It’s been a great year for local start-ups and small businesses, and the Lakeland community is booming with new business and local events. We’re thrilled to announce that several Catapult members have been recognized and awarded in this year’s edition of the Best of Lakeland Awards by Haven + LKLD Magazine. This magazine showcases the top businesses in various categories (such as restaurants, bakeries, florists, etc.) through a voter audience. Join us as we celebrate our fellow entrepreneurs’ achievements and their positive impact on Lakeland’s thriving community!
Our Noire Kitchen
Best Food Truck
With a decadent combination of savory soul food and vibrant photography, it’s no surprise that Catapult member Our Noire Kitchen won over the hearts of the Lakeland community to win Best Food Truck. They have shared their food and beverages everywhere, from the Winter Haven Farmers Market to a recent restaurant residency at Catapult alum Honeycomb Bread Bakers’ brick-and-mortar. Along with offering a variety of lunch and dinner foods with soul and Caribbean flair, Our Noire Kitchen is known for their outstanding service, beautiful food photography, and passion for exceptional food. Be sure to come by to their lunch pop-ups at Catapult Lakeland on October 9th and November 19th from 11AM-2PM, or check them out at the Central Florida Food Fest on October 19th from 1-7PM at Bonnet Springs!
Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen
Best Vegan Restaurant, 1st Place
Best Hidden Gem, 2nd Place
Best Service, 2nd Place
Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen is a Catapult alum who has been on a hot streak of winning Haven Magazine’s Best of Lakeland awards! Serving the community of Lakeland with 100% vegan and minimally processed foods, Vegetation has offered dishes that are equally healthy and delicious. Guests can stop by for grab-and-go plant-based meals, snacks, and sweets, or savor the vegan eats in the cafe space! They’ve captured the heart of Lakeland with 3 wins in 2023, and another 3 in 2024. This year, they won Best Vegan Restaurant, and placed second in the Best Hidden Gem and Best Service categories. Check out their weekly menus for deliciously satisfying food (and equally satisfying photography), and see Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen at the Central Florida Food Fest, alongside many other Catapult members and alumni!
Born & Bread Bakehouse
Best Bakery
Born & Bread is a Lakeland staple for bakery items, and it shows through their 2024 Best Bakery win in the Best of Lakeland series. They’re a delicious and highly sought-out commodity though, only offering their goods Wednesday through Saturday in the Downtown Lakeland area. From decadent pastries to breakfast goodies, Born & Bread is the go-to spot for hungry patrons craving bread, pastries, breakfast and lunch in the Lakeland area.
Bandidas Bake Shop
Best Hidden Gem, 1st Place
Best Bakery, 2nd Place
Best New Restaurant, 2nd Place
A recent Catapult alum, Bandidas Bake Shop launched into their own brick-and-mortar just over 3 months ago, and have already been making waves in the Lakeland community. This bakery, cafe, and market provides homemade dishes that evolve with the season. Bandidas offers a selection of pastries, sandwiches, grab-and-go items, and drinks. Along with taking home the award of Best Hidden Gem, Bandidas also placed second for Best Bakery and Best New Restaurant! Be sure to stop by Bandidas Bake Shop on Edgewood Drive, and see them at Central Florida Food Fest at Bonnet Springs!
Bloom Shakalaka
Best Florist
New adventures are blossoming for Catapult alum Bloom Shakalaka. They recently opened a location on Traders Alley in Downtown Lakeland, AND won Best Florida in the Best of Lakeland Awards! Offering a selection of flower arrangements, subscriptions, and wearables, Bloom Shakalaka wants to be known as the funky fresh flower shop whose mission is to spread joy to those in the Lakeland area. They now operate a vibrant collaborative storefront with East of These, a custom apparel company, and the flower market in Lakeland has never looked brighter! Check them out at their store on Traders Alley on Tuesdays through Sundays!
There were also many Catapult members and alumni who were voted as runners up or honorable mentions!
- Haus820 – Best Wedding Venue, 2nd Place
- Pinoy Cravings – Best Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market Vendor, 3rd Place
- Take Heart– Best Gift Shop, 3rd Place
- Meraki Bakehouse – Best Bakery, 3rd Place
You can learn more about all of these members, as well as other Catapult members, on our website. Be sure to check out the winners at upcoming Catapult pop-ups, at the Central Florida Food Fest, or in their brick-and-mortar locations! Congratulations to all of the amazing winners for the incredible impact they make on the Lakeland community daily, and to the continuous growth of our local businesses and entrepreneurs!
