Coffee shop serves up hot talent

Austin's Coffee in Winter Park offers non-stop nightly entertainment, which is why owner Sean Moore believes the store's name, in honor of the city of Austin, TX, one of the biggest entertainment capitals per square mile in the United States, is a perfect fit.

"Austin's Coffee is the entertainment capital of Orlando. We are 24 hours. We never stop or shut down," Moore said. "Every night of the week, we have some type of entertainment."

Moore said he and his wife, Jackie, used to be customers of the previously owned Austin's Coffee. When they heard it was going out of business, the couple, with the help of Moore's brother, Steven, decided to take it under their wing.

"I love coming into work everyday because I can be myself and I meet all different types of amazing people," Moore said. "The same people have been coming in since the very beginning and I am very fortunate to have such a supportive community."

He said Austin's uses organic fair trade beans, roasted in the store daily.

Like most coffee houses you can find your typical latte here and other chilled and hot beverages, but Austin's also serves food and has a selection of beer and wine for its customers. Appetizers range from hummus and pita chips to garlic cheese bread. All gourmet sandwiches are under $9 and include pasta salad and chips.

Those who crave dessert can help themselves to a wide selection of treats.

"There is something on the menu for everyone," employee Brandon Godwin said. "We even have a vegetarian sandwich that is like the ultimate Big Mac for vegans."

In addition to coffee and food, the shop hosts different types of entertainment every night, featuring live bands, art shows, independent films, live comedy and poetry.

Godwin, a former Starbucks employee, has been working at Austin's for more than a year. He enjoys the interaction with the community's artists.

"We really support the local community," Godwin said. "Artists can exhibit their art here and musicians can come in and play, it really shows off the potential this town has."

Junior business major Ruf Petit-Homme said the first time he went was for open-mic freestyle rap, which is every Monday night.

"The minute you sit down, it is like you are transported into another world," Petit-Homme said. "It's a cool place to hang out and meet interesting people. Everyone is very friendly."

Since then, Petit-Homme has gone back and encourages all UCF students to check it out.

"It is only 20 minutes down the road, and it is definitely worth it," he said.

According to Moore, the most unique people manage to find their way into the shop — and that's just the way he wants it to be.

"We are judgment-free. Anyone is welcome, and you can come in here and be anyone that you want to be."

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