Danny is known for his management at both The Nook on Robinson and Framework Coffee. I recall times at The Nook as some of my last memories in the community before COVID-19 changed everything. Orlando is no stranger to resilience out of necessity and Danny & his team embody just that. We’re honored to spotlight them and their commitment to making our sweet town a place for everyone to enjoy! –Cheyenne
- Tell us what a typical work day looks like for you in 2020.
With Framework, all of our events were suddenly canceled and we were left with stock that was sure to go bad. As an event-based mobile coffee bar, COVID hit us hard, luckily we were able to find a home for the time being in the Mills50 district next to Will’s Pub and Track Shack, two Orlando institutions! Now we open daily on the strip and serve people as they head to work or are just running around town; it is much different than the events we were used to, but being able to serve the community daily and do it safely in an open-air environment makes it all that much better.
We have always been a donation-based business but seeing as how so many people are out of work and struggling, it’s been so nice to be able to still provide local and crafted coffee, tea, and sweets to people at whatever price they can afford! It’s been a shift in how we normally run our business but we are happy to still be here with the same high quality we have always had.
When it came to The Nook, closing day was so sudden and, out of nowhere, we were shut down and out of work for several weeks. We opened up as a package store which was helpful until restaurants were able to re-open and bars were left treading water. Then reopening, trying to figure out safety measures, and the best way to serve customers; only to be shut down again was a rough blow. Now The Nook is open again doing table service and mostly outdoor seating. Masks are required when moving around which can prove difficult as people continue to drink throughout the night, but it’s just about being firm, and making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable anytime they visit The Nook. Although events were a big part of what made the bar so special it will be quite a while before they can be done safely, so right now you can still get a local beer, MadDog 2020 Icee pop, and the best service in The Milk District at The Nook. The Nook is hosting a Maskquerade on Halloween to see who can best incorporate their mask into a costume, so 2020 may throw us all for a loop, but we just have to be creative and pivot the best way possible to keep the business alive; we just all have to work together and work hard.
- How can we best support and uplift your work during these uncertain times?
Anna’s continuous support for small business is already amazing, continuing to highlight and visit these businesses is unlike any other person that I know of in public office, except maybe Patty. Sharing resources and insights to what we need as independent business owners has been a beacon of light in these very dark times that have been 2020. So all I can say is that you all just keep doing what you are doing because it is keeping us alive!
- What is your favorite thing about working in District 47?
The community here is unlike any other! The outpouring of support constantly from friends, neighbors, and regulars is what really keeps us all going; even other businesses tend to lift each other up instead of trying to beat each other out. On our time off we are all supporting each other’s shops and bars and sharing each other’s creative solutions through social media. Most of the businesses in the area will share ideas and ways to figure out how to best serve the community. The district is a creative hub for people and businesses alike!
- Tell us why you are Team Anna.
Anna seems to be the only one actively seeking solutions to individuals’ problems, she is not trying to win your vote; she is trying to help people. She believes strongly in what she fights for and does not give up or give in to corporate or conservative pressure. She doesn’t make empty promises or hollow gestures, she really puts in the work to do what’s best for the people not only in her district, but in her city and state as well. All the work that Anna does for families helps to continue to support the community which in turn continues to so help our business. Simply put, she’s the real deal and I hope to see her move up because I will be supporting her all the way.
You can find us on Facebook for Framework Coffee and The Nook or on Instagram @frameworkcoffeebar and @thenookonrobinson.
Interview by Team Anna intern Angela Gable.