Foxtail Coffee: Something New is Brewing
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, Edison bulbs cast a soft glow, and neighbors settle in with their favorite drinks—this is Lakeland’s newest addition, Foxtail Coffee. Owned by franchisees Alejandro and Natalie De Orduna, it’s a space where local flavor, meticulous craft, and community blend effortlessly.
Foxtail’s attention to detail is clear. Sleek concrete floors and rich wood tables are softened by pops of greenery, while every accent wall, piece of furniture, and even the placement of plugs and charging stations has been thoughtfully arranged to encourage guests to linger. “We want people to feel comfortable here, whether it’s for a 15-minute coffee break or a four-hour work session,” says Alejandro. The café strikes a balance between energy and calm, making it a hub for conversation, study, and connection.
Foxtail Coffee is as much about community as it is about craftsmanship. Each café showcases a mural inspired by its surroundings; in Lakeland, a swan motif pays homage to the city’s nickname. Alejandro recalls that the Lakeland location felt like the natural choice from the start, arriving at just the right moment.
He has long been a fan of the Orlando-based company that has exploded to more than 95 locations since it was founded in 2016. As a regular who would work remotely at one of the Orlando-area locations for years, he inquired about the possibility of he and his wife opening a location. Much to his delight, the CEO, Alex Tchekmeian, reached out to him within a week, and working with the young and enthusiastic leadership team has been a dream.
The De Orduna’s have swiftly acquainted themselves as Lakelanders. They can quickly tell you their favorite local restaurants and spots and they have already started making a difference in the community by serving at One More Child, a nonprofit just down the road.
What truly sets Foxtail apart is the precision and creativity behind every cup. Baristas undergo more than a week of training and they calibrate espresso machines twice daily to ensure consistent, flavorful results. From Colombian single-origin medium roasts to delicate Ethiopian pours reminiscent of green tea, the café celebrates coffee’s depth and nuance. Specialty brewing methods, including siphons, French presses, and pour-overs, transform coffee into an experience: water rises through beans, steam swirls, and flavors bloom slowly. “It’s about the experience—watching the coffee come to life while you sip it,” Alejandro says.
This slow, precise process draws out flavors that standard espresso or drip can’t, emphasizing chocolatey, nutty, or fruity notes depending on the roast. For those who favor a gentler extraction, the French press and pour-over options let beans bloom at their own pace, producing complex, layered flavors with every sip.
Seasonal creativity extends to the drinks themselves. Lavender, cardamom, and orange bitters can be added to espressos, while iced matchas and specialty lattes offer subtle caffeine delivery for those who savor their morning ritual. “We love experimenting with drinks you can’t find everywhere,” Alejandro notes.
The cafe’s food menu is robust as well. Foxtail serves up a variety of breakfast sandwiches on croissants, bagels and even a hashbrown “bun.” Lunch offerings revolve around several sandwiches, and a wide variety of pastries are ready to enjoy all day long.
Tucked into a cheerful corner of the counter is a sweet surprise: Kelly’s Ice Cream, a locally made Central Florida favorite from Orlando. Seasonal flavors—from pumpkin spice latte to nostalgic Dunkaroos—offer a sweet detour for visitors craving dessert as thoughtfully crafted as the coffee beside it.
“Kelly’s ice cream is all about quality and community,” Alejandro says. “It’s a perfect complement to our coffee philosophy.”
From the first sip to the last, every detail at Foxtail reflects a careful balance of craft and care.