By James Coulter
With its neon glow, checkerboard floors, and retro charm, Vibin’ Vinny’s is ready to twist, shout, and celebrate a major boost: a $50,000 grant from the City of Lake Wales.
At its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board awarded the downtown diner a $50,000 Food Services Grant.
Originally approved by the CRA Board in July 2025, the grant provides up to $50,000 in dollar-for-dollar matching funds to support improvements at local eateries.
According to Assistant CRA Director Ronni Wood, Vibin’ Vinny’s documented more than $131,000 in eligible upgrades, fully qualifying for the maximum reimbursement.
Formerly known as The Pink Flamingo & Fifties Diner, Vibin’ Vinny’s leans into its mid-century theme with “classic bites and Midwest charm,” serving burgers, Midwest flavors, and scoops of Hershey’s Ice Cream.
Owners Gene and Lynette Hofferber recently relocated the restaurant to a larger space at 230 East Park Avenue inside the Park Avenue Rhodesbilt Arcade.
Since reopening in December 2025, the diner has earned enthusiastic praise online.
“Absolutely the best burgers in town,” one Facebook reviewer wrote.
“Absolutely the best burgers in town,” one Facebook reviewer wrote. “Highly recommend grabbing a bite here! And guess what?! They also have an ice cream parlor next door!”
“We absolutely love coming here,” another reviewer wrote. “Food and shakes are delicious! Also nice to have a new food spot open downtown after five.”
At the meeting, Wood noted that the owners completed their required renovations within six months and invested nearly a quarter-million dollars into the space, an impressive commitment for a footprint just over 1,300 square feet.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said he and other commissioners have visited the diner and were impressed by both the food and the experience.
“It is magnificent,” Gibson said. “It’s a destination for people to come from elsewhere—and to the arcade, of all places.”
“It is magnificent,” Gibson said. “It’s a destination for people to come from elsewhere—and to the arcade, of all places.”
