WINTER PARK, Fla. – Winter Park’s cherished Austin’s Coffee, a community cornerstone for over 20 years, is grappling with a series of challenges that threaten its future.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and support for local artists, the shop recently fell victim to a burglary while also contending with potential displacement due to city development plans.
The new year began on a sour note for Austin’s Coffee on Fairbanks Avenue. Early Wednesday morning, a burglar shattered the shop’s front door, stealing several cases of beer. The incident caused approximately $2,500 in damages for goods worth only a few hundred dollars.
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“Honestly, it’s a little sad,” said Tristan Aguirre, an employee, emphasizing the disproportionate loss.
Austin’s Coffee has long been a haven for students, artists, and locals. Its late-night hours and intimate events make it a rare gem in an era increasingly dominated by corporate chains.
“We’re not just a coffee shop,” Aguirre explained. “We’re a family café offering a space for people to connect and express themselves.”
Over the years, the shop has adapted to shifting times. While it no longer rents out or sells movies, the owners have preserved its legacy by serving as a venue for student films and other creative projects.
Adding to the coffee shop’s troubles is a $4 million city project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion on Fairbanks Avenue. The plan involves expanding the road, potentially displacing several small businesses, including Austin’s Coffee.
City officials, including Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, have promised to honor existing leases and avoid buyouts or early terminations.
However, uncertainty remains for Austin’s and its patrons, who fear losing a unique cultural landmark.
“There are no more family cafés like this,” said Aguirre. “Getting rid of us means losing a piece of the heart that makes Orlando.”
For longtime customers like Tab Bish, Austin’s Coffee is more than a place to grab a drink — it’s a symbol of individuality in a rapidly homogenizing world.
“You can go anywhere and get corporate America,” Bish said. “But places like this are rare. It’s unique, and it’s worth experiencing.”
As Winter Park Police investigate the burglary, the community is rallying around Austin’s Coffee, hoping it can weather the challenges ahead.
For now, the future of this beloved local treasure remains in limbo, a poignant reminder of the balancing act between growth and preserving the character of a community.