Some cities have a coffee culture and some don't. Iain Yeakle and Alex Tchekmeian, a couple of true coffee connoisseurs and proud Arabica snobs, are the brains behind Foxtail Coffee Co., which has quickly become ground zero for coffee-loving Starbucks-haters in the area. Pretty much every brew style – AeroPress, siphon, nitro, pour over, espresso – is offered, but even better, the on-site roasting facility allows the pair to experiment with taste profiles. Beans are ethically sourced from small producers in Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and Ethiopia – an attribute Foxtail wants to be known for.
"Social and environmental impact awareness is really important to us," says Yeakle. "We absolutely love seeing the emergence of sustainability-themed local businesses in the area." But Foxtail is more than just a "bean-to-bag" operation. Both Yeakle and Tchekmeian are out to educate patrons and are perfectly happy to talk terroir, moka pots, and the benefits of porcelain to any who'll listen.
"We want to help our city grow!" Yeakle says enthusiastically, and growth certainly appears to be a part of their grander plans. Foxtail will open Foxtail's Farmhouse later this summer and offer all sorts of classes to help you become a better barista. Plans also call for additional cafés to open near UCF and in the soon-to-open Hourglass Market on the corner of Bumby Avenue and Curry Ford Road. "We're grateful to everyone who's welcomed and accepted us," adds Yeakle. "With all the unique food options here, and the manner in which this city is growing, we're just happy to be involved."
Foxtail Coffee Co.
1282 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park
407-951-7931
foxtailcoffee.com
