The day starts with a pre-shift meeting of encouragement, checklists and a little prayer. Then the doors open and it all kicks off for the team at Willy Bucks in Leesburg, the newest and exceedingly popular restaurant in town.

Owners Michael and Shanrika Lee-Brown have been humbled by the experience.

“We did not expect it to be so busy right out the gate,” Michael says. “I believe I projected half of what we are currently doing on a daily basis and it’s just amazing what God can do when you believe in him and you have a community that surrounds you and loves you the way that Lake and Sumter County does.”

The lines have been long from the jump and are a mixed bag of community, from law enforcement and sports teams to people in the trades and high school kids. There is usually someone waiting before the doors open.

“It has been amazing, rewarding and mind blowing.” Shanrika says. “I have definitely learned a lot. I would be lying if I said we weren’t tired, but the energy of the people visiting us and our team keep us going.”

They have been so busy that they had to hire an entire second team just to keep up with the demand and not sell their food every day like they were the first week. They are just now monitoring the deliveries more closely and plan to open the drive-through when they settle the sales flow up front.

The couple started with a Willy Bucks mobile food trailer and decided to take the leap to the brick and mortar because they were already successful. It also came with some challenges.

“I knew that I would not be able to make the type of income to do this full-time without having a stable place for our customers to visit, and it was always in my heart to be an entrepreneur,” Michael says. “God placed it there and I saw it so vividly as having a building with the booth seats and tables just the way that they are, the way that I saw it is the way it literally is set up.”

They also credit their long lines with a robust social media presence.

The menu ranges from classic smash burgers and barbecue to chicken sandwiches, loaded mac and cheese bowls and hand-spun shakes. Ribs are served only on weekends. There is something for everyone.

Michael credits the support of locals like Alan Reisman, the Leesburg Chamber and The Rock Church with helping them get here. They also have a special affinity for the Jeep Outpost, where the food trailer got its start and where the name Willy — after the first Jeep — was born.

While the catering part is still available, most days Michael parks the original Willy out back to accommodate the visitors to the new location.

“I want a place that the community can come together, sit down and enjoy a great meal.”

They are located at 1317 S. 14th St. in Leesburg. For more information, visit willybucks.com.

Photos by Gina Horan