Authentic Amish Fare Arrives in Central Florida
While Central Florida is renowned for its citrus groves and vibrant fusion cuisine, a completely different culinary tradition is putting down roots in Polk County. The Pinecraft Pantry, a brand-new, family-owned Amish deli, has officially opened in Lakeland, bringing the slow-paced, deeply comforting flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch country to the Sunshine State.
Stepping off the sun-drenched pavement and into The Pinecraft Pantry is a sensory shift. The shelves are tightly packed with jarred goods, the deli cases boast massive wheels of raw milk cheese, and the air carries the distinct, sweet aroma of molasses and freshly baked yeast bread. It is a space entirely dedicated to heritage food and unhurried craftsmanship.
The Backstory: A Bridge Between Sarasota and Lakeland
The deli is the realization of a long-held vision by the Yoder family. For over a decade, the Yoders traveled from their farm in Ohio to winter in Pinecraft—a well-known Amish and Mennonite community nestled in Sarasota, Florida. During their seasonal stays, they noticed that while Sarasota had a robust offering of traditional foods, the rapidly growing city of Lakeland, just an hour inland, was entirely missing this culinary niche.
Recognizing a prime opportunity, the family decided to make Florida their permanent home. They purchased a spacious, standalone building on South Florida Avenue, retrofitting it with massive commercial ovens, a sprawling deli counter, and floor-to-ceiling wooden shelving. Opening its doors this past winter, The Pinecraft Pantry now serves as a bridge between the deep-rooted agricultural traditions of the Midwest and the eager residents of Central Florida.
What to Order: Deli & Bakery Favorites
The true appeal of an authentic Amish deli is the uncompromising quality of its staples. Here is what you need to look for when you walk up to the counter:
| Item | The Draw |
| Lebanon Sweet Bologna | A quintessential deli staple. Smoked, cured, and sliced paper-thin, it strikes a perfect, mouthwatering balance of tangy and sweet that standard grocery store cold cuts simply cannot match. |
| Amish Fried Pies | The crown jewel of their bakery case. These half-moon hand pies are deep-fried to a golden crisp and heavily glazed. Alongside the traditional black raspberry, they offer a seasonal Florida citrus-cream filling that sells out daily. |
| Dutch Crust Bread | Baked fresh before sunrise, this bread features a signature crackled, slightly sweet topping over a dense, soft crumb. It is the absolute best vessel for a towering deli sandwich. |
| Mustard Pickled Eggs | Displayed right on the counter in massive glass jars. These are deeply savory, slightly sweet, and carry a sharp vinegar bite that pairs perfectly with their heavy meat-and-cheese platters. |
| Hand-Rolled Butter & Apple Butter | Sold in modest plastic tubs, their freshly churned, high-butterfat butter and slow-simmered, heavily spiced apple butter are worth the drive to Lakeland alone. |
The Yoders have successfully translated their generational knowledge into a space that feels both traditional and uniquely suited to its new Florida home, proving that authentic, scratch-made food has a place in every climate.
Visit the Business:
The Pinecraft Pantry, 3125 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803