Cherry Pocket, the popular and historic steak and seafood “shak” on Lake Pierce, is about to be featured on “America’s Best Restaurants.”
A YouTube show that travels the country to highlight the unique food of locally owned restaurants, ABR’s goal is to help independent restaurant owners and to show consumers where to eat.
The owners of Cherry Pocket received an email from America’s Best Restaurants that advised they were nominated by an individual for the program. After some research and an online meeting with the owners, ABR decided the restaurant fit their criteria and the date was set for December 17, 2024.
Jody McKeen, Cherry Pocket’s owner, has spent recent years, along with her husband, revitalizing the restaurant after taking ownership in 2019. Cherry Pocket is said to have opened in the 1940s.
“Two great friends brought us to Cherry Pocket one February night in 2007 and we thought, where are they taking us?” Jody says. “Looks did not do it any justice. Once we got inside, saw all the dollar bills, the old structure, it just had a great vibe and we ate, we were ‘Pocketized!’
“We then came here every year after that to spend the winters. During that time we became friends with the owner and enjoyed our conversations with Rick about the day to day goings on in business as we also have several business ourselves and found it very interesting. When Rick took ill, we discussed purchasing CP. Rick wanted CP to succeed, even with all the struggles CP was going to have and the improvements that had to be made and capital costs, Rick knew we would take it to the next level. We love CP and what it has to offer and wanted other people to enjoy it as we did. So we bought it and brought life back into the Pocket for everyone to enjoy.”
While the popular restaurant and fish camp has been around since 1940, it started with one room with a bar and over the years has grown into what it’s become today. The McKeens have put in a lot time, effort, and capital to make Cherry Pocket what it is today.
“We purchased the business in December 2019,” Jody recalls. “Covid hit in March and shut it down; this gave us an opportunity to make many improvements we were going to make them in a shorter time frame.”
One item at a time, the owners updated floors and restrooms, kitchen equipment and bar furniture.
“Over the following years, we built new boat slips, added a full tiki roof over the outside patio, new boat bar, made motorcycle parking area, improved parking, renovated the games room, updated the side & front entrances,” Jody says.
“Even though we did all these improvements we tried to keep the old charm on the place. A customer said it the best to us, ‘Don’t knock all the dust off the place’, which always sticks in our minds when doing anything. We always try to give CP all the right tools and staff the leadership to create a great team to grow and succeed. A place they can be very proud to work at. Many of our staff were here before we bought CP.”
McKeen gives credit to her staff for bringing strength and service to the “face” of Cherry Pocket.
Dakota Owens, a server with 5 years of service, is a happy employee who feels valued by her employers.
“I love everything from the atmosphere to the owners that appreciate us…I absolutely love this place,” Owens says. “It means a lot to me; come sit by the lake, listen to the music and you must try the CP dressing. When you’re up getting ready for work and you’re smiling, that’s that best day.”
Kim Noelle, manager and bartender with 13 years of service, says, “Cherry Pocket is known for its warm, welcoming, and laid-back atmosphere. It is the kind of place where people come to relax, have fun and make lasting memories. The food is fantastic with specials that showcase creativity and fresh flavors. Cherry Pocket prioritizes customer satisfaction, creating a space where guests feel valued and appreciated. It’s a true hidden gem that keeps people coming back. It’s not just a business, it’s a part of the community. The team is like a family. It’s a great place to work.”
Server Jessica Hartung says the vibe at Cherry Pocket is one of family.
“I love the Pocket because of how friendly it is and the customers. We all have been at the Pocket so long we are really like family and it’s just a fun atmosphere. I have been here 18 years and I wouldn’t wanna work anywhere else. The food is fantastic of course.”
The menu runs the gamut, with everything from appetizers, salads and sandwiches, to a variety of entrees, a kid’s menu, and desserts. Some menu items are pretty standard, but it’s the ones that aren’t that will get your attention.
The Cracker Platter is an appetizer, “A sample of all our golden crispy favorites. Catfish nuggets, Grooper* (similar white fish called Pangasius) nuggets, Gator nuggets, mushrooms, onion-rings and zucchini. Served with tartar, hazel or ranch dressing.”
Seafood nachos, Jed’s Steak Sandwich, and their Cherry Pocket Cobb Salad (with their specialty dressing, of course) are just a few items on their menu.
The filming of the episode will take place on December 17, 2024. McKeen says they will want customers to come on that day. The production should begin around 9am, and may run until lunchtime.
McKeen says Lake Wales is the very best place the restaurant could be.
“It’s a diamond in the rough; take one look and you think, really? “ she says. “But if you give it a try, you’re amazed, love it and are hooked.
“We are a destination, not just a place to eat. You can come by car, motorcycle, boat, even Seaplane or helicopters as we are an official Seaplane Base here. You can even book yourself a seaplane sightseeing tour of Central Florida right at CP. We have updated the cabins and added our new log cabins, which have amazing views of Lake Pierce. Many customers come for the day and end of booking a cabin and staying the night.
“Another tradition is stapling your signed dollar bill on our walls. If you take the time to read some, people come from everywhere, that’s why we call ourselves World Famous Cherry Pocket. We are very proud that word of mouth is how many people hear about us. It is really amazing how many people bring their friends/family to show them the charm this place has.
When asked what the most important thing she would want people to know about Cherry Pocket, this is what McKeen says is vital:
“We’re a destination, in a part of Florida that is still has the OLD FLORIDA charm, a step back in time. We have a great mix of locals and snow birds. When you come to CP, its not just the amazing food, it is the total experience, wildlife, live music, beautiful cypress trees, old mobile homes & seaplanes flying over head. You must try our homemade Cherry Pocket dressing and our homemade desserts. The carrot cake is to die for! The dressing, you can’t get enough of it. I bet you will end up taking one the these 2 home with you. Make sure you have several hours to enjoy and take everything in.
“We are not just a restaurant, we are a place to come to, relax, take a step back in time and enjoy.”
Cherry Pocket is located at 3100 Canal Road, Lake Wales. For more information, visit www.cherrypocket.com.
