New coffee shop could come to Winter Springs

Winter Springs residents may have a new option when it comes to their caffeine needs.

The Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board unanimously passed a proposal for Ellianos Coffee, a franchise drive-through coffee shop, on Nov. 2. 

The possible coffee shop would be located in the parking lot of The Foundry Church, 1491 E. State Road 434, and would be built over 29 of the church’s 290 parking spots. 

Michael Park, JB Pro project engineer, said he designed the possible site, and the Winter Springs franchise will feature a special addition that guests won’t find at many other locations. 

“Actually this one is a little unique. We are proposing a walk up window,” he said. “So you could park, but you wouldn’t necessarily go into the establishment”

Park said while customers will be able to order from a walkup window, there won’t be any tables and chairs for customers to eat at. 

Not many concerns from the board

Park said the drive through will have two lanes with two access and exit points. He said one of the exit points will be placed for customers who need to get out of line early. He also said there will be two service windows, one perpendicularly placed on each side of the building. 

Board Chairperson Kok Wan Mah said that the church parking lot doesn’t have many street lights, which he worries could be a safety risk for customers and pedestrians.

Park said the coffee shop will have lights in the parking lot and on the exterior of the building.

Board Member Gina Shaffer was concerned the possible coffee shop could cause a backup of traffic onto State Road 434, but she said the shape of the drive-through could be a solution to that.

“If you ever go to the Starbucks [1220 E. State Road 434] because I live over by it, they’re [cars] waiting out on the street,” Shaffer said. “If yours [coffee shop] is circular, that’s a great idea.”

According to the proposal, Ellianos Coffee Shop would be a narrow building, which the drive through wraps around in a “U” shape.

Mah said parking isn’t a worry for him because the establishments that share the parking lot are typically busy at different times of the day. 

Board Member Ken Spalthoff expressed excitement about adding the coffee shop.

“I think it would be a wonderful addition to Winter Springs,” Spalthoff said. “It’s certainly needed so I’m glad you guys are proposing this.”