A pair of developers are set to embark on a significant venture as they aim to test the viability of the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency's plans for East Main Street. This initiative holds great potential for food enthusiasts and local businesses alike.

Unleashing the Potential of East Main Street with a Food Truck Court

Bringing a Food Truck Court to 1108 E. Main St.

Butch Rahman, a co-owner of Main Street Eats LLC, has proposed bringing a food truck court to this prime location by next summer. The business is seeking a conditional use permit from Lakeland commissioners. "I think if this is successful, other entrepreneurs will follow," Rahman said. The 0.42-acre site was previously a used car dealership and holds a unique piece of Lakeland history. A small one-story house built in 1912 and originally owned by the Sloan family will be preserved.Main Street Eats hopes to have eight food trucks leasing slots on site, offering high-quality food at reasonable prices close to Downtown Lakeland. "We are in the fastest growing city in the fastest growing county in the nation," Rahman emphasized. "Downtown really had one direction to grow and that’s east."

Partners and Inspiration

Rahman's business partner is Chad Englund, owner of Englund Construction, who came up with the idea of bringing a new food truck court to the area. "At first I was against it, but then I realized we didn’t even have a food court," Rahman said. "Look at the success of The Joinery, and we are a few blocks down the road from it."The closest thing to a food truck court in Lakeland, The Yard on Mass, closed in July and its future is uncertain. In addition to the food truck court, Main Street Eats will have an ancillary kitchen for food preparation, storage, and liquid waste disposal. Restrooms will also be available.On-site parking will be accessible from Rose Street. The developers have been in communication with the owners of Wally’s and have negotiated a potential lease for several parking spots and the neighboring masonic lodge, which is only used twice a month. "There’s plenty of empty parking lots in that area," Rahman noted.

Drawing Locals and Beyond

The location is expected to attract a number of locals, whether by car or on foot. Florida Southern College is about a mile south, and Southeastern University is a little more than a mile to the east around Lake Bonny. "The kids need somewhere to go at night and this is a kind of a wholesome place for them to go," Rahman said.Future plans call for the historic 1912 building to be used as a site to serve beer and wine only. The building was originally going to be demolished, but after discovering its history, the plans are to save it. "We found some checks deep in the attic that were from 1917," Rahman said.

Bike-Share Program and Community Vibe

One of the voided checks was written between two Sloan family members for 50 cents, which Rahman calculated would be around $10 today. The antique checks and other artifacts will be on display for guests.The site's overall vibe will be more outdoorsy, with artificial turf covering the ground. Some conceptual plans include giant Jenga blocks, a few putting holes, and other activities to encourage guests to stay and enjoy. A La Cart Orlando has served as a source of inspiration.Lakeland commissioners will hold a second public hearing on the required conditional use permit at their Dec. 16 meeting at City Hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Ave.