The Tala Blog
Featured Article
The Return of the Baklava Latte
It started as an experiment, and now it’s the drink our regulars refuse to let us take off the seasonal menu. The beloved Baklava Latte was formerly an exclusive drink at our Libertyville café, but it was met with such rave reviews that we knew it needed a semi-permanent spot on the seasonal menu at all of our cafes.
Partner Program Highlight: Cornerstone Coffee Co.
Some dreams take years to come to life. For Bekah Kallas, the idea of opening her own coffee business started back in middle school. Today, at just 19 years old, she's bringing that dream to life in her hometown of Barrington, Illinois, one latte at a time.
Back to the Basics: A Case For Drip Coffee
A good coffee doesn’t need to be complicated to be good. In fact, that’s kind of the point.
Coffee Club, From 800 Miles Away
When great coffee is part of your everyday life, it’s pretty easy to get attached. I just didn’t realize how attached I was until I moved 800 miles away.
October Events
October is here, which means cooler mornings, fall drinks, and plenty happening around our cafés. We’ve got events, pop-ups, new things to try, and a few good excuses to make a coffee run.
Busambo: Kayanza, Burundi
We’re excited to welcome Busambo to the lineup, sourced through our friends at Red Fox Coffee Merchants and processed at the Umoco washing station near Kayanza. With notes of candied grapefruit, Rainier cherry, and cream soda, this one brings plenty of sweetness and a super-clean acidity to every sip.
Partner Program Highlight: Ansera
A look inside our partnership with Ansera, their coffee culture, and the development from COVID-era studio productions to a dedicated office coffee counter and weekly Tuesday cuppings. What started as a solution to endless Dunkin runs has become a small but meaningful part of how their team connects, recharges, and comes together.
Fall Drink Menu 2026
It was a long summer … and we’re ready for a change! Introducing our fall drink menu: a lineup of drinks made for chilly afternoons and cozy hangs. This year’s menu brings back a mix of familiar favorites and warm flavors built for cool-weather sipping.
Bochessa: sidama, Ethiopia
There’s a reason Ethiopian coffees have such a strong reputation. Between the high elevations, heirloom varietals, and unique growing regions, they tend to have a character all their own. Bochessa is a great example.
Huver Castillio: Nariño, Colombia
If you’re someone who likes a coffee with a little personality, meet one of our newest releases, Huver Castillo. This vibrant coffee from Nariño, Colombia, is the kind of cup that makes you stop and think.