This is a bit overdue, but Orlando's most (in)famous coffee shop has closed their doors for good. Propagation, sans the word "coffee" or "cafe", was a notoriously popular caffeine spot on Mills Avenue in Orlando for the last couple years. Sadly, the Orlando Weekly states that the shop had its last days in May. Although I only visited a handful of times, due to its distance, it held a special place in my heart. A special place kept company by my adoration for all things hip and fashionable.
Depending on who you ask, propagation was either a hidden gem or a secluded, sleazy cafe for those with too much pretense to drive their car, instead of riding their fixie bike. A quick visit to the business' Yelp page reveals the extreme, and often outlandish, passion the store owner, Travis had for coffee.
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One step into the coffee house and you would have noticed the stark contrast to the typically urban cafe. There were no fancy pastry cases, fresh squeezed smoothies, or Mumford and Sons playing. There were no places to plug in laptops, and even more hated, no Wi-Fi. While I personally agree with this, many patrons complained that they couldn't do school work there. I get that coffee shops are ideal spots to set up a study session, but ultimately, you come to a coffee shop for the coffee. The owner of Propagation made sure you knew that too. I made my first visit armed with knowledge of the shop's attitude.
Luckily, my very minute knowledge of coffee allowed me to carry a conversation with the barista, who in turn, conversed back. No signs of pretension or attitude. Just a simple guy, whose clear passion for coffee overflowed in everything he did. After sipping on my espresso, he approached and asked how it was. After telling him it was thoroughly enjoyed, he brought over a small cup of pour-over coffee made from the same bean.
Apart from the objectively fine cup of coffee, I could tell the shop was precise in their operations. By people constantly complaining about their desire for the place to be a revamped Starbucks, the whole concept of the store is diminished. There are thousands of Starbucks. Only one Propagation.
The shop became a special occasion. I knew I could go in and would be served the finest coffee. Not some giant milkshake slathered in whip cream and syrup. It wasn't until I googled the store hours, that I found out they had already closed for good.
Whether you were a die-hard patron, occasional guest, or boycotting protester, Propagation is a coffee icon that will be sorely missed in the Orlando area. Even if the only person sorely missing it is me.
