{"id":97598,"date":"2025-12-28T11:43:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T11:43:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/97598\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T11:43:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T11:43:22","slug":"mecatos-bakery-and-cafe-opening-in-the-coop-space-in-winter-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/97598\/","title":{"rendered":"Mecatos Bakery and Cafe opening in The Coop space in Winter Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s been nearly two and a half years since The Coop \u2014 barbecue king John Rivers\u2019 bright, rustic shrine to Southern dining<\/a> \u2014 closed its doors after a decade of serving fried chicken and Southern plates of the highest order in Winter Park.<\/p>\n

At the time, Rivers cited \u201ccurrent market rates\u201d as a reason to not renew the lease and, since The Coop\u2019s closure in July 2023<\/a>, the building has sat vacant.<\/p>\n

But it won\u2019t be for much longer.<\/p>\n

Mecatos Bakery & Cafe, the homegrown chain offering Colombian baked good, hot bites, desserts, fruit smoothies and, of course, coffee, is set to open in the prominent space on the southwest corner of Morse Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue some time in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Mecatos Bakery & Cafe<\/p>\n

Mecatos<\/a> was established in 2015 by Edwin Lurduy and currently operates nine locations all across the city. Their signature offerings are empanadas, bu\u00f1uelos (fried dough pastries with sweet or savory fillings) and pan de bono (Colombian cheese bread). The coffee at Mecatos is imported from Colombia and roasted locally at their distribution center.<\/p>\n

It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the building\u2019s red-barn facade will be retained, as it\u2019s practically reached iconic landmark status in Winter Park.<\/p>\n

In any case, Rivers still holds the place close to his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cClosing The Coop still makes me sad, but I am happy to see the space being reactivated. I wish Mecatos the best of luck there. It is a very special place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Be sure to follow @mecatos<\/a> for all the latest updates on their Winter Park opening.<\/p>\n

Orlando\u2019s daily dose of what matters. Subscribe to The Daily Weekly.<\/p>\n

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