Reececliff Family Diner - 940 Florida Ave S, Lakeland. Nickell posted about the PPP loan online as additional pushback against Bronkhorst's sign. In April 2021, the tourism tax revenue was $17.1 million, compared to $10 million in February. The Reececliff, like all other Florida restaurants, closed on March 20 under a statewide shutdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can hear this story and more stories about food and traditions this week onFlorida Matterson WUSF 89.7 FM. Order Online at Lakeland - Highway 98 North, Lakeland. "That's a lot of work.". The restaurant represents Lakeland as a whole a welcoming community that feels like home, no matter where youre from. 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 . "We're up all night making them! Or if you want to plan a visit and find the hours of operation, check out the Reececliff Family Diner website. While he hasn't been in a while, he doesn't plan on going back after seeing photos of the sign. . +1 863-686-6661. After more than 75 years of existence, its time to rediscover this rare treasure. And dont forget the pie! 22. "Please be patient with our staff," the sign read. If I need to know something I call her and she will tell me what to do." An Edward R. Murrow Award-winning series explores the high costs of the pandemic for children and young adults. 940 S Florida Ave Lakeland FL 33803. Specialties: As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. 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. 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 . Cuisines: American. Burriell Osborne, who goes by the name "Ozzie," makes the pastry dough. Or maybe its because our head chef has been with us for over 40 years. On Tuesday evening, an employee at Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland contacted her on Facebook Messenger to confirm a 9:15 a.m. interview. Reececliff Family Diner is located in Polk County of Florida state. *This isnt meant to be a comprehensive list. The past two years, weve been better than ever. Today, that pie is the best-selling pie on the menu. Were going to keep making renovations and serving good, classic food, he says, sticking by the strategy hes now maintained for 20 years. 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. Also, he says, the Thanksgiving pie-making schedule has put him off the desserts. "I made this little vow to myself, when I made it, I would go around giving out big fat tips," Daniel said. Honorable mentions. Claim this business. In response to the Reececliff message, Wilcox said she would be there at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, then added: "I just wanted to let you know I am pregnant. "They still brought me in for interviews and they told me they couldn't discriminate against it," she said. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. No one from the diner, or owner James Bronkhorst, had responded by 9:30 p.m. After Wilcox posted the conversation online, Reececliff responded on its Facebook page with a comment and screenshots of her resume, which included her work history and education. On the street of Florida Avenue South and street number is 940. A historic landmark diner where people come to meet and eat. Reececliff Family Diner, 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33803, United States (863) 686-6661 info@reececlifflakeland.com After more than 75 years of existence, its time to rediscover this rare treasure. Click here to find out where this restaurant is on the map in Florida. And it's really not with people," Bronkhorst said. 850 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 940-2030 Website Order Online 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. Lakeland Tourism Lakeland Hotels Lakeland Guest House Lakeland Holiday Homes Some might think a meal filled with Southern favorites followed by a slice of pie is the holy grail. Upon seeing Barrow's post about the signage, Nickell looked into whether Reececliff received a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Try the country fried steak smothered in white pepper gravy and served . Its just what we do.. 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. Look in your email for a confirmation message. 36 recommendations for Reececliff Family Diner from neighbors in Lakeland, FL. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. Its a place where friends come for memories and comfort food. The longest-running restaurant in town, Reececliff opened in 1934 as the "Ducky Wucky" and quickly became a haven for the public. Maybe its because our delicious pies have been crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years. "You are not going to get anything fancy here," he shared. Or maybe its because our . It was not okay that Lindsey was [] Todays weather: The high is 93 and the low is 77 with scattered thunderstorms. Location & routing. This can range from pecan and apple to cherry, peach, coconut custard, chocolate cream, and more. After taking over, Bronkhorst kept things simple, but did make several small tweaks. Patio850 850 S Tennessee Ave (At Frank Lloyd Wright Way) Crane's Crossing at the Gardens 1037 Dixieland Mall Lane . Subs 'n Such 1008 South Florida Ave. Taylormade Foods 727 taylormade food drive . You will receive your first email soon. James Bronkhorst, owner of the Reececliff Family Diner on Feb. 12, 2004. Bronkhorst sees a bright future ahead for Reececliff. Yum! Lakeland, Florida. Therefore, we are short-staffed. Wilcox told The Ledger she was taken aback by the business posting her resume. "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. 24. - See 108 traveler reviews, 17 candid photos, and great deals for Lakeland, FL, at Tripadvisor. Over nearly nine decades, Reececliff has seen its share of highs and lows. I'm not in that position but who's to say I wouldn't.". And she's wearing puffy plastic bags on her feet. An employee said she would pass on the message to someone who could speak to the paper. 6AM City Inc. 2023. "Well I think it's kind of hypocritical if you put up a sign that says people are not working because of government handouts and then you apply for what really to me was a government handout," Nickell said. Bronkhorst said that he didn't expect the sign to be read as a political stance. 940 South Florida AvenueLakeland, FL 33803. 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. The Reececliff Family Diner, which opened in 1934, is the oldest running restaurant in Lakeland. Hamburger $3.99. Maybe its because our delicious pies have been crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years. We tend to agree. Young and old gathered at Reececliff, establishing it as a sort of monument on South Florida Avenue. Good Thyme - 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln, Lakeland. That makes sense. Reececliff is a popular local diner known for its famous piesthat has drawn high-profile visitors like Vice President Mike Penceand Gov. Here are some notable businesses that have been serving the Lakeland area for 50+ years. "We talk to her over the phone. "Our busiest day of the week before the pandemic was Sunday," Bronkhorst said. Review. I just started crying afterwards, because it just shows that there are good people still out there.". They expect to sell more that 300 pies the day before Thanksgiving. "I'm closed on Sundays now. Its been serving up down-home southern cuisine for more than 80 years. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt. Reececliff is not a museum. A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. 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. 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. "Excellent steak house in Taipei.". Monday-Saturday . 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. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: orlando@patch.com. "I kind of got fed up. Are Polk businesses dropping masks following new CDC guidance? Delivery & Pickup Options - 109 reviews of Reececliff Family Diner "In my continuing search for Tasty Diners of the Southeast, Reesecliff lives up to its recommendation. DISCLAIMER: Information shown may not reflect recent changes. "I'm so messy when it comes to flour!" Stop by on any given Thursday and you will find locals enjoying a classic turkey dinner with cranberry sauce and fresh baked bread. 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. "The days of unlivable wages are ending and yes, small restaurants are suffering because of it. To communicate or ask something with the place, the Phone number is (863) 686-6661. Rating. Posted . Barrow said that when she posted the sign, which she found a photo of in another group with #BoycottReececliff on it, she never intended to bash or harm Reececliff. Bronkhorst just hopes recent wage increases won't close his family diner. They are good at times and bad at times. Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A server at Florida restaurant was pleasantly surprised with a $1,000 tip just days before Christmas. on restaurants, including Reececliff, and Bronkhorst closed the business for five months. You can get more information from their website. In addition to closing Sundays, Reececliff opens half an hour later each day and closes an hour earlier. Young and old gathered at Reececliff, establishing it as a sort of monument on South Florida Avenue. 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. Right now Mae is rolling out the crust for several egg custard pies. "And to me, it's a good thing because these people work hard, they work really hard and they deserve to make good money.". Maybe its because our delicious pies have been crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years. Claimed. Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando: 1. The Ledger contacted the Reececliff Wednesday about 7 p.m. to ask about the incident. Reececliff Restaurant, 940 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, Florida. Under the statute, it is unlawful "to discharge or to fail or refuse to hire any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of an individual's race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.". Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland has been turning out its award winning pies since the 1930s, . Though these agencies are branches of the local government we thought wed add in a few fast facts about them here. 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. Owner James Bronkhorst said the sign was put on the diner's door a little over a week ago. There are medical bills to pay, clothes, diapers, and other baby supplies to buy, and soon a child to feed . "These guys need me to keep them straight," she said jokingly. The apple pie is also popular; it won the Ledger's Golden Plate award this year. She said she has let potential employers know ahead of time because "I just like to let people know; it's common courtesy," so employers would be aware she may need scheduling flexibility to attend appointments with doctors. Ever wondered about some of the oldest businesses and how theyve managed to stick around? Reececliff Family Diner is a pet friendly restaurant in Lakeland. The Reececliff Family Diner, which opened in 1934, is the oldest running restaurant in Lakeland. We highlight the stories of Black Floridians seeking emotional healing and wellness. Mae is rolling out a lot of pie crusts. (Spectrum News 13), 3. Here at Reececliff Family Diner, in Lakeland we are passionate about making food that has substance to it, try our scrumptious noodles. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Orlando. Menu for Reececliff Family Diner provided by Allmenus.com. "There might have been someone better, who knows.". Starting June 26, Floridians can only collect a maximum of $275 from the state, one of the lowest benefits in the nation, and will not be eligible for the additional $300 a week through the federal government. Our pies, from scratch. "It gave away where I used to work, my high school It gave away where I used to live," Wilcox said. She's not going to want to work for someone she had to sue to get the job," he said. Customers are always calling me over to their table, just to tell me theyve been eating here since the 1960s, says Bronkhurst. Classic dishes havent changed. If you come to work and do the right thing, everything works, he says. 511 Reviews Wilcox said she isn't sure what she is going to do, but she has no interest in working for the restaurant. Reececliff general manager Hazel Wood says Thanksgiving is the time of year that they sell the most pies, even more than Christmas. Very clean and kept restaurant. Public backlash against the diner soon followed. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. But I didnt want to change much. The Clearwater native started in the service industry when he was 12. How is it that we stay so consistent? Maya Lora can be reached with tips or questions at mlora@gannett.com. "I have flour everywhere, and all over my shoes. 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