Estimated to open in June or July of this year, owner Denise Gilmore revealed in a phone interview on Monday that construction should start within two weeks. “It’s in the process,” she said. Gilmore initially hoped to open doors in the spring, but has experienced delays.
A lifelong resident of Lakeland, Gilmore is the owner of Dee’s Gourmet Cinnamon Treats, LLC, which she runs out of her home, and she owns Lakeland Wedding Planning.
Appearing near Lakeland Regional Medical Center at 1242 N Florida Avenue, Mary’s Bagel Café will carry on a tradition of baking that Gilmore learned from her grandmother Mary, the café’s namesake. The Lakeland community will enjoy light breakfast and lunch fares, such as burgers, bagel sandwiches, fruit, desserts, gourmet coffee and her gourmet cinnamon buns seven days a week.
Gilmore inherited the property where the café will appear from her grandmother, who used to live there. The house was removed in 2005, according to LkldNow coverage.
The Lakeland community is no stranger to Gilmore’s work. She spent 27 years working at Lakeland Regional, where she served in catering, the coffee shop and supply chain management.
According to LkldNow coverage, Gilmore is committed to reinvest in her community: “My vision for the café is to give back to my community. I plan to hire local people, purchase items from local entrepreneurs, and reinvest some of the earnings into local charities.”
A recent plan review filed with the City is still in progress.
