News Summary
Austin’s Coffee in Winter Park, Florida, is relocating ahead of its original location’s closure. Comedian Preacher Lawson has partnered with the Whitmer siblings to preserve the venue’s legacy, moving to a larger space. The new location is anticipated to open on November 1, enhancing community engagement through live performances and maintaining its cultural significance in the Orlando area.
Winter Park, Florida – Comedian Preacher Lawson Partners to Relocate Austin’s Coffee Ahead of Closure of Original Location
Austin’s Coffee, a beloved venue in Winter Park, is set to close its longtime location at 929 W. Fairbanks Ave. on October 31, 2023, due to the city government purchasing the land to address traffic issues without renewing the coffee shop’s lease. In a positive turn of events, comedian Preacher Lawson, along with Richard Whitmer and his sister Angela Whitmer, has acquired the business and will relocate it to a new address at 2240 W. Fairbanks Ave., approximately one mile west of the original site. The new Austin’s Coffee plans a soft opening on November 1, 2023.
Preacher Lawson, who began his comedy journey at Austin’s Coffee during its weekly Comedy Night 14 years ago, has expressed the significance of this establishment in shaping his career. He moved to Orlando from Portland, Oregon in 2011 to be closer to his mother and immersed himself in the local comedy scene, becoming a staple performer at Austin’s until he left in 2016. His experiences there contributed to his growth as a comedian, ultimately leading him to national recognition as a finalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” in 2017, and participation in “AGT Champions” in 2019 and “AGT Fantasy League” in 2024.
The newly relocated Austin’s Coffee is set to maintain its cultural legacy, including elements such as furniture and artwork from the original location. Although the new site is about 2,400 square feet—significantly larger than the current 900 square feet—it will provide enhanced features like a larger kitchen and a more spacious stage for live performances. The trio aims to foster community engagement and a vibrant atmosphere akin to what patrons have experienced over the years.
Lawson, now based in Los Angeles but feeling a strong connection to Orlando, has been actively engaged in his comedy journey, recently releasing a stand-up special titled “My Name is Preacher,” available on Amazon Prime. His YouTube channel boasts over 677,000 subscribers, further showcasing his popularity and commitment to comedic performance. Alongside his successful career, Lawson is currently on tour with his family in the DisFunctional Family Tour, where he focuses on sharing personal viewpoints rather than adopting an overtly political approach in his comedy.
The decision to relocate and revitalize Austin’s Coffee comes amid the challenges faced by the community due to the imminent closure. With the Winter Park city government’s moves impacting the original location, Lawson and the Whitmer siblings are determined to preserve the essence of Austin’s Coffee as a vital hub for entertainment and community interaction. The new location is expected to carry forward the tradition of live performances, which have been integral to the coffee shop’s identity.
With its rich history and cultural significance in the Orlando comedy scene, Austin’s Coffee will continue to thrive in its new home, providing a welcoming space for both performers and the community alike.
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- Orlando Sentinel: Comedian Preacher Lawson Revealed as Secret Savior for Winter Park’s Austin’s Coffee
- Wikipedia: Austin’s Coffee
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
