A group of concerned fans of Austin’s Coffee (Facebook) in Winter Park have announced their intention to launch a nonprofit organization to help save the venue, which is at risk of being torn down to build a travel lane on Fairbanks Avenue.
The friends of Austin’s Coffee aim to “advance art and culture by preserving vital spaces that nurture creative expression, artistic development, and community inclusion.” All arguments the shop and its patrons have been sharing with the City of Winter Park in an ongoing effort to stave off demolition.
The City of Winter Park purchased the property in November 2024. All leases for the property, which includes the former Winter Park Collective, Nail Alchemy, and Michelin-starred Soseki restaurant, will be honored but not necessarily guaranteed for renewal. Which has put Austin’ in a tough spot, as their lease is set to end this year.
The Friends of Austin’s Coffee are lobbying the City to either extend the coffee shop’s lease or help to relocate them somewhere nearby.
The group will be hosting a Save Austin’s Coffee Emergency Open Forum on Frida, April 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is invited to attend and speak and share a dialog about the future of the construction project and the coffee shop.
