Thirty minutes west of Orlando the quiet town of Montverde can be found. Hidden within this sleepy community is small but amazing cafe known as Coffee Shop of Horrors.
Coffee Shop of Horrors, which first arrived in 2007, is not any ordinary java joint. As the name suggests, this monstrous masterpiece takes its theming inspiration from all things horror and Halloween.
“Quiver in fear at our variety of beans from around the world (our Latin American beans are Fair Trade)! Tremble in terror when you witness our plethora of flavored coffees! Scream in horror when confronted with our certified organic tea!” – Coffee Shop of Horrors website
Patrons of regional fan conventions in the southeast might be familiar with the name “Coffee Shop of Horrors” (CSoH). Owners Roxana and Nick have been taking their high-quality flavors on the road. For over 10 years, free samples of their magical potions appeared at conventions and local events.
What’s in store?
Earlier this year, the couple opened a new brick and mortar retail location for their famous horror-centric blends. Along with fiendishly fun flavors like Graveyard Shift, Zombie Dirt and Burial Grounds, CSoH offers all the amenities of a full-service café.
“This new location has allowed us to expand into a full-blown cafe and bakery where we can provide customers with a much larger menu of drinks and baked goods to enjoy. You can still pop by for a regular cup of coffee, or we can make you a latte, cappuccino, and other espresso drinks made with our Zombie Dirt Espresso. We also offer cold brew and nitro cold brew coffees on tap, soft serve ice cream made with our coffees, and a variety of baked goods such as muffins, brownies, cookies, and quiches if you want something more savory.” – Roxana
Visitors to the historic 130-year old Mount Verde building will notice a familiar fall feel to the shop. Décor includes works from local artists and features a hand-crafted centerpiece. This large tree sporting fall colored leaves adds to the horror/Halloween theme.
“The building we’re in has been in existence since 1888 and served as the General Store for the area for a number of years. Over time, its housed restaurants, bars, and even a pool hall.
For this shop, we went with an autumn Halloween theme as it’s our favorite season and holiday. It’s also a classier and more rustic look that fits our area. In our old location, we had it set up as a retail spot while giving away sample cups of coffee like we do at conventions.”
More than coffee
In addition to their fear-fueled flavors of coffee, Coffee Shop of Horrors sells blended tea and “spider eggs” (chocolate covered espresso beans). This November a new line of flavored hot cocoa was introduced: “Paranormal Paparazzi Dark Chocolate Peppermint” (this festive flavor features this Inside the Magic reporter’s alter photography persona: The Paranormal Paparazzi).
Coming soon?
Co-owner Roxana also advised ITM of future plans for the horror-themed coffee company: “Our future plans include expanding our current operations to include more food items like sandwiches and beverages like coffee infused craft beers. We’re also scouting out some new locations to possibly open new shops in east or downtown Orlando and Jacksonville.”
Where to find frighteningly great coffee
Look for them at their next convention appearance: Jekyll Comic-Con. This two-day event takes place at the Jekyll Island Convention Center (Jekyll Island, GA) on December 8-9. It’s part comic convention (Jekyll Comic-Con) and part horror event (Hyde Horror Alley).
Coffee Shop of Horrors is located at 17415 7th St, STE A in Montverde, Florida. Their various coffees, teas, hot cocoa, and candy can be purchased in-store or online.
Source and images: Coffee Shop of Horrors website and Facebook page, Roxanna Stan, Jekyll comic con.
