In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with Kevin and Jimmy, the founders of The Cultivated Pig, a Lakeland-based barbecue business that is redefining the local food scene with its “Texas-inspired” philosophy. Recorded at COhatch, the conversation covers their journey from the oil fields and luxury hotels of Texas to becoming staples of the Lakeland culinary community.
Kevin, a professionally trained chef who worked for luxury chains like the Four Seasons, and Jimmy, a tech entrepreneur with a background in business and software, share how they teamed up to bring authentic, wood-smoked barbecue to Florida. They discuss their roots at Catapult, Lakeland’s premier entrepreneurship hub, and their transition from a mobile smoker to their current residency at the Catapult popup window.
Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or an aspiring business owner, Kevin and Jimmy’s story of “Texas grit” and culinary excellence is a testament to the power of doing things the hard way to achieve the best results. 60
