By Carl Gordon,
When you visit Montverde, you are reminded of a sleepy little town on Florida’s scenic byway near Lake Apopka…nobody expects a “horror-themed” coffee shop … but just outside Montverde Academy, you will find the Coffee Shop of Horrors.
This iconic shop was created by Roxana Stan and her partner, modeled after one of her favorite movies…Little Shop of Horrors where Audrey 2 is featured prominently.
But there is more to this shop than a horror theme. Quality is the key as Stan has developed a 15-year reputation and a following for the best coffee in the area. The original shop was opened in 2006 and they expanded in 2017 to their present location.
“We both started this out of a love for coffee and fresh homemade food. We both came from the I.T. world where coffee went hand in hand to keep us alert,” said Roxana.
“17 years ago, we set out on a search to find someone willing to work with us to produce the best coffee possible. We found another couple who owned the largest private coffee import company on the east coast.
Roxana continued, “They were excited to work with us to develop our custom blends and 
flavors.” Those flavors grew from 12 flavors to 53 unique coffees; all of which you can purchase in bean form (which they will happily grind for you) as well as by the cup.
You can get flavors from A-Z such as apple strudel, banana crème pie, chocolate raspberry, rum caramel, chocolate cherry, pumpkin spice, dark chocolate orange just to name a few…and there are many to choose from.
All of their coffee is guaranteed fresh and is sourced from fair trade and organic farms. Stan added that all plantations they work within Africa are “women’s collectives.” This means they have been rescued from abusive surroundings.
Not only do they serve coffee, but teas, cold brews as well as fresh baked goods and breakfast, lunch and dinner sandwiches
But the story doesn’t end here…in January 2020, they opened a shop in Tavares called “Jonesy’s Café. Opened just before the pandemic hit, it’s been a struggle but they seem to be holding their own. Jonesy’s offers beer and wine, along with coffee, as well as pizza, burgers, and baked goods. The café offers a stage for karaoke on Fridays and live bands on the weekends. Jonesy’s is located at 508 South Duncan Drive in Tavares and can be reached by phone at 352-609-1157.
Roxana is also heavily into charities working with animal rescue, cancer foundations, and providing housing education and counseling for LGBTQ+ Youth.
Coffee Shop of Horrors is located at 17415 7th Street, Ste A in Montverde; 321-244-8668 and is open Mon-Tue 7 am – 6 pm, Wed-Thur 7 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 8 am-5 pm.
