Orlando, FL – In a city known for its theme parks and nightlife, the local scene is being infused with an exciting new trend that’s shaking up the coffee culture: daytime DJ pop-up events.
Inspired by the success of similar happenings in cities like Los Angeles and New York, Brian Mafuz, the visionary behind the movement, is determined to turn Orlando’s typically quiet afternoons into vibrant community gatherings with a blend of house music and high-quality coffee. The idea behind these pop-up events is simple but powerful: provide an alternative to the traditional bar and club scene. In cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas, people are constantly looking for new experiences, and Mafuz saw an opportunity to fill a gap in Orlando’s daytime scene.
“If you go to NYC or LA, there’s so much to do on a Saturday during the day, but Downtown Orlando at 2 or 3 p.m. is a ghost town,” Mafuz explained. “It shouldn’t be like that. Orlando needed something more.”
Though coffee shops playing house music isn’t a new concept, Mafuz’s recent event at Deeply Coffee Company marked the first pop-up in Orlando. What set it apart was not only the music but the sense of community Mafuz aimed to foster. “I don’t just want people to attend; I want them to feel like they’re part of something special.”
“It’s about creating an experience that people remember and want to come back to.”
For Mafuz, the journey was not without its challenges. Securing a venue with the right aesthetic proved to be one of the most difficult aspects of the process, particularly when it came to reaching out to Ryan, the owner of Deeply Coffee Company. “I’m going to be honest, there was a lot of back-and-forth communication—emails, calls, and several moments of uncertainty,” Mafuz explained.
“You could tell that Ryan really wanted to do the event; he was just hesitant due to the fact that he was also concerned about his customers as they are his number one priority. I understood his point of view because coffee shops are known for being a calm space with a quiet atmosphere. The last thing you wanted was for his customers focus to be disrupted by seeing a group of kids walk in with huge speakers and turntables. He’s invested so much time and effort into Deeply, and he was simply trying to protect that.
“Thanks to a friend, we were able to connect. It took a lot of persistence to get my foot in the door and convince him to take a chance on this event, and all that effort paid off when the event finally came to life,” Mafuz recalled.
The event’s success, according to Mafuz, isn’t just about numbers. While engagement and feedback are important, he believes the true success comes from the energy in the room. “When people are genuinely enjoying themselves, connecting, and leaving with a memorable experience that’s when you know you’ve done something right,” he shared. The goal was clear: bring the community together on a weekend afternoon in a wholesome, sober environment.
“We live in a time where the economy is affecting everyone,” Mafuz said. “So I wanted to create an event where the only money being spent was on a $5 cup of coffee, not a $15 cocktail.”The response from the Orlando community has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees sharing their excitement on social media and offering support for future events.
Micheal Thomas, an attendee, shared his experience: “Sedo did not disappoint! (It was the) first time in a while I was able to go out and genuinely enjoy myself. The concept they’ve put together is truly one of a kind here in Orlando, and I’m happy I went. The event felt inclusive, like we were all part of it. My friends and I enjoyed from start to finish!” Thomas also gave the event a perfect 10/10 rating, highlighting the music, the people, and the vibe.
“For once going out didn’t mean it was just a club music and drinking. My friends and I liked the fact that it was a sober event with coffee and good people. Shoutout to Sedo for curating an event the city can be proud of!”
As for the future, Mafuz has big plans. He wants to continue growing the event, expanding its creative elements, and possibly collaborating with more artist and venues. His goal is for the event to become a staple in Orlando’s cultural landscape. “Whether through larger productions, interactive experiences, or traveling pop-ups, I see this evolving in ways that keep it fresh while staying true to its purpose.”
For those interested in creating their own events, Mafuz offers some valuable advice:
“Start with a clear vision and purpose, focus on the details, and never rush. Surround yourself with a reliable team and put passion into everything. When you genuinely care about your event, that energy will translate to your audience.”
With its focus on community, creativity, and connection, Mafuz’s coffee shop pop-up is more than just a trend, it’s a movement. And it’s only just getting started. For those inquiring about the timing of the next event, Sedo has released a video featuring their signature logo illuminating the coffee shop’s building. This serves as a signal that the planning phase is nearing completion and that the upcoming event is imminent.
