WINTER PARK, Fla. – For years, the city of Winter Park has been working to ease traffic congestion at the busy intersection of Fairbanks Avenue and Denning Drive. Now, a plan to add a turning lane may finally bring relief — but it comes at a cost.
Austin’s Coffee, a beloved local business known for its jazz nights and community vibe, stands in the way of the construction. The tiny, free-standing building is too close to the road and must be removed to make way for the improvements.
Customers and fans of Austin’s Coffee have launched a campaign to save and relocate the coffee shop, calling it a community treasure.
Bobby Barnett, spokesperson for the nonprofit Friends of Austin’s Coffee, said his first visit to Austin’s was more than 20 years ago.
He spoke about the campaign.
“You know Austin’s is really important to the community,” he said. “There’s a bond here to share art and music, it’s what a first wave coffee shop used to provide.”
The group found investors willing to help move the business down the road.
Austin’s Coffee is far from perfect or polished — and that’s part of its charm. The shop has been a hub for artists, musicians, and performers for more than two decades. Its worn, cozy atmosphere feels like “your favorite cousin’s garage turned into a coffee shop,” as one employee put it.
[WATCH: Austin’s Coffee is a Winter Park institution with an uncertain future]
According to Barnett, the stage at Austin’s has hosted over 70,000 performers, offering a welcoming space for artists to practice their craft without pressure. From jazz nights to open mic comedy, the venue has been a launching pad for many.
Logan Campbell and his band played their first gig here. He calls it his third space and visits about once a week.
“It’s art-kid heaven,” Campbell said. “Anything creative, this is the place for you.“
Campbell said it’s also a place to meet new friends.
“It’s cramped and crowded and you’re forced to sit in with other people but that’s how you make connections,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, new owner, Richard Witmer, believes the spirit of Austin’s will live on. He said the plan is to bring as many items from the current location to the new store.
“We’re tearing everything down and taking it with us,” he said.” We’re going to take as much as we can and reuse it. Because this is all memories. That’s what Austin’s is really, it’s everybody’s memories of the good times they had here. If you get rid of it, you’re getting rid of Austin’s."
In a world where many feel disconnected, Austin’s Coffee offers a rare touch of authenticity and human connection. Customers describe it as cozy, comforting, and friendly — a place where strangers become friends.
“You know a building becomes like a family member after a while,” Barnett said. “You know you think about the house you grew up in you’ll always cherish that building. I think Austin’s is going to be like that for so many people.”
While the business may move, the community hopes the vibe and traditions will continue. “It’s like an unseasoned cast iron,” said Scout Rodgers, a regular. “It will still be good, but you have to re-season it.”
Barnett says that saving Austin’s was just the start. he says he hopes to help other businesses that support local arts.
“Now that we’ve accomplished this and proven the proof of concept, the model of helping a small business like this, we’re going to move on and try to help out other businesses.”
“Austin’s is going to grow and change,” Whitmer said. “But we’re going to keep our core values, community first, keep it weird, everybody’s welcome.”
For now, Austin’s Coffee will remain a cherished part of Winter Park. Their new location will also be on Fairbanks Avenue, just east of I-4.
Supporters are determined to keep the music, coffee, and community alive.