KEY WEST, Fla. — Local singer-songwriter Mark Ellis has announced plans to open Lantern Coffee Co., a new neighborhood coffee shop in Key West that he says will combine coffee service with community events and a small performance space.

According to a press release announcing the business, Lantern Coffee Co. will serve locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries and light breakfast fare. Ellis said the larger goal is to create what he described as a welcoming place for people to gather, slow down and connect.

The release said the shop plans to host regular acoustic performances, open mic nights, songwriter circles, poetry readings and other community events. Ellis said he wants the venue to offer local artists a place to share their work in an informal setting.

“As a musician, I’ve been lucky to meet so many talented people who just needed a room and an audience,” Ellis said in the release. “I wanted to create a place where anyone can walk in, whether they’re grabbing a cup of coffee, meeting a friend, or working up the courage to play their first song in front of a crowd.”

The planned business is being presented as more than a standard café. The press release described a layout with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a small stage or performance area, with the space intended to appeal to students, remote workers, families and local creatives.

Ellis also said the business intends to work with nearby artists, musicians and small businesses when possible. The release framed those partnerships as part of a broader effort to support the local community and build a regular gathering place in Key West.

“Every town deserves a place where strangers can become regulars,” the release said.

No opening date was provided in the announcement. Ellis said grand opening events, including live music and promotional offers, will be announced later. Additional details about the schedule for performances, partnerships or menu expansion were not included in the release.

The announcement arrives as small, locally branded businesses continue to emphasize community identity and in-person events as a way to stand out. In this case, the proposed mix of coffee service and arts programming places Lantern Coffee Co. at the intersection of retail, hospitality and local entertainment.

Because the announcement came in a press release from Ellis, several operational details remain unclear, including the exact location within Key West, staffing plans and the timing of the opening. There was also no information on pricing, business hours or the expected size of the venue.

Still, the release outlined a clear concept: a coffee shop designed to serve everyday customers while doubling as a low-key venue for emerging performers and neighborhood events. If launched as described, the business would add another locally owned gathering space to Key West’s small-business and arts scene.

For now, the planned opening remains at the announcement stage. Ellis said future updates on Lantern Coffee Co. and its grand opening plans will be shared in later announcements.