As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. These delicious pies have been crafted by the same pie expert for over 40 years. Sign up with your email address to receive $5 off your next meal! Patio850. "We just have an hour, hour and half of great fun," Robert Johns explained. After more than 75 years of existence, its time to rediscover this rare treasure. WUSF 89.7 depends on donors for the funding it takes to provide you the most trusted source of news and information here in town, across our state, and around the world. Its a place where friends come for memories and comfort food. Bronkhorst said he thinks that change will definitely help him find employees, adding that he thinks the labor shortage will have "blown over" by mid-July. "We are sorry for misunderstand.we can check all resumes and she didn't have any restaurant experience.we are looking for experience server," the comment said. Silver Moon Drive-In, 4100 New Tampa Hwy. The Reececliff Family Diner, which opened in 1934, is the oldest running restaurant in Lakeland. The owner mentioned . She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. 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 . 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. Plus, federal unemployment benefits for Floridians are about to expire. They cost around $12 to $17 each. That's all for today. Ouellette was contacted on Facebook by a third party responding to the post, asking if he could help. Description: As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. *This isnt meant to be a comprehensive list. 1950s. Moments later, the interview was canceled. This down home diner is a staple in the city, with rocking chairs on the front porch and a welcoming atmosphere. Bill Ouellette, a Lake Wales lawyer, said Wilcox might have a case but she would have to weigh the potential outcomes against the effort. "And to me, it's a good thing because these people work hard, they work really hard and they deserve to make good money.". The Egg Factory Coupons. We had ourselves a lovely breakfast here; veggie omelet ably-executed. The sign was removed by the owner, James Bronkhorst, on Monday following online backlash against the diner from locals. Moments later, the interview was canceled. 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 highlight the stories of Black Floridians seeking emotional healing and wellness. "She taught me everything I know," Mae says. The Reececliff, like all other Florida restaurants, closed on March 20 under a statewide shutdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "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.". Ovation Bistro & Bar. Barrow said she eventually took the post down because she received threats and decided it wasn't worth leaving it up. He says he doesn't eat the pie himself, because his mother made so many pies when he was growing up that he tired of them. Click here to find out where this restaurant is on the map in Florida. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Reececliff Family Diner . "You get meatloaf and mashed potatoes, roast beef, chicken and dumplings. ", 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. They were looking to hire waiters and waitresses. "It's with the government because you know, if I was in the same situation, maybe I would take as much money to stay home. "[Restaurant] wages are $10-$15 an hour and for them to go up, which I think they should, I really think they should, that model is going to have to be adjusted and people are going to have to start paying a lot more to go out to eat," Bronkhorst said. 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. How is it that we stay so consistent? Reececliff Family Diner is a pet friendly restaurant in Lakeland. He also introduced the coconut cream pie, working with Miss Jeanette to perfect the recipe. If I need to know something I call her and she will tell me what to do." Add to wishlist. Reececliff Restaurant: The Food Was Good But the Staff Ignored Us As We Stood in Front of Them. The group has left 39 $1,000 tips for servers across the country so far. "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.". Reececliff Family Diner Through all the rejection, Lindsey never gave up. Google Brienne Lee Brown. 850 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 940-2030 Website Order Online Tourism is rebounding on International Drive as the pandemic winds down. All rights reserved. Here at Reececliff Family Diner, in Lakeland we are passionate about making food that has substance to it, try our scrumptious noodles. "My intent was not to sew discord. Grilled Cheese $3.99. "Please be patient with our staff," the sign read. American, Seafood. Doors Finally Open to Biscuits and Benedicts, In Theatre Showings at the Polk Theatre | Aug 7-9, Organic Sushi and Asian Bowls at GreenWise. He knew Bronkhorst had experience owning and operating restaurants, and left it in good hands. E-mail. more As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. "I make apple, cherry, peach, egg custard, berry, coconut custard, chocolate cream, pecan, chocolate pecan, peanut butter, potato and pumpkin pies. They are good at times and bad at times. 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. Thats why places like Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland, Florida are so coveted. Does it get much better than that? An Edward R. Murrow Award-winning series explores the high costs of the pandemic for children and young adults. If you want more Florida restaurants, make sure to clickhereand sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Today, that pie is the best-selling pie on the menu. 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.". Check out the timeline here. Open now : 07:00 AM - 9:00 PM. And she's wearing puffy plastic bags on her feet. ", "One issue is that they don't pay enough to compete with those that have benefits and a rising hourly rate," Barrow wrote. Lakeland, Florida. Mae is rolling out a lot of pie crusts. Lakeland Police Department, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave. Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr. Lakeland Fire Department, 701 E. Main St. Swansation: The story of Lakelands swan statues, Feeling fresh: Smoothies, salads, and acai in the 863, Heres your sign: The Southside Cleaners sign returns, See the Lakeland Magic at these upcoming games, Brief History: Home to the worlds largest single-site collection of, Brief History: Originally founded in New Brockton, AL, as Alabama Shield of Faith Institute, the private university, Brief History: LAL had no police cars until 1920, so, Brief History: Originally built at the corner of Massachusetts Ave. and Cedar St., the Fire Department. Thank you! Good and hearty american food designed to hit the spot. 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803-1153. So, what do you think about Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland, Florida? Finally, she found a job posting for a waitress position at Reececliff Family Diner on Facebook. Mister Fish is a family owned and operated restaurant since opening in 1968 by David Lee and Geneva Martin. But that assessment got pushback online. "Excellent steak house in Taipei.". 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. If youre good to them, theyll support 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. The money is raised via donations on the group's website, and a tip is left every time the donation total reaches $1,000. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Some might think a meal filled with Southern favorites followed by a slice of pie is the holy grail. Today, that pie is the, Over nearly nine decades, Reececliff has seen its share of highs and lows. Reececliff Restaurant, 940 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, Florida. This can range from pecan and apple to cherry, peach, coconut custard, chocolate cream, and more. Bronkhorst said that he didn't expect the sign to be read as a political stance. If we missed you, let us know by commenting below. Ron DeSantis. Did you know? Call today (863) 686-6661! He also introduced the coconut cream pie, working with Miss Jeanette to perfect the recipe. The Reececliff Family Diner, which opened in 1934, is the oldest running restaurant in Lakeland. 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. (Patch). That's another reason I don't like them to eat them," he says with a laugh, though he says he doesn't mind helping to bake them. 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. But I didnt want to change much. Proceed to the restaurant's website Upload menu. The owner of Reececliff Family Diner later removed the sign from the door after he said it got too much negative attention online, the Lakeland Ledger reported. The past two years, weve been better than ever. If you come to work and do the right thing, everything works, he says. Masks and businesses:Are Polk businesses dropping masks following new CDC guidance? 6AM City Inc. 2023. We are working hard to rebuild our team to serve you better.". Reececliff is a popular local diner known for its famous piesthat has drawn high-profile visitors like Vice President Mike Penceand Gov. Stop by on any given Thursday and you will find locals enjoying a classic turkey dinner with cranberry sauce and fresh baked bread. Buying a Home This Summer? Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Sunshine State will be delivered straight to your email. It turns out that they were looking to hire waiters and waitresses. He added that about 75% of his staff is working six days a week. Pay Ahead and Skip the Line. ", "We reopened in August and I'm still not fully staffed, my restaurant is not fully open," Bronkhorst said. Reececliff is not a museum. 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803-1153 +1 863-686-6661 Website Menu. 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 . "They still brought me in for interviews and they told me they couldn't discriminate against it," she said. Description: As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. Connect with neighborhood businesses on Nextdoor. We are working hard to rebuild our team to serve you better.". Reececliff Family Diner is a restaurant located in Lakeland, Florida at 940 Florida Avenue South. Best known for their famous Mister Fish sandwiches and . Lindsey believed this was the perfect opportunity for her as she was already familiar with the diner and she was comfortable with the working hours as well. Suddenly something caught her eye. 940 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 . 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. 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. "Then the overwhelming feeling of gratitude set in. View the online menu of Reececliff Family Diner and other restaurants in Lakeland, Florida. Specialties: As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. Silver Moon Drive-In, 4100 New Tampa Hwy. she says. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 1:09. 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. "I wanted to get closer to my home so I brought this place," he said. "Sorry," came the response from the Reececliff account. And although Miss Jeanette retired about two years ago, the tradition continues with Mae Smith. Reececliff is stable, and were not slowing down. It is currently expanding in 18 states around the country. A family diner, open since 1934. Reececliff general manager Hazel Wood says Thanksgiving is the time of year that they sell the most pies, even more than Christmas. 24. People respect the history and uphold the longevity of this community. Smile Center of Orlando serves residents of Winter Park! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Its just what we do.. 108 Reviews. Lakeland. "We're up all night making them! Reececliff Family Diner, 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33803, United States (863) 686-6661 info@reececlifflakeland.com We just try to take care of people, says Bronkhurst. on restaurants, including Reececliff, and Bronkhorst closed the business for five months. (Orlando Business Journal), 5. READ Try a taste of cracker cuisine at The Yearling restaurant. Pies at Reececliff have been a hot seller for decades. Owner James Bronkhorst said the sign was put on the diner's door a little over a week ago. 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. 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 . After taking over, Bronkhorst kept things simple, but did make several small tweaks. 1533 S Combee Rd Lakeland, FL , 33801 Cuisine: American. The law applies to businesses with 15 or more employees, and does not exclude discrimination based on "bona fide" job requirements. Heres What You Should Know. Without a shadow of a doubt, being an expectant mother without a job is not an ideal situation for anyone. "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. 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. Very clean and kept restaurant. Reececliffs long-term employees prove it. PHONE (863) 686-6661 . We peel at least 50 pounds of potatoes per day, says James Bronkhorst, owner and operator of Reececliff. "That's a lot of work.". Wilcox said she isn't sure what she is going to do, but she has no interest in working for the restaurant. Visit BringFido now for details on their menu, photos, and reviews from other dog owners who've eaten there. Lakeland Tourism . In April 2021, the tourism tax revenue was $17.1 million, compared to $10 million in February. Governor DeSantis has prevailed in his lawsuit against the CDC over vaccine requirements on cruise ships. Reececliff Family Diner - 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL - Yelp EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ledger published a review of Reececliff Family Diner online Wednesday and soon learned of the fresh controversy from readers. I just started crying afterwards, because it just shows that there are good people still out there.". WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7 | Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando: 1. Specialties: As the longest running restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Reececliff Family Diner is still providing quality service with a down home atmosphere. It was an advertisement for the Reececliff Family Diner. Reececliff welcomes new crowds while honoring old traditions. Subs 'n Such 1008 South Florida Ave. Taylormade Foods 727 taylormade food drive . Share. Reececliff Family Diner has been a classic Lakeland spot for meeting and eating for 88 years. Sadly, due to government handouts no one wants to work anymore. "We just like to get together to talk about old times and new times and what's going on," customer Neal Grossfield. Maybe its because our delicious pies have been crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years. Honorable mentions. We had ourselves a lovely breakfast here; veggie omelet ably-executed. Home Diner is a popular local Diner known for their famous mister Fish is a popular local Diner for... Diner is a popular local Diner known for their famous mister Fish sandwiches.. 940 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, Florida the menu around the country including. It up the rejection, Lindsey never gave up so far waitress position at Reececliff Family Diner Through the. The restaurant and apple to cherry, peach, coconut custard, chocolate cream, Bronkhorst... Posting for a waitress position at Reececliff Family Diner Through all the rejection, Lindsey never up. 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