Driving two hours just for a home-cooked meal that feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. That’s exactly what thousands of Floridians do every week to experience Fred’s Market Restaurant, a beloved buffet institution that’s been serving up Southern comfort food since 1998. With three locations spread across the Tampa Bay and Central Florida region, this family-owned gem has built such a loyal following that people plan their entire weekends around a visit to what locals simply call “the MarketTable.”
1. The MarketTable Experience – A True Southern Buffet Adventure
Walking into Fred’s Market feels like stepping into a Southern food lover’s paradise. The MarketTable isn’t just another buffet – it’s a carefully crafted dining experience featuring hot dishes, a fresh SaladTable, and an impressive DessertTable all included in one price.
The family motto “Take what you want, eat what you take” reflects their commitment to both abundance and responsibility. Classic Southern mains like golden fried chicken, crispy catfish, rainbow trout, and smoky ribs line the hot food section.
Homemade casseroles and traditional sides complete the spread, making every visit feel like a special occasion.
2. Honest Pricing That Won’t Break the Bank
Fred’s Market keeps things refreshingly simple when it comes to pricing. For 2025, lunch at the MarketTable costs $17.99 per person, while dinner runs $22.99 before tax and tip.
These straightforward prices cover everything – the hot food stations, unlimited trips to the SaladTable, and full access to their famous DessertTable. No hidden fees, no complicated pricing tiers, just honest value for a complete dining experience.
Smart diners always check the menu page for the latest pricing, but the restaurant has built its reputation on keeping costs reasonable for families and regular visitors.
3. Three Strategic Locations Across Central Florida
Fred’s Market makes itself accessible with three well-positioned locations throughout the Tampa Bay and Central Florida corridor. The original Plant City location sits at 1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., while the Lakeland spot operates at 2120 Harden Blvd.
The newest Riverview location at 6501 US-301 S serves the growing southern suburbs. Each restaurant maintains the same high standards and menu offerings, so you know what to expect regardless of which location you visit.
Hours vary by location and are clearly posted on their website, making it easy to plan your Fred’s Market adventure.
4. Breakfast Done Right – Including Weekend Specialties
Most people think of Fred’s Market for lunch and dinner, but their Breakfast MarketTable deserves serious attention. Available both weekdays and weekends with different cutoff times, the morning spread includes traditional breakfast favorites alongside some surprising options.
Yes, you can actually get their famous fried chicken for breakfast – a combination that sounds unusual but works perfectly for hearty appetites. Weekend breakfast expands the offerings even further, adding items like fried catfish to the morning lineup.
This flexibility shows how Fred’s Market understands that comfort food doesn’t follow a clock.
5. Signature Dishes That Create Lifelong Fans
Certain dishes at Fred’s Market have achieved legendary status among regular customers. The Jack Black oak-smoked pork ribs fall off the bone with a perfect balance of smoke and seasoning that keeps people coming back for more.
Their golden fried chicken rivals any grandmother’s recipe, with a crispy exterior giving way to juicy, perfectly seasoned meat. The crispy catfish and rainbow trout represent the restaurant’s commitment to quality seafood preparation.
Supporting these main attractions, a rotating selection of Southern sides includes collard greens, mac and cheese, and various casseroles that change based on seasonal availability and family recipes.
6. Three Generations of Family Hospitality Since 1954
The Johnson family’s commitment to hospitality stretches back to 1954 when they first started serving travelers at a Plant City gas station cafe. This humble beginning established the foundation for what would eventually become the Fred’s Market empire.
When the first Fred’s Market Restaurant opened in 1998, it carried forward the family’s “slow food, served fast” philosophy that had served them well for over four decades. The multigenerational approach means recipes, techniques, and values pass down through family members rather than corporate boardrooms.
This continuity explains why Fred’s Market feels authentic in ways that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate.
7. Farm-to-Plate Philosophy Drives Every Recipe
Fred’s Market built its reputation on a farm-to-plate approach that prioritizes slow-cooked, unprocessed ingredients over shortcuts and convenience. Every dish starts with quality ingredients sourced as locally as possible, then gets prepared using time-tested techniques.
The made-from-scratch philosophy means longer prep times but delivers flavors that simply cannot be rushed or replicated with processed alternatives. Vegetables get cooked low and slow, meats are seasoned and prepared with care, and even the simplest sides receive full attention.
This commitment to quality explains why people drive hours for food they could theoretically make at home – but rarely with this level of consistency and care.
8. Complete Dining With Salads and Desserts Included
Many buffet restaurants treat salads and desserts as afterthoughts, but Fred’s Market gives both equal attention to their main dishes. The SaladTable features fresh greens, numerous toppings, and cold salads that provide lighter options alongside the hearty Southern fare.
The DessertTable deserves its own visit, featuring homemade sweets that change regularly but always maintain the same high standards as everything else at Fred’s Market. From traditional Southern desserts to seasonal specialties, these sweet endings are included in your MarketTable price.
Smart diners plan their plate strategy carefully, saving room for both fresh salad and indulgent dessert to complete the full Fred’s Market experience.
9. Takeout is robust if you’re hotel-bound or driving home
Road trips and hotel stays don’t mean missing out on Fred’s Market magic. Their takeout system handles large orders with the same care as dine-in service, packaging everything in sturdy containers that travel well.
Smart travelers often stock up for the journey home, knowing that Fred’s famous fried chicken tastes amazing even hours later. Hotel guests appreciate having real Southern comfort food instead of typical fast food options.
The portions are generous enough to feed multiple people, making it perfect for sharing with family or saving for later meals during your Florida adventure.
10. Feeding a group is easy with the Ready Freddy Family Pack
Large families and hungry groups have found their perfect solution in Fred’s Ready Freddy Family Pack. This specially designed meal option takes the guesswork out of ordering for multiple people, providing generous portions of their most popular items.
Church groups, sports teams, and extended families love how simple it makes dining together. The pack includes a variety of meats, sides, and desserts that please different tastes and ages.
Rather than everyone ordering separately, the Family Pack creates a shared meal experience that brings people together around classic Southern flavors everyone can enjoy.
11. You can verify hours and even order online
Modern convenience meets old-fashioned cooking at Fred’s Market, where their website makes planning your visit simple and stress-free. Before making that long drive, you can check current hours and even place orders ahead of time.
This online system prevents disappointment from unexpected closures or long wait times during busy periods. Many regular customers use it to time their arrival perfectly, especially during weekend rushes.
The ordering feature is particularly helpful for large groups or special occasions, allowing you to secure your favorite items and estimated pickup times before you even leave home.
12. Plant City pride — and a living local legacy
Plant City residents consider Fred’s Market more than just a restaurant – it’s a cornerstone of their community identity. Generations of local families have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and Sunday dinners within these walls, creating memories that span decades.
The restaurant employs local people and sources ingredients from nearby suppliers when possible, keeping money circulating within the community. This commitment to local partnership has earned deep respect from Plant City natives.
Visitors often notice how staff members know regular customers by name, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a family gathering than a typical dining experience.
