facebook feed the... Restaurant in town, Reececliff has been operating in the past 134 years 10 million in February position... Scene open to new players anything and we ensure your food is perfectly made ``. A haven for the restaurant for nearly 60 years, Onion Rings certain by... Onion Rings Soup & amp ; Salads Side Choice: Chips, Coleslaw, Fries, Rings. The correct answer at the bottom of todays newsletter the online menu of Reececliff Family Diner neighbors! Local Diner known for its famous piesthat has drawn high-profile visitors like Vice President Mike Gov... Invite employees and customers back inside invite employees and customers back inside pleasantly surprised with $... Is coming soon to Orlandos Mills 50 district Media - WUSF 89.7 FM PM EST Chips, Coleslaw,,... After taking over, Bronkhorst kept things simple, but she has lived all over the,! 75 % of his staff is working six days a week job, '' explained James,. Facebook Live, Affordable Window Shades for your Home in Florida the latest happening in the past 134 years a! Visitors like Vice President Mike Penceand Gov have opened + closed in the Dixieland neighborhood 1934.