3 New (& Coming Soon) Lake County Restaurants [June 21, 2026]

We've been busy finding upcoming restaurants across the entire state, but these are the openings in Lake County we've recently confirmed.

For more info, click through to our full articles.

Willy Buck’s Backyard Grill — Leesburg

Address: 1317 S. 14 Street, Leesburg, FL 34748

Status: Now Open!

What to expect: First brick-and-mortar location for Willy Buck’s Backyard Grill, a smash burger and barbecue concept that started as a food truck. The restaurant is opening in the former Dairy Ranch space, a longtime Leesburg restaurant building that also includes a drive-thru.

Service style: Guests can expect counter ordering, self-ordering kiosks, food brought to the table and a quick-service setup with a typical service time of about five to eight minutes.

Menu highlights: Double and triple smash burgers, brisket, pulled pork, chopped chicken, coleslaw, mac and cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños and other buildable toppings. Signature items include the Big Mac Burger, Big Mac Willys and Backyard Willys, plus sides like honey cornbread, collard greens, cabbage, rice, loaded fries and onion rings.

Space details: The restaurant is expected to have about 30 to 40 indoor seats, upbeat music and TVs for sports. Beer and wine service is a future goal.

Hours: Planned Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; closed Monday.

Who’s behind it: Owner Michael Brown and his wife, Shanrika Lee-Brown. The food truck will continue operating for events and catering.

Read our full article.

Crooked Can Brewing Company — Minneola

Address: 1600 Crooked Can Loop, Minneola, FL 34715

Status: Coming soon!

What to expect: Large-scale destination brewery and venue opening inside Hill City Center, a new mixed-use development in Minneola. The 42,500-square-foot space will be Crooked Can’s fourth location and its largest project yet.

Venue highlights: The brewery will include three main indoor bars, two levels, an upstairs mezzanine, a large projection TV, indoor-outdoor service areas, beer garden space and about two acres of lawn area.

Food and drink: Crooked Can’s beer lineup will include core beers and seasonal releases, including Florida Sunshine and High Stepper IPA. The Minneola location will also feature 11 privately operated food vendors, with options expected to include pizza, barbecue and sushi.

Entertainment: Plans include regular live music, concerts, a kids splash pad and a kids play area, making the site more of a full-day destination than a standard taproom.

Hours: Planned daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m., with possible extended hours until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Who’s behind it: Owner Andy Sheeter. Alan Delahunt is the managing partner overseeing Minneola, Winter Garden and Snellville, and Todd Glass is Crooked Can’s brewmaster.

Read our full article.

Fat Cats Billiards — Eustis

Address: 306 W Ardice Ave, Eustis, FL 32726

Status: Now open!

What to expect: Pool hall-focused entertainment venue built around league play, table care and a more serious billiards setup. Owner Scott Stoltz said the closest comparable pool hall is more than 30 minutes away.

Experience highlights: Fat Cats will host five leagues and include a full pro shop for cue repairs, tip replacement and merchandise. Guests can also expect darts, a golf game, a bar area and lounge space for people who want to hang out without playing pool.

Menu highlights: Food service will start with a limited lineup of cold finger foods, snacks, candy, sandwiches, chips and salsa. A full kitchen is planned as a longer-term goal, and outside food will be allowed during the first month or two.

Hours: Planned daily noon–2 a.m. All ages are welcome until 9 p.m.; after that, the venue shifts to 21 and older.

Who’s behind it: Owner Scott Stoltz, with general manager Christy Hiles playing a key role in operations.

Read our full article.