A new dessert shop is preparing to open its door in downtown Lakeland, just in time for the winter season. Located at 216 E Pine St, Vampire Penguin offers sweet treats and gothic bookstore vibes. Set to open by the end of this year, the business is owned by a family of four: Caleb and Natalie Leonard, along with Natalie’s parents, Ken and Keni Parks. Originally from Kentucky, the family relocated to Lakeland five years ago. When visiting family in the area, the owners were drawn to Lakeland’s weather and sense of community, ultimately deciding it was the perfect place to start something new.
“We came here for a change and ended up finding something that felt similar to our hometown, but better,” said Natalie Leonard.
To introduce themselves to Lakeland residents before their official opening, Vampire Penguin will host a two-day event this weekend at their future storefront. The multi-day event will feature nearly 10 indie authors, prepared to sell and sign copies of their books.
- Friday, Dec. 6: Storefront open from 4 to 9 p.m.; food truck available 6–8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 7: Event runs 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; food truck available 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Free Activities & Giveaways: Guests can enjoy free gourmet hot chocolate, giveaways, and a complimentary photo from a local photographer
What is Vampire Penguin?
Vampire Penguin is known for its signature product: shaved snow, a Thai-inspired dessert that differs from both traditional ice cream and shaved ice. The texture is light, creamy, and finely shaved, and the dessert is usually dairy-free.
One popular item, the Strawberry Cheesecake dessert, features strawberry and vanilla shaved snow topped with fresh strawberries, drizzle, and sweetened condensed milk. The shop will also serve specialty drinks, including “dirty sodas,” seasonal hot chocolate, and themed beverages.
A central part of the shop’s mission is to serve as a family-friendly gathering place, especially during hours when few options exist for families downtown. Vampire Penguin plans to stay open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Saturdays.
“There are a lot of bars and restaurants, but not always a lot for kids and families to do late,” Natalie said. “We wanted to create a place where families can go together.”
A desert shop that feels like a bookstore
More than just a place to grab a sweet treat, the shop is designed to feel like stepping into a different world. The interior will feature floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a fireplace, dark tones, glass décor, and cozy booths with pillows and curtains.
“It’s not your bright, cutesy ice cream shop,” Natalie said. “We wanted something that feels like entering a different space — almost like an old bookstore, just very cozy.”
While Vampire Penguin is not a traditional bookstore, it will sell books written exclusively by independent authors. Around 20 indie writers will be featured at a time, with rotating selections throughout the year. The store will also host author events such as book signings.
The goal is to give smaller authors a place to shine without competing against large publishing houses.
How Vampire Penguin came to Lakeland
The idea to bring Vampire Penguin to Lakeland came after visits to an existing location in Brandon. Unlike a traditional franchise, Vampire Penguin operates through a unique agreement that allows independently owned locations to sell the brand’s products while maintaining full ownership and creative control. All four owners entered the project with entrepreneurial experience of their own. Natalie is a full-time artist; her husband runs a thriving furniture restoration business in Lakeland, and both of her parents operate their own art-related businesses as well.
“We’re not new to owning businesses,” she said. “But we’ve never had a brick-and-mortar place,” Natalie said.
The downtown location was a deliberate choice. Situated near where the Lakeland Farmers Market and other major community events take place, the owners wanted to be in the heart of local activity.
“We loved the brick walls and the character of downtown,” Natalie said. “It just fits the look we were going for.”
Looking Ahead
Looking toward the future, the family hopes Vampire Penguin becomes more than just a dessert shop.
“I hope it’s a place where people can escape the business of life for a little bit,” Natalie said. “Somewhere that feels welcoming and happy, a place where people can just relax and enjoy themselves.”
Once open, Vampire Penguin aims to offer downtown Lakeland not only a unique dessert experience but also a warm, imaginative space for the community to gather.
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