Corey Fiske

Opinions Editor

Corey is The Alligator's Fall 2025 opinions editor. He previously served as the food reporter, and over the summer, he interned at the Portland Press Herald in Maine. In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends.

The artichoke barigoule rose, presnted on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," sits on a counter at Uppercrust Bakery.

Corey Fiske

THE AVENUE | FOOD

We might be in Gainesville, but Guy Fieri took this bakery to Flavortown

By Corey Fiske | Apr. 16

But the email was real, and on April 18, Uppercrust Bakery will be featured on a new episode of the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” a TV show exploring America’s best local and lesser known eateries. Uppercrust’s episode will highlight the artichoke barigoule rose, a croissant topped with Gruyère and white wine braised artichokes; and reine de saba, a French chocolate almond cake.

Customers enjoy the newly opened Dutch Bros Coffee on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.

Morgan Waters

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Everyone and their (Dutch) bros are visiting this new coffee shop

By Corey Fiske | Apr. 10

The Oregon-based coffee chain opened its new location at 3315 SW Williston Road, drawing in large crowds since its grand opening on March 24.

Michael and Michiyo Johnson prepare the beignet dough at Working Food on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.

Corey Fiske

THE AVENUE | FOOD

A local food truck finds its niche in serving classic New Orleans beignets

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 27

The pair opened Le Petite Beignet in June out of a small trailer attached to their silver Jeep Wrangler. Not even a year later, the Johnsons sold their 10,000th beignet this spring.

A cookie from Karma Cream on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Trenton Bardi

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Inside the Gainesville chocolate chip cookie scene

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 13

Here’s five Gainesville stores offering chocolate chip cookies, judged by their size, thickness, taste, texture and price.

Ryan Champiny’s garden box at the Compost Cooperative and Gardens on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Corey Fiske

THE AVENUE | FOOD

How a local initiative showcases composting on a small scale

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 6

Wilkie started the Compost Cooperative and Gardens, an education and outreach program to promote sustainability at UF’s Energy Research and Education Park. It gives students and the Gainesville community the freedom to compost their food waste and learn about its environmental impacts.

Heather and Travis Boyd stand amongst the bright red strawberries that grow from the many rows of plants at The Bryer Patch on Feb. 21, 2025.

Corey Fiske

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Strawberry farmers face challenges, but The Bryer Patch perseveres amid setbacks

By Corey Fiske | Feb. 27

Going to a U-Pick strawberry farm can be a wholesome experience, but it takes a lot of work to get the berries ready for picking.

New Ideal Nutrition storefront in Butler Center on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025.

Morgan Waters

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Prepared meals store comes to Gainesville

By Corey Fiske | Feb. 19

Husband and wife duo Miguel Sosa and Gwen Toro own a new location of the Ideal Nutrition franchise, which sells prepared meals and had its soft opening Jan. 26.