Cocina Mexican Bar & Grill is aiming to open its fifth Shelby County location by October 5, taking over a 4,141-square-foot storefront at 9020 U.S. 64 in Lakeland that will be the chain's largest to date. Owner Marco Puerto plans to keep the menu unchanged from his other locations while carving out extra space for private parties and catering.
The Lakeland spot will replace Blossom - Asian Cuisine & Seafood Buffet, which held its grand opening on the site on March 8, 2026; the buffet is now closed, according to a Facebook post tracking the property's history. As WhatNow reports, Cocina has now filed papers for the new Lakeland location, which would join existing spots in Wolfchase, Bartlett, on Macon Road, and on Millbranch Road, as reported by The Commercial Appeal.
Public permit documents cited by the outlet show the new storefront carries an occupant load cap of 99 people, even though it will be the chain's biggest facility by square footage. The report notes that Puerto intends to use the additional space primarily for private parties and catering operations rather than expanding the dining menu itself.
A Regulatory Hurdle Still on the Books
Cocina's October 5 target date isn't locked in just yet. Administrative filings submitted to the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development showed that a certificate of occupancy was filed on September 8, according to The Commercial Appeal and per the same WhatNow report.
Why Lakeland, Why Now
Puerto has built a reputation well beyond his restaurant count. He was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Memphis Restaurant Association at its annual Food Festival & Awards on February 4, 2024, according to the Memphis Flyer, which noted the group's tasting-format gathering at The Kent drew 460 attendees that year. The award reflects Puerto's standing in the local restaurant industry.
Lakeland's suburban profile helps explain the appeal of the U.S. 64 corridor for an expanding chain. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts data cited by Ware Jones Realtors show the city has an estimated 14,416 residents across 23.5 square miles and a median household income of $116,250, with an owner-occupied housing rate near 80 percent. That kind of stable, higher-income base tends to draw full-service dining concepts looking to plant a flag.
Traffic exposure adds to the pitch. U.S. 64 and nearby Interstate 40 serve the area, according to data referenced by The Foundation Group CRE. That interchange node already hosts anchors like Sprouts Farmers Market and Harbor Freight. A commercial potential study was prepared for the City of Lakeland.
Lakeland workers average a 25.7-minute travel time to their jobs, according to Ware Jones Realtors.
For now, Cocina's expansion plans remain tied to the pending certificate of occupancy review, with Puerto's October 5 opening date serving as a target rather than a guarantee.
