Ocoee business participates in benefit event for slain Uber Eats driver

A local business was the last stop in a two-day benefit event for slain Uber Eats driver Randall Cooke.

The event started in Casselberry and ended at Front Row Sports Bar & Grill in the city of Ocoee. 

Front Row is owned and operated by the Lewis family, who also own Winter Garden Restaurant.

Jordan Lewis, son of Charles and Ann Lewis, said the eatery was invited to be involved in the event by Karen Later, a longtime business associate and friend of the Lewis family.

"(She) explained to us that one of her close friends had his life taken from him recently in a tragic incident that made major headlines in local and national news," Jordan Lewis said. "After hearing Karen’s grief and talking to her about how Front Row can assist in helping raise awareness for gang violence in regards to safety in our communities and funds for Randall Cooke's surviving family, we were compelled to assist in whatever way possible."

The Have A Heart benefit honored Cooke who was slain by a gang member in April. 

Jordan Lewis said Front Row believe the purpose of a restaurant and bar is to provide a safe haven for the community to enjoy the little things in life.

"Whether it’s a simple song (like) 'Tennessee Whiskey' late on a Friday night near last call where everybody is singing the lyrics, or at least trying to, or if it’s enjoying Sunday football with different members of the community, no matter how diverse we all are," he said. "I grew up doing that with my father every Sunday...and those memories are some of my most pleasant moments when I was younger. So, when someone of the community asks us to host and support a cause...it’s a complete honor."

During the event, Front Row was supported by organizations like Jim Bean and Crooked Can Brewery. 

"All the bands were absolutely wonderful, and there was an electric energy engulfing the whole bar with such a positive and supportive vibe," Jordan Lewis said. "(There was) a collective sense of community and love for a man (who) some of us have never met."