The latest addition to the N. Orange Avenue business district is offering high-end flavors and casual vibes with a focus on family and the future.
“My goal as a student athlete is not just basketball, but to learn and apply what I learn in the real world,” said Rollins College student and point guard, Omar Figueroa.
Raised in Puerto Rico, he moved with his family at age 16 to Central Florida and attended Orlando Christian Prep where his hoop dreams were fueled by two state championship wins. “I looked forward to playing at a college level and seeing where that could take me, but I realized there has to be life beyond basketball.”
Figueroa attended and played for the University of North Alabama and Flagler College before transferring to Rollins in 2024 to play for the Tars and to enroll in the business program. However, he’s currently sidelined with a forearm bone fracture suffered during a November practice and expects to play next season. While the injury presents a temporary setback to Figueroa’s basketball career, he is taking advantage of a unique opportunity that is raising his game off the court.
Figueroa’s father – also named Omar – splits his time between running businesses in Puerto Rico and Central Florida. He co-founded Black Coffee/Café Negro Bistro at 761 N. Orange Ave. with Univision personality and longtime friend, Jose Figueroa. While they are not related, Jose said they may as well be. “I began working with Omar’s father about 10 years ago as spokesperson for his rental car business in Puerto Rico,” he said. “We have so many common interests, including a strong connection to family.”
Among their shared passions is coffee and the restaurant industry. The idea for a business began brewing soon after Jose moved to Florida in 2022. “I’ve been in the entertainment business for more than 20 years, so publicity and marketing are my strengths. Omar has been a business owner for many years, so we combined our experience to share something we love.” The timing of their venture also coincided with the availability of a prime location.
The former Winter Park Fish Company suffered a two-year construction-related closing followed by a change in management that closed the business in July of 2024. Jose and Omar acquired the property soon after it went on the market and started a four-month renovation that retained much of the former dining area and rearranged the kitchen to the specifications of head chef, Jafed Luciano. While the owners are fans of traditional Puerto Rican dishes, Jose said the menu is meant to have a wider appeal with a blend of traditional breakfast and brunch options and an inventive beverage selection by mixologist, Daniel Enrique.
Black Coffee/Café Negro joins the new Schenkel Shultz offices, the upcoming McCraney Property headquarters, and the recently opened Seven Oaks Park on the gateway into downtown Winter Park. Z Properties is also moving forward with plans to revitalize a forgotten section of Palmetto Avenue with Class-A office space that will bring new tenants.
Black Coffee/Cafe Negro was nearing completion when Omar’s injury occurred. And the opportunity to bring another family member into the fold while augmenting his formal studies with on-the-job education was quickly seized.
“I’m doing whatever is needed and learning everything I can,” Omar said, noting that serving customers and cleaning up is as essential to his development as shadowing the manager. “My plan is to focus on rehab and get ready to play next season, but also to prepare myself for a professional career after basketball.”
The possibility of a Clermont, Miami, or Puerto Rico location has been discussed, but the immediate focus is on making the Winter Park location a success. “We’re preparing Omar for his future and he’s giving us ideas on making the restaurant better,” Jose said. “Having him with us makes this even more of a family business.”
“I want to be humble and learn,” Omar said. “It’s good to set high expectations but you need to be present and focus on right now.”
Black Coffee/Cafe Negro Bistro is currently working through its soft opening with a grand opening planned for March. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, call 321-444-6001 for more information.
