URGENT UPDATE: Austin’s Coffee in Winter Park, a beloved community hub for over 25 years, is set to close its doors on October 31, 2025, following the city’s purchase of the property. The coffee shop, known for its vibrant arts scene and fair trade coffee, faces demolition by year’s end as the city seeks to alleviate severe traffic congestion at a nearby intersection.
The city of Winter Park bought the land beneath Austin’s for $4 million and opted not to renew the coffee shop’s lease. Mayor Sheila DiCiccio revealed that the acquisition was essential to prevent commercial development that could threaten the local business. “That intersection at Fairbanks and Denning is a mess,” DiCiccio stated during a recent city commission meeting.
The impending closure has sparked an outcry from loyal patrons and local artists who view Austin’s as a creative sanctuary. C. Robert Barnett, a long-time customer and founder of the nonprofit Friends of Austin’s Coffee, is leading efforts to raise funds for relocating the business. His organization’s upcoming fundraiser, Save the Austin’s Art Community, will take place at CityArts Gallery in downtown Orlando on November 5 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m..
Barnett expressed his frustration, saying, “It makes no sense to me why you would do this to a mom-and-pop business that’s been operating longer than almost any other business in the area.” So far, fundraising efforts have garnered thousands of dollars, but the total costs for relocating remain unclear.
In addition to Austin’s, the property is home to several other businesses, including the Michelin-starred Soseki and Perla’s Pizza, which are not facing immediate closure. However, the fate of these businesses is uncertain beyond their current leases, which expire between 2028 and 2031. The city has indicated that lease renewals will be evaluated as development plans progress.
Amid the turmoil, Austin’s owners have expressed hope for a new location. Co-owner Jackie Moore confirmed they are negotiating terms for reopening elsewhere. “We just hope we can get everything done fast and efficiently,” Moore said, emphasizing the importance of community support in preserving the spirit of Austin’s.
Austin’s Coffee has thrived as a cultural hub, hosting weekly events such as comedy, jazz, and poetry nights, attracting diverse crowds who share a love for the arts. Anayzia Dawkins, a local poet, reflected on the importance of the venue, stating, “Even though it won’t be the same building, it’s still going to be the same energy, the people, and the community, and that’s what matters.”
As the October deadline looms, the community and patrons of Austin’s Coffee are rallying to save not just a business, but a cherished gathering place that has fostered creativity and connection for decades. The urgency is palpable as Winter Park residents and loyal customers await the outcome of fundraising efforts and the potential for a new chapter for Austin’s Coffee.
Stay tuned for the latest developments regarding the future of this iconic location and how you can help support its relocation and preservation.
