Mecatos Bakery and Cafe Soft Opens Today in Former The Coop Space in Winter Park

Mecatos Bakery & Cafe is bringing Colombian coffee, empanadas and fresh pastries to Winter Park.

The cafe begins its soft opening today, Tuesday, October 6, at 610 W. Morse Blvd., formerly home to The Coop. Announced hours are 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday–Sunday.

Ana Rosabal operates the new location with her parents, Juan and Linda Rosabal, and partner Barbara Moreno.

The Central Florida brand was founded by Colombian entrepreneur Edwin Lurduy. Plans for Winter Park include a visible on-site coffee roaster, coffee cocktails and approximately 120–130 seats indoors and on the patio.

Menu highlights include pan de bono, Colombian cheese bread; buñuelos, fried cheese dough balls; beef and chicken empanadas; stuffed arepas; and quesitos, sweet cheese-filled pastries.

The Mecatos team recommends the beef empanada with garlic sauce and stuffed yuca with spicy sauce. Bigger bites include breakfast sandwiches, Colombian burgers and loaded Colombian hot dogs, alongside coffee drinks, smoothies and desserts.

The building’s history stretches back well before The Coop. Built in 1947, it housed Mike Hage’s Market in the mid-20th century and later the East India Market, following a renovation by John Spang. John Rivers renovated the property for The Coop, which opened in 2014 serving fried chicken and Southern comfort food.

That renovation earned an Excellence in Commercial Renovation award in 2015. The Coop closed on July 16, 2023, with Rivers citing market rents that the business could not justify when renewing its lease.

Mecatos now gives the longtime Hannibal Square building its next chapter.