This group of patrons has been coming to the restaurant for more than 20 years. Love Florida? An employee said she would pass on the message to someone who could speak to the paper. Check out our restaurant menu and see what we offer! Therefore, we are short-staffed. "I wanted to get closer to my home so I brought this place," he said. 108 Reviews. (863) 686-6661. Specialties: As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. Some have said these are the best homemade pies in Florida. Reececliff Family Diner has been a classic Lakeland spot for meeting and eating for 88 years. Reececliff Restaurant. An Edward R. Murrow Award-winning series explores the high costs of the pandemic for children and young adults. 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. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Toddler drops bottle near orangutan at LA Zoo: Watch what happens next, 'Absolute mayhem': Suspect dead after shootout in Poinciana, Polk County sheriff says, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Two top members of Latin Kings arrested in Hillsborough County, sheriff says, TPD: Video shows suspected officer impersonator who exposed himself to woman at Tampa hotel, USF Sarasota-Manatee to host groundbreaking for its first student housing complex, Berns Steak House requiring credit card for reservations, no-show fees will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials, World War II airman from Tampa Bay area identified nearly 80 years after his death. Reececliff Family Diner has been a classic Lakeland spot for meeting and eating for 88 years. . Jan Barrow, a local Democrat who lost a bid against Florida Rep. Colleen Burton for the House District 40 seat in 2020, posted a photo of the diner's sign in the "We Live in Lakeland, FL" Facebook group. Review. She rolls out and bakes her pies in a small corner of the bustling kitchen. Without a shadow of a doubt, being an expectant mother without a job is not an ideal situation for anyone. 7-Eleven 851 S FLORIDA AVE . Click here to find out where this restaurant is on the map in Florida. Chicken Fingers $3.99. We just try to take care of people, says Bronkhurst. In addition to closing Sundays, Reececliff opens half an hour later each day and closes an hour earlier. "I'm closed on Sundays now. "So please be kind and patient with staff that wants to work and earn an income and not sit home and get a handout from the government. "We don't buy anything.". He added that about 75% of his staff is working six days a week. 850 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 940-2030 Website Order Online Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Google Brienne Lee Brown. Farrell said in May that since workers have had a year to reflect on the value of their labor, they're likely to demand higher compensation in the job market to come back to work. Lakeland. "We do everything home made!" Robin Sussingham was Senior Editor at WUSF until September 2020. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online. Rating. Thank you for subscribing! Its been serving up down-home southern cuisine for more than 80 years. And the cost of hamburgers are going up," Barrow wrote. Highland Grove Landscaping & Farm is here for landscaping services, Check Out These Homes For Sale In Orlando, New Dogs, Cats, Pets Up For Adoption At Orlando Area Shelters. Reececliff is not a museum. 6AM City Inc. 2023. You can hear this story and more stories about food and traditions this week onFlorida Matterson WUSF 89.7 FM. Menu added by users March 17, 2022 Menu added by the restaurant owner January 19, 2022. Balle Balle Indian Restaurant. "It gave away where I used to work, my high school It gave away where I used to live," Wilcox said. Share. You can find the correct answer at the bottom of todays newsletter. We will be here for a long time to come., The Long Legacy of Reececliff Family Diner, After taking over, Bronkhorst kept things simple, but did make several small tweaks. Yum! "She taught me everything I know," Mae says. "I know it's going to change at my store," Bronkhorst said. Maya Lora can be reached with tips or questions at [email protected]. *This isnt meant to be a comprehensive list. Pizza, Italian, Chicken Wings. You will receive your first email soon. 7:30am - 8:00pm A lot of businesses have opened + closed in the past 134 years. But I didnt want to change much. Walking into Reececliff, you'll see which pies are already on display. If you want more Florida restaurants, make sure to clickhereand sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Over the past decades, Reececliff Family Diner had grown to become a staple in the community. Barrow said she eventually took the post down because she received threats and decided it wasn't worth leaving it up. "You are not going to get anything fancy here," he shared. Hes in the process of onboarding a new online ordering platform, propelled by the pandemic and something he is hoping will add to the restaurants succes. Come and visit us soon and experience a quality diner witha family atmosphere. In 2015, the Florida Human Rights Act was amended to include pregnancy in its list of classes protected from employment discrimination. "We tried other restaurants. "Unfortunately this sign has drawn a line in the sand because it is a political post and while they may feel a certain way, it will cost them business and many to boycott Reececliff . it is happening already," Jan Barrow posted in a Facebook group, according to the news outlet. Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando: 1. $8.99 Tuna Salad Plate Serving of tuna salad and choice of 2 sides. Bronkhorst said that his back-of-house staff was hired back at $1-$2 more an hour than he was previously offering, based on experience. Nearby restaurants. I just started crying afterwards, because it just shows that there are good people still out there.". Bronkhorst also mentioned Ms. Willie, a cook and connoisseur of their classic dishes, whos been there since 1974 and still works in the kitchen today. After more than 75 years of existence, its time to rediscover this rare treasure. After more than 75 years of existence, its time to rediscover this rare treasure. ", READ All aboard: Travel back in time at Plant City's train-themed caf. Todays weather: The high is 93 and the low is 77 with scattered thunderstorms. Bronkhorsts business strategy? "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. The actions of the diner employer had made them deeply upset. I've spent my entire life seeking the best burgers and comfort food. I don't have the staff to open my restaurant.". We had ourselves a lovely breakfast here; veggie omelet ably-executed. He began opening the restaurant earlier and made a few facade improvements. Get more stories delivered right to your email. It was not okay that Lindsey was [] 940 S Florida Ave Lakeland FL 33803. Here at Reececliff Family Diner, in Lakeland we are passionate about making food that has substance to it, try our scrumptious noodles. A Central Florida restaurant called Reececliff Family Diner was criticized for posting a sign decrying government handouts after it was revealed they are among the recipients of a Paycheck Protection Program loan to help during the coronavirus pandemic shutdowns. Ron DeSantis, Sheriff Grady Judd, and former Vice President Mike Pence. He also introduced the coconut cream pie, working with Miss Jeanette to perfect the recipe. Try the country fried steak smothered in white pepper gravy and served . So please be kind and patient with staff that wants to work and earn income, and not sit home and get a handout from the government. Today, that pie is the best-selling pie on the menu. 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. There are medical bills to pay, clothes, diapers, and other baby supplies to buy, and soon a child to feed . 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 . Masks and businesses:Are Polk businesses dropping masks following new CDC guidance? "They weren't overt enough to say that," Ouellette said. 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. Good Thyme LKLD 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln . "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.". Reececliff Family Diner - 940 Florida Ave S, Lakeland. "Nobody has blatantly told me it was because I was pregnant," Lindsey Wilcox said of her previous attempts to secure employment. Menu for Reececliff Family Diner provided by Allmenus.com. That's all for today. Ranked #75 of 496 Restaurants in Lakeland. LAKELAND, Fla. - Every Wednesday around 8 a.m. you can find the same group gathered at Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland. After more than 75 years of existence, its time to rediscover this rare treasure. Here are some notable businesses that have been serving the Lakeland area for 50+ years. He's anticipating that his prices will have to go up by the end of the year to support pay increases, which he wants to see happen. Reececliffs long-term employees prove it. Nathans Mens Store | Photo by @nicolefeller_, Lakeland was established in January of 1885 on the 80 acres of land that we now know as downtown LAL which means Swan City is 134 years old. Still, "I think a jury would side with her, but I don't know what kind of remedy she'd have.". 300 Reviews Lakeland, Central Florida . Ever wondered about some of the oldest businesses and how theyve managed to stick around? All they wanted was for applicants to send their resume through their social media page, and then they would get back to potential candidates. To communicate or ask something with the place, the Phone number is (863) 686-6661. "Recommend when you want some Indian.". 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. #8. "Sadly, due to government handouts, no one wants to work anymore. Stacey White, a server at Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland, said she was . It started in 1934. On the street of Florida Avenue South and street number is 940. These delicious pies have been crafted by the same pie expert for over 40 years. Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Sunshine State will be delivered straight to your email. His stubborn compassion paid off. Right now Mae is rolling out the crust for several egg custard pies. This drop was number 1 out of 4 we gave out to celebrate our 4th year. Grilled Cheese $3.99. 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. You can get more information from their website. Or maybe its because our . While he hasn't been in a while, he doesn't plan on going back after seeing photos of the sign. Federal law also prohibits hiring discrimination based on pregnancy. "Please be patient with our staff," the sign read. has drawn high-profile visitors like Vice President Mike Pence, State to end supplemental $300-a-week federal aid for unemployed workers, effective June 26, LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken brings the Nashville flavor to Lakeland, Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens applications to struggling hospitality business owners, COVID-19's impact lessens but hasn't vanished in Polk County, New business coming soon to industrial portion of downtown Winter Haven, have said that additional federal unemployment benefits may not be the only thing affecting the labor market. Reececliff welcomes new crowds while honoring old traditions. 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. Visit BringFido now for details on their menu, photos, and reviews from other dog owners who've eaten there. Reececliff Family Diner is a pet friendly restaurant in Lakeland. Theres no question for us. American, Salad. "There might have been someone better, who knows.". Ovation Bistro & Bar. Later at the restaurant, an employee told a Ledger reporter to come back in the morning. Claimed. The longest-running restaurant in town, Reececliff opened in 1934 as the Ducky Wucky and quickly became a haven for the public. The Clearwater native started in the service industry when he was 12. Though these agencies are branches of the local government we thought wed add in a few fast facts about them here. In 1953 a teenager named Jeanette Mobley came to work there, and Miss Jeanette, as she was called, baked pies for Reececliff for the next 60 years. Palace Pizza. PHONE (863) 686-6661 . Christopher Guinn can be reached at [email protected] or 863-802-7592. Maybe its because our delicious pies have been crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years. (Click Orlando), 2. Classic dishes havent changed. (Orlando Sentinel), 4. This Diner Canceled a Job Interview with Girl the Minute They Found Out She's Pregnant & It Angered Many. Reececliff Diner & Grill: Great family diner - See 16 traveler reviews, 9 candid photos, and great deals for Lakeland, FL, at Tripadvisor. "These guys need me to keep them straight," she said jokingly. Proceed to the restaurant's website Upload menu. We don't skimp on anything and we ensure your food is perfectly made. 2015 Reececliff Family Diner | Design by Stephen Robles, Reececliff Family Diner, 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33803, United States. 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 . And it's really not with people," Bronkhorst said. We highlight the stories of Black Floridians seeking emotional healing and wellness. Reececliff Family Diner is a restaurant located in Lakeland, Florida at 940 Florida Avenue South. Yeah, we did too. It turns out that they were looking to hire waiters and waitresses. I'm not in that position but who's to say I wouldn't.". she says, laughing. Improve this listing. A historic landmark diner where people come to meet and eat. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ledger published a review of Reececliff Family Diner online Wednesday and soon learned of the fresh controversy from readers. Thats why places like Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland, Florida are so coveted. Pay Ahead and Skip the Line. How is it that we stay so consistent? Now, lets get started. Employees like Miss Jeanette, Reececliffs expert pie baker, worked at the restaurant for nearly 60 years. The show airs on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 a.m. Mae is 68 years old, and petite. Reececliff Family Diner is located in Polk County of Florida state. 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