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Brewing Community in Orlando: How Danny Forester Keeps the City’s Culture Alive
Meet Danny Forester: a community builder, hospitality enthusiast, and champion of Orlando’s unique culture. At the heart of Danny’s work is a deep commitment to creating welcoming spaces where neighbors become friends, local talent can shine, and authentic experiences thrive. Whether it’s spotlighting a small-batch coffee roaster or offering a stage for up-and-coming musicians, Danny’s dedication to nurturing homegrown businesses and fostering genuine connections sets him apart.
Inspired by his culinary background and an unyielding belief in Orlando’s creative spirit, Danny has devoted himself to preserving the city’s vibrant, one-of-a-kind character. In an era where rising rents and big-box establishments often overshadow local flair, he’s on a mission to keep Orlando’s “DIY” attitude alive—one unique space, event, and cup of coffee at a time. Through his passion for community engagement, local curation, and heartfelt hospitality, Danny aims not just to run a business, but to help shape the city’s future and prove that there’s still room for authentic, innovative, and truly local experiences in the heart of Central Florida.
What specifically made you want to stay in Orlando after college, rather than returning to New York or moving to another big city?
I chose to stay in Orlando because I believed I could build something truly unique and interesting here. In a bigger city, I would have been just another drop in the bucket, but Orlando gave me the space to be creative and innovative—and even to influence the city’s trajectory. It still felt new and open enough for me to test ideas that might not have taken hold in a more established urban environment.
Before you opened your coffee shop, you were in a band and also booked bands. What was it about the local music scene that drew you in?
In the early 2000s, I got involved in the local music scene by playing in bands just for fun. That involvement grew deeper when I started booking shows and working at different venues downtown. I also interacted with bands that are now on major record labels. It was a blast putting them in tiny venues and later seeing them play arenas—it felt like I was part of their journey in some small way.
What inspired you to start Framework Coffee Bar, and how has your vision for it evolved since its initial pop-up days?
After exploring different paths in the hospitality industry—including working in a bar—I fell in love with coffee. I wanted to create a coffee shop that felt like a communal space, not just a place to grab a drink and go. I tested the idea with a small pop-up, and it eventually grew into a brick-and-mortar location. From the beginning, I envisioned Framework as a community hub that also serves great coffee. Over time, that vision expanded to include art shows, concerts, and offerings from local bakeries and coffee roasters.
Danny Forester stands in front of his business, Framework Coffee, on Mills in Orlando
You described your early pop-up as donation-based. What impact did that have?
Running a donation-based pop-up let people pay whatever they could for the coffee, which meant anyone could try it and see if they liked it—no barriers. That helped me engage the community on a personal level and build a loyal following.
Beyond just serving coffee, what was your intention for creating a 'communal space' at Framework?
I wanted Framework to be more than just a coffee shop—a place where people could hang out, connect, and genuinely feel a sense of community. It was important for me to offer a platform for local musicians as well, so they’d have somewhere to perform and showcase their talent.
You’ve been involved in several ventures, like The Nook on Robinson and the Milk District Market. What were your goals with each, and how do they connect with your overall vision?
The Nook on Robinson: A couple of friends and I took over the Old Sandwich Bar and turned it into an all-local beer and wine bar in 2018. I eventually left during the pandemic to focus on Framework, but my main goal was to create a spot that celebrated local beverages.
Milk District Market: I started this in 2016 as an alternative art market where creative people could come out and hang together. It’s now the Milk Mart, Orlando’s largest art market.
What made you start a secondary coffee brand, Foresters Espresso Bar?
During the pandemic, I launched Foresters Espresso Bar inside Writer’s Block bookstore in Winter Park. My idea was to create a small, grab-and-go coffee spot with high-quality offerings. I also saw potential for this concept to expand into food halls or set up kiosks in places like yoga studios or bookstores - anywhere people might appreciate a quick, quality coffee experience.
How have you seen Orlando's culture change over the last 10 years, and what are some key moments that stand out to you?
The city’s culture has transformed so much since I arrived around 2012. Back then, I loved the DIY spirit—places like Stardust, Credo, and Will’s Pub were really emblematic of that vibe. Around 2015, Orlando was full of unique, homegrown spots. But after COVID, a lot of those small businesses were sold to bigger conglomerates, and rent hikes forced many original places to close. It’s been tough watching that shift.
What challenges have you faced as a small business owner in Orlando, particularly with the changes to the city's landscape?
The biggest hurdles have been soaring rents and complicated city regulations. It feels like it’s getting harder and harder for small businesses to do something different or unique because of all the red tape. Often, it seems the city favors large companies over local enterprises. It’s heartbreaking to see alternative spaces close down because they can’t keep up with these pressures.
What kind of changes would you like to see in Orlando to foster a more supportive environment for small, local businesses and alternative spaces?
I’d love to see stronger rent controls, especially for commercial properties, to keep costs manageable. I also think the city could streamline its permit processes so it’s not so daunting for smaller businesses to open. We need policies that support smaller, independent ventures instead of allowing big corporations to gobble up properties at high rates. Above all, I want Orlando to retain its own identity rather than becoming a “cookie-cutter” destination.
You've spoken about your passion for music. How does that passion still influence your work today?
I still play in my band, “WEAK,” and I host shows at Framework. It’s important to me to offer a venue where local bands can perform without the high costs you find at larger spots. There’s something special about the close-knit vibe of a small show, and I love being able to foster that.
You've mentioned wanting to see Orlando become 'a little more DIY, a little more culture' again. What does that look like to you?
It means having more small businesses, pop-ups, and one-of-a-kind places that give Orlando its own quirky, creative flair. I miss the days when people would just go for it, turning their ideas into realities without worrying about fitting a mold. I’d love to see us reclaim that weird, wonderful DIY spirit.
Despite the challenges, what motivates you to continue creating and contributing to the Orlando community?
I’m driven by my love for this city and my desire to see it regain the unique culture I first encountered when I moved here. I want to keep creating opportunities for small, local businesses to grow, and I’m inspired by the people who are still experimenting and doing cool, unconventional things. Knowing that pockets of creativity still exist in Orlando keeps me going.
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