A Tasty Co-Op in the Heart of the City
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
The old saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention.” In the case of Market on Kentucky, the mother (and father) of one young businesswoman were actually able to “invent” an opportunity for their daughter and other aspiring entrepreneurs while expanding her own operation in the process.
Tim and Tina Calhoon, owners and operators of Fresco’s Southern Kitchen and Bar, took over the 2,600 square foot space located next to its restaurant that was previously occupied by Taco Bus in 2024. They had been searching for a space to build a commercial kitchen to accommodate the boom their catering business had experienced, and in the process they decided to use the front of that building to add culture and commerce to the Downtown.
Market on Kentucky features fresh pastries and specialty beverages with the quality you would expect from Fresco’s products, and it is also home to Style Me Grazee—a fresh charcuterie board/box business owned by the Calhoon’s daughter, Jordan—and shelves stocked with goods from local favorites like Andrew Logan Chocolates, artist Emily Plank, Pine House Farm and Cattle and more.
“My favorite part is getting to know all the other small business owners and coming up with ideas,” Jordan says. “And I love cheese boards. I’m not a painter and don’t draw, so this is like art to me!”
Customers can build their own charcuterie board in person or order ahead for something special for their family or as a centerpiece for an upcoming event.
The in-house Ice Bar serves up cold and hot blended coffees, teas and other blended drinks. Customers can enjoy creative spins on classics such as a caramel iced latte with homemade cookie butter cold foam or fully immerse themselves in the fruity sweetness of a Strawberry Dream, which consists of heavy cream, pureed strawberries, fresh cut strawberries and Sprite.
The Market has a wide variety of fresh baked goods that includes everything from a variety of cinnamon rolls to muffins to savory rolls that are packed with ingredients and flavor.
“All of our blended drinks and sweet bakery treats all have the backing and quality of our flagship Frescos brand,” Tina Calhoon confirms. “The Market on Kentucky blended drinks are also available next door at Frescos during Market hours.”
Tina and Tim have enjoyed mentoring other local businessmen and women whose products they sell at the Market, and vendors have commission-only contracts—aside from a couple of spots, such as the refrigerated section—so if their product isn’t selling, they don’t have a bill coming due.
“I have lived in Lakeland over 30 years and my husband has lived here for over 50 years, so one can say we are rooted in the community and involved in everything Lakeland,” Tina says. “Over the years we have met so many great people and developed great friendships we will be forever grateful for.”
The couple is active with 413 Hospitality Group, Inc, and Tina says the business contributes nearly 5 percent of all revenue to local groups and causes.