By Jim Carchidi
Professional and personal success often hinges on the day’s first cup of coffee, but who and what makes that cup possible can be overlooked. The Florida Coffee Festival, November 21-23 at Orlando's Festival Park, will promote the coffee community through programming that fosters business and interpersonal connections.
Humble beginnings
The festival, sponsored by Zaza, is a product of Orlando-based Florida Coffee Culture. Founded in 2023 by former barista and current Tenzo sales manager Jared Tucker, the effort began with an Instagram account aimed at bringing customers together with coffee industry professionals.
“Most people go to the same coffee shop every day,” Tucker told The Orlando Real. “But what if people could slow down and actually get to know the people making their coffee?"
Building momentum
Florida Coffee Culture holds monthly latte art competitions where baristas showcase their pouring skills. Adobe Stock photo
Social media exchanges soon grew into meetups and organized events aimed at advancing four core values:
- Cross-counter connections between customers and professionals.
- Empowering personal and professional development through resources and education.
- Fostering innovative collaboration and partnerships between consumers and the industry.
- Celebrating the people and stories of the statewide coffee community.
Events include latte art competitions called “throwdowns,” where baristas showcase their latte pouring skills in a welcoming atmosphere that includes DJ’s, food, and drink service. Sales of an exclusive Florida Coffee Culture keychain, which unlocks statewide discounts, help finance a Barista Development Fund to foster professional growth through training and national conferences.
Branching out
Florida Coffee Culture has grown to include statewide events, networking and education, and has added more than 100 vendors to this year's Florida Coffee Festival. Photo courtesy of Florida Coffee Culture
Inspired by the Columbus Coffee Festival, Tucker set out in 2024 to bring the community together on a larger scale with the help of local and statewide connections. “Last year we had about 40 vendors,” he said of the first Florida Coffee Festival, “this year we’re at around 150-160. About 60 are coffee vendors and the rest are local food vendors and artisans."
Event schedule
Friday, Nov. 21: Festival programming kicks off with a Coffee Talk event at The Burrow Cafe and Play, 618 N Mills Ave., 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. “That will be centered on trying to find your path in coffee as a career,” Tucker said.
Saturday, Nov. 22: Local roasters and cafes will fill Festival Park, 2911 E. Robinson St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Live entertainment, food trucks and an artisan market round out the day’s offerings. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 same day. A $49 VIP option includes early access, extra pours, and special merch.
Latte artists from across North America will also be on hand for the Florida Latte Art Championship. Sponsored by Sanremo Coffee Machines, the event will have artists vying for the grand prize of an espresso machine and a coffee cart. “The winner will have everything they need to start their own coffee business." Tucker said.
Sunday, Nov. 23, morning: Programming resumes at Luminescent, 12286 E Colonial Dr. #105, with a “Coffee and Beats” event featuring drinks, food, and DJs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23, evening: Programming ends with Florida’s Largest Coffee Party, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. at Lineage Coffee and Lazy Moon Pizza, 1011 E Colonial Dr. A non-professional latte pouring training session will precede a professional throwdown event with food, beer, and DJs.
Check the festival social media accounts and the Florida Coffee Culture website for programming updates and tickets.
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