PHOTO VIA THE COOP FACEBOOK PAGE
As first reported by Faiyaz Kara for Orlando Weekly, Mecatos Bakery & Cafe (Website) is planning a new Winter Park location in the former home of The Coop, the long-vacant restaurant space at the southwest corner of Morse Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue. The café chain, known for Colombian baked goods and coffee, is expected to open sometime in 2026.
The announcement comes nearly two and a half years after The Coop, the Winter Park fried chicken restaurant from chef and restaurateur John Rivers, closed in July 2023. Rivers previously cited current market rates as a reason for not renewing the lease, and the building has remained empty since then.
The café’s menu centers on Colombian favorites, like empanadas, buñuelos, and pan de bono, along with desserts, smoothies, and coffee imported from Colombia and roasted locally at the company’s distribution center.
