Lakeland Linder International Airport's WACO Kitchen restaurant notified authorities Monday that it will temporarily and indefinitely close its doors, two months before the airport is scheduled to begin passenger service.
The airport's website and Facebook page posted notices about the kitchen's closure on Monday, and customers who showed up for lunch Tuesday were disappointed not to eat there.
WACO Kitchen was originally founded by aviation enthusiast Dieter Morschek and opened in summer 2022. The Lakeland restaurant is Dimor Eats LLC's second restaurant to open in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Morshek did extensive renovations to the restaurant, adding new floors, booths, lighting and staff.
The WACO (pronounced WAH-co) kitchen features a full bar and dishes like roasted salmon, apple-cured pork chops with apple jam, New York strip steaks, gourmet burgers, flatbread pizzas and salads. There was also a menu geared toward “future aviators,” including burgers, pizza, chicken, and a mac-n-cheese version of cavatappi noodles mixed with homemade white cheese sauce.
But in mid-March, it became clear that something was wrong when patrons could no longer order cocktails with dinner. One of the waitstaff said there was an issue with the liquor license, but they were hoping everything would be resolved by the Sun 'n Fun air exhibition in April. They didn't.
The Ledger reported a jumbled roadmap regarding ownership, subsidiaries and potential partnerships.
The restaurant is owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the airport's terminal building.
Airport Director Chris Hallstrand received an email on April 19 from attorney Jürgen Ostertag, who represents Dimor Group, a subsidiary of Dimor Aero, based in Cologne, Germany.
Flying Magazine reported that Dimor Aero acquired Michigan-based Waco Aircraft Company in 2018.
According to an email from Ostertag to airport officials, he informed Hallstrand that Dimol Group does not have any business partnership with Dimol Eats.
“Although the sole manager and member of Dimol Eats LLC is Sven Lepsy, the ultimate owner of the Dimol Group of companies is Dieter Morszek,” Ostertag wrote.
A 2023 document filed with the Florida Department of Corporations was signed by Ostertag as an “authorized person” for Dimor Eats LLC.
Ostertag said in the letter that it was intended that Dimol Eats and its restaurant business would become part of the Dimol Group of companies, but recent negotiations did not allow that to happen.
WACO's kitchen staff was employed by Dimor Real Estate LLC, another subsidiary of Dimor Group. Ostertag told city officials that all employees will receive termination notices on Sunday, effective immediately.
“It is Sven Lepsy's decision whether to continue operating the restaurant at Lakeland Airport,” Ostertag concluded.
Airport officials said they are currently working with Dimor Eats LLC to obtain further details. They noted that Dimor Eats LLC entered into an agreement with the city on Nov. 1, 2021 to provide food and beverage services at the airport. They are currently in breach of that agreement and have 10 days to resume service.
Television station 10 Tampa Bay reported that airport officials will begin searching for a new restaurant vendor in 10 days.
The airport's Facebook page received many suggestions, with many saying the airport needed an affordable restaurant for people with hangars and aviators flying in and out of Lakeland. Many people in the aviation industry fly to other airports just to eat before returning home. Some suggested sandwich shops or diners serving simple food.
“Restaurants need to serve breakfast and lunch with reasonable wait times and prices. But then they could serve dinner on the weekends,” said Jo Upton, who said she and her husband were traveling to the airport for dinner. He added that he has a hangar. “Fresco was doing well at her Sun 'n Fun and was served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It would be a great alternative to Waco.”
Mr. Upton praised the Winter Haven Airport restaurant, Flightline Cafe and Catering.
“While we wait for Waco Kitchen to reopen, could we at least have some food trucks?” Upton said. “I feel for all the employees in and around LAL who have very few food options, and now there are hundreds of homes and (apartments) being built around them as well. Not just the county line, but Drain Field. -We need more restaurants and fast food options along Road and Pipkin.”
Randy Stokes said he had a lot of fun when the restaurant first opened.
“Unfortunately, when the new management company took over, they lost their liquor license and the food went downhill,” Stokes said. “Before that, Waco was a great place!”
This is the second restaurant to close at the airport in recent years. Hallbach's Bar & Grill operated there, but only had two waitresses for Sun & Fun's Saturday afternoon show that year, with military aircraft mechanics and performers serving food and drinks. The restaurant closed in 2021 after experiencing multiple issues, including waits of more than an hour for food. However, Hallbach's hosted a popular Saturday night dinner and dance.
It is unclear when WACO Kitchen will reopen. Attempts to reach Morshek were unsuccessful Wednesday afternoon. Dimor Eats LLC's listing manager, Sven Lepsy, did not return a call Wednesday night.
