Scenes of
South Lake

Frankie Liz is a powerhouse. From the moment you meet him, it’s clear that his energy, warmth, and passion for community fuel everything he does. It’s not just his booming businesses that catch your attention; it’s Frankie himself—a man whose presence fills a room with warmth and drive. It’s infectious, really. You can’t help but like the guy.

Why? Because it’s not just about his growing list of successful businesses—it’s about the way he builds connections that drive both business and life across county lines.

Frankie’s journey began with family. Raised in a close-knit household, he learned early on that hard work and supporting those around you are the keys to success. His parents’ dedication to their small start-up bodega — a sandwich stop/convenience store mashup called Daniel’s Cheesesteaks —laid the groundwork for his values, and Frankie never forgot the importance of community in building something great. What started as helping his parents roll out cheesesteaks evolved into a deeper mission: cultivating relationships that would enrich his hometown.

When social media buzzed with praise for his family’s food, Frankie saw the real value—it wasn’t just about cheesesteaks; it was about trust. He leaned into that trust, inviting local businesses and neighbors to join the journey, designing his menu, his logo, and even his online presence.

“This business is a success because of our family and our community,” Frankie says. “Yes, we worked hard, but it’s the people who rallied around us and helped us grow. That’s the difference. That’s the power of community. I believe that. I believe it truly takes a village.”

Balancing multiple businesses while staying grounded in family life is no small feat, but Frankie makes it look effortless. He’s a devoted husband and father, and that same love he has for his own family is reflected in his approach to business. His ability to juggle work, family, and community service speaks to his character and the deep-rooted values that keep him moving forward.

Now, with new projects on the horizon, Frankie is ready for the next chapter. His vision for Clermont is rooted in the same principles that made Winter Garden such a success—family, community, and a commitment to something bigger than himself.

He sits on the board of Clermont Main Street, an organization of Downtown Clermont stakeholders passionate about investing in their historic town. This group hosts all the events in downtown Clermont including Harvest Fest, Hometown Holidays, Farmers Markets, and First Friday, an open street food festival that involves all the local businesses on the first week of every month.

He’s a constant figure at South Lake Chamber events, City Council meetings, and a growing number of networking groups. “Clermont is growing at an exponential rate, faster even than Winter Garden in the 90s,” he says. “Within the next 10 years, Clermont will have a new boat dock and amphitheater-like plaza to entice more visitors. It’s incredibly exciting to see the plans come to life, and to actively play a role in the place the next generation, my kids and their kids even, will call home.”

To be part of such an explosive area on top of juggling multiple businesses is tough, but Frankie sees the dream and wants to make it a reality. Frankie states “I want to take everything I learned and loved about Winter Garden and what Winter Garden has done for me and my family and use that as the steppingstone for Lake County right now.”

And that’s all about creating spaces where people feel welcome and connected.

Frankie’s vision has always been bigger than just one restaurant. His move to Lake County was a natural extension of his belief in building communities wherever he goes. And his first entree was launching Daniel’s Cheesesteak Express in Montrose Market. He wanted to appeal to the Lake County patrons who traveled for cheesesteaks (and more) to Winter Garden and provide a more convenient location.

But the vision was always more than just meat and cheese on bread. Noticing a void in the high-end bar scene in South Lake, Frankie and his business partners opened The Roasted Spirit, a craft cocktail bar with high-end spirits and live music. But they weren’t just launching a cocktail bar—they were creating a gathering space. A place for connection, conversation, and collaboration. Frankie routinely uses the space to host meetings and conversations with local stakeholders, chamber members, and concerned citizens alike. The door is always open, and so are the ideas. The same principles that helped Daniel’s Cheesesteaks flourish became the foundation for every venture Frankie touched.

Now he and his partners are tackling a new venture—a dual liquor store and sports bar right in downtown Clermont. Rather than competing with local restaurants, Frankie is collaborating with them, offering food service partnerships that will benefit everyone. “We’re pouring back into the community,” he says. “Helping other businesses and giving consumers more options at the same time.”

As Frankie bridges the gap between his past successes and future dreams, one thing remains clear: He’s not just building businesses—he’s building communities. And with him leading the charge, the future looks bright.