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“Pancakes and eggs. I used to cook for my mom, when it was just me and her,” recalls Vincent Nacimos, 23, thinking back to his childhood and the first dish he remembers making.
Now, Nacimos is looking to continue his love of cooking for others as he and several partners prepare to open La Piñata, a restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine in Lakeland.
La Piñata is set to open late summer 2026, located at 850 S. Tennessee Avenue.
Lakelanders will recall this location formerly housed Patio 850 — a full circle moment for Nacimos who grew up in the area and frequented the location.
From dishwasher to restaurant owner
The genesis of La Piñata for Nacimos might have begun with cracking eggs and mixing pancake batter in his childhood home, but the foundation was laid in the kitchen of another Lakeland eatery.
He credits his culinary education to the experiences he had working at Nineteen61, rising through the ranks from dishwasher to sous-chef. That journey introduced him to a close friend, mentor, and now, a business partner, Chef Jonathon Legaspi Cisneros.
After leaving Nineteen61, Legaspi Cisneros became the executive sous-chef at Tampa Italian eatery, Rocca. There, he led a team, including Nacimos, that earned a Michelin star.
Now, joined by chef de cuisine Alfredo Ortiz and chef Aidan Maher, the team is looking to bring those standards of excellence along with a memorable and delicious dining experience to their hometown.
Why ‘La Piñata’
When asked why “La Piñata,” Nacimos cited genuine divine inspiration. He said that in Mexico’s Catholic culture, the breaking of a piñata with a stick symbolizes the hardship of virtue, and the candy that follows represents blessings from God.
He said he and his partners hope the hard work and sacrifices required to open “La Piñata” will eventually allow them to bring blessings to their community.
But also, Nacimos admits, “La Piñata… it just sounds nice.”
A destination and inspiration
The group is currently putting the finishing touches on the restaurant — renovations to the indoor kitchen and seating area, staffing, and menu building. Several pop-up experiences, marketed through social media and an email newsletter, have helped the group as they design a unique but authentic menu.
Both Oritz and Legaspi Cisneros are looking to represent their Mexican roots through dishes that will span different styles from various regions of the country.
In addition to the restaurant, plans include space for a market that will sell retail items like Mexican blankets, ice cream, and meat by the slice.
The group foresees not only a restaurant and market, but a full service bar, coffee counter, bakery, and room for a chef’s table experience. They hope La Piñata will be not only a destination for date nights, group outings, and family celebrations, but also inspiration for future chefs and restaurateurs.
“Everyone’s been so supportive… not just the community, but also the business owners around here that have been in our same shoes in opening up a business — it’s nice to see that,” Nacimos said.
“I would definitely love to help anybody out that wants to come here and learn what we do or how we even operate or just come over here just to talk to us.”
La Piñata will continue to post updates about their pop-ups along with the eventual opening dates to their Facebook, Instagram, and their website.
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