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.
Tucked inside the historic Ice House Mall, Cornerstone Coffee Co. is a reflection of Bekah's creativity, love for people, and the courage it takes to turn an idea into reality. I got the pleasure of sitting down with Bekah to hear how this dream came to fruition.
A Chance Worth Taking
Born and raised in Barrington, Bekah graduated high school in 2025 before spending a year abroad at school and traveling through Europe. She's always had a love for adventure, but returned home ready to pursue a dream she'd been carrying for years.
As a kid, Bekah’s dream was to open a coffee trailer. But it was put on the back burner as a “maybe” or “one day” idea. Years later, Bekah still felt a tug to act on this dream, feeling compelled to take the risk. She felt a sense of certainty when a family friend pitched the idea of a coffee cart located in the Ice House Mall. One thing led to another, and before long, she was buying equipment and building a custom coffee cart with her dad! Her parents, both entrepreneurs themselves, encouraged her to take the risk and figure things out along the way. From choosing a name and designing a logo to learning the ins and outs of social media, Bekah has built the business one step at a time.
“I’m no one special; I just took the risk!”
Bekah and her dad even built the coffee cart together, carefully choosing wood for the counter to complement the building's aesthetic. Neither was a professional builder, but they figured it out together. It remains one of the things she’s proudest of.
A Coffee Cart With a Sense of Place
For a business rooted with a sense of community, the backdrop of the Ice House Mall is the perfect complement. A building with such history of its own, the Ice House Mall is a glimmer of Barrington’s past. Once an ice factory, turned lively shopping destination in the 1970s. Today, it continues to evolve as a gathering place for independent shops and a community of small, often women-owned businesses. Bekah shared that she loved the idea of becoming part of a place with so much character and story.
Now, Cornerstone is becoming a little gathering place within the mall itself. Located outside of a book store and nestled near a yarn boutique, Bekah serves a little bit of everyone. From women stopping in between quilting or mahjong games to young moms out with their kids, she’s been able to establish “regulars” of her own!
For Bekah, the best part of the dream is the people. She loves connecting with her customers: hearing about their lives, celebrating their milestones, and making time for conversation. Even on slower days, she sees value in those connections. Her hope is simple: that everyone who stops by leaves with a smile and a small moment of joy in the middle of a busy day.
Coffee With a Little Creativity
Bekah's love for coffee started early (thanks in part to her dad sneaking her sips as a kid!)and blossomed while working at a coffee bar at summer camp. She discovered how much fun it was to make someone the perfect cup of coffee.
Today, that creativity shines through in Cornerstone's menu. Her signature drink, the Sugar Snow, combines bourbon vanilla and maple in a latte. Her personal favorites include a classic maple latte and the Amore Miel, a combination of honey, cinnamon, and bourbon vanilla. These drinks are part of what makes Cornerstone uniquely hers: a chance to play with flavors and give customers something memorable.
When Bekah began looking for coffee for Cornerstone, working with a local roaster was a must. A family friend encouraged her to explore Tala, and our house-made syrups sealed the deal for her.
At Tala, we know that behind every coffee cart, café, and coffee bar is someone taking a chance on a dream (just like we did!). Our role is to provide quality coffee and ingredients our partners can confidently serve and make their own. For Bekah, that means pairing Tala coffee and syrups with her own ideas to create drinks that fit Cornerstone Coffee Co.'s personality. We're proud to be part of her journey, even in a small way, as she builds the business she's imagined for years.
The Courage to Say “Yes”
Starting a business at 19 has taught Bekah plenty already. She's learning how to balance the demands of entrepreneurship and make room for the things she loves, like travel! Through it all, the customers who show up specifically to see her remind her why she started. Looking ahead, she's excited about the possibility of partnering with a local bakery and bringing Cornerstone to more events and celebrations through a pop-up cart. For now, she's focused on growing her business, getting to know her customers, and enjoying what she's built.
We love seeing what happens when someone takes a chance on a dream. Bekah reminds us that you don't need every step mapped out before you begin. Sometimes, you just need to take the risk! We're excited to continue cheering Bekah on, and we can't wait to see what's next for Cornerstone Coffee Co.
👉 Learn more at barringtoncoffeecart.com.
Marissa Cummings
On staff at our Libertyville café, Marissa loves befriending customers and making the perfect cup of coffee. When not behind the bar, she is usually exploring new coffee shops, curled up with a good mystery book and a warm miel in hand.