One minute you’re one of the most popular coffee shops in Downtown Mount Dora, then the next day you find out that after 17 years, the landlord is not renewing your lease to “go in a different direction.”

That was the devastating reality for Andrea, the owner of One Flight Up. She announced on Facebook that it will officially close on Monday, March 31.

She said, “I’m sorry to inform everyone that One Flight Up Café is closing due to management not renewing lease. I’m sorry for the short notice as our hearts are broken but March 31st Monday will be the last day open. Thank you everyone for the love they had for this place💚.”

The announcement has sparked an emotional wave of responses from the Mount Dora community and beyond, as regulars, former employees, and visitors shared memories, tributes, and heartbreak.

“So sad to hear this 😢 I’ve been coming here since I was a teenager,” wrote Brianna Lohr. “Glad I came in the other week for a lunch date with my boy. We will miss you guys ❤️.”

“One of my favorite jobs in Mount Dora, and the place where I pretty much got started playing music thanks to Judy and Roger,” shared musician David Oliver Willis. “End of a great era. Gotta get me one last chicken salad sandwich, a praline bread pudding, and a dirty chai.”

“OFU is the most iconic coffee shop/restaurant in this town,” wrote longtime customer Ted Innes. “Andrea, Amanda and their staff continued the legacy of Judy and Roger, without skipping a beat.”

The café, known for its upstairs porch seating overlooking Donnelly Street, has long been a gathering spot for locals, visitors, and musicians. Patrons fondly remember it as a place for studying, first dates, trivia nights, music performances, and heartfelt conversation over a cup of coffee or a slice of coconut cake.

Andrea said that they will be looking for a new place to open, so we may not have seen the last of them just yet, but that finding a place could prove challenging.

Photos shared from One Flight Up