LITHIA, Fla. — Nestled in the heart of Lithia, Florida, the Hitching Post Café has quickly become a beloved community hub, offering a taste of down-home Southern cooking. This charming café, owned by Ashley Kroslak, serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with comfort food favorites.
In 2022, Kroslak made a career shift from finance to hospitality. As a mother of three and a wife, Kroslak said she wanted to create a space where families could come together to enjoy a hearty, delicious meals. Raised in the Tampa Bay area, she noticed a lack of breakfast and lunch spots in Lithia and saw an opportunity to fill that void with quality southern cuisine.
“We are big on family and think of our regulars as part of that family,” Kroslak said. “We pride ourselves on great down-home southern cooking and warm service with a great atmosphere.” Her vision for the café was not just about serving food but also about creating a community space where everyone feels at home.
The Hitching Post Café has quickly become a local favorite offering breakfast, lunch and a special dinner service on Friday nights. Fan favorites include classic biscuits and gravy and the Hitchin Post Skillet, a flavorful combination of eggs, potatoes and sausage. The mac and cheese bites and corn nuggets are also popular. The Kickin Hitchin is a signature sandwich with a bit of a spicy kick, which many customers enjoy.
Since opening its doors, the Hitching Post Café has been embraced by the Lithia community.
“In the two years since we launched, the community has welcomed us with open arms,” Kroslak said.
Her goal is simple: to make everyone feel at home when they visit.
The Hitching Post Café is open from Saturday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Fridays, they offer both breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a special dinner service from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The café is closed on Tuesdays.