UPDATE: POOR PORKER HAS CLOSED

For over a year now I've heard the tales of the Poor Porker's beignets. Friends and acquaintances that live in Lakeland were always raving about this booth at the local Farmer's Market but warned it was nearly impossible to grab these pillowly pastries made from scratch unless you woke up at the crack of dawn.

For an out-of-towner, you surely would have no chance at getting there before they sold out.

Now, owners Robyn and Jarrid have expanded their community offering from their singular booth to the beautiful hippie chic artisanal commune that hosts the beignet cart, a bar, and the BearCat & Big 6 Trading Post, and the Corner Store.

Since our arrival from Orlando was around noon I was a little worried they would be sold out. We walked in to see a long line of customers and an even longer line of those waiting for their orders, but thankfully there were still fresh beignets being dropped into the fryer with flecks of powered sugar flowing through the air.

The space is so inviting, and the shabby chic decor speaks to my heart. Seating is plentiful in the beautiful outdoor garden or inside the covered lounge area.

In addition to the beignets they also serve their signature Campfire Coffee which is their blend of fair trade organic coffee with hickory-smoked chicory.

We ordered the traditional and the sweet potato beignets. Patience is truly a virtue here as you will be waiting awhile for your order. The good thing is that you have distractions that help the time go by as you visit the other patrons, or grab a photo in front of the adorable tee pee or succulent wall.

Our beignets and coffee were delicious, and I could understand why I heard people moan as they took their first bite and exclaim it had been worth the wait.

It would appear that Poor Porker is on the cusp of becoming a lifestyle brand with a selection of apparel that can be purchased online along with their Campfire Coffee.

More and more reasons are popping up for a reason to visit Lakeland, and Poor Porker should definitely be on the top of the list.