Chef Tina Calhoon, Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
Chef Tina Calhoon is a Florida native – born in Jacksonville and raised in Ocala. Her maternal roots hail from the south and include many days spent in the kitchen with her mom learning the cooking basics and giving her the best kind of culinary education…a real world one. This hands-on culinary training allowed Tina to build on her southern roots to create unique, new southern dishes, as well as regional and ethnic offerings that appeal to all palates.
Chef Tina and her husband Tim, Frescos’ Director of Spirits and Entertainment, opened the doors to Frescos in 2009 with a vision that has seen them through three restaurant expansions over the last 10 years. Frescos has gone from small bistro to downtown destination, helping to revitalize the Downtown Lakeland dining scene while paving the way for other boutique restaurants to establish themselves here.
Chef Tina believes that with good food comes comfort and happiness. THAT is the Frescos’ philosophy and tradition that she continues to build on – offering warm, southern hospitality and creating an experience through food that brings joy to others.
Community Leader Cory Neupauer, Lakeland Automall
Cory Neupauer has been employed with Lakeland Automall since April 2, 2012 as Chief Financial Officer. He previously spent 31 years with Courtesy Automotive Group/Asbury Automotive Group as a Regional Controller for the Southeast.
Cory has been married to Mary for 34 years and they have a daughter, Jillian who is 30 years old.
Currently, Cory is a Director for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class #33 and a current member of the Downtown Lakeland Rotary Club.
