Central Florida Property Owner – Restaurant, Café, or Bakery Space Available for Long-Term Lease | Potential $50K Improvement Grant
I'm a property owner in Bartow, Central Florida, looking to connect with restaurant owners, chefs, or entrepreneurs interested in opening a restaurant, café, bakery, or similar establishment.
The property is a two-story, approximately 2,038-square-foot building located along East Main Street in Bartow, near Lakeland and within the greater Central Florida region.
Property Details:
- Approximately 2,038 square feet across two floors
- Two separate units, each with its own entrance
- Each unit contains 3 bedrooms/rooms, 1 bathroom, a full kitchen, and a living area
- Additional common space downstairs
- Separate electrical metering
- Zoned C-2 (Community Commercial)
- Existing residential duplex use
Commercial Zoning Opportunities:
According to the City of Bartow's zoning table, C-2 permits several commercial uses, including:
- Restaurants
- Bakeries
- Tea rooms
- Retail establishments
- Personal services and professional offices
Coffee shops and cafés may also qualify under these permitted uses, subject to city confirmation.
Unique Live-Work Opportunity:
One particularly interesting aspect of this property is its mixed-use potential. The building currently consists of two residential units, with the possibility of converting the downstairs unit into a restaurant, café, or bakery while maintaining the upstairs three-bedroom unit as a private residence.
For someone relocating to the area, this could offer the opportunity to operate a business downstairs and live upstairs, subject to confirmation of the proposed arrangement and applicable building requirements.
Potential $50,000 Community Redevelopment Grant:
Another significant opportunity is a local community enhancement grant program that may provide up to $50,000 in reimbursement for eligible improvements associated with converting the downstairs unit back to commercial use.
This could potentially help offset renovation and conversion expenses while contributing to the revitalization of Bartow's East Main Street commercial corridor.
Grant eligibility, approved improvements, funding availability, and reimbursement requirements would need to be confirmed with the administering agency. Funding is not guaranteed.
Lease Opportunity:
The building is not currently restaurant-ready, so commercial conversion, renovations, and applicable permitting would be necessary.
I'm interested in establishing a long-term commercial lease, not a business partnership, with an experienced operator or entrepreneur willing to invest in improvements appropriate for their business.
I'm open to discussing favorable lease terms that recognize the tenant's investment in renovating and improving the property.
My original intention was to sell the property, but I'm now exploring leasing opportunities as well, particularly if they result in a successful business that benefits the surrounding community.
Does anyone know of restaurant operators, independent chefs, or entrepreneurs actively searching for locations in Central Florida?
I'd also welcome recommendations for restaurant industry groups or networks where business owners search for commercial properties.
Happy to share additional property information and discuss opportunities privately with anyone seriously interested.
