Dads Of Tala
If you spend much time at any of our Tala locations, you know we’re more than just a local coffee shop. We’re a place where customers easily turn into friends. Across the bar, you’ll hear more than orders; you’ll catch stories. And around this time of year, many of those stories are about dads.
We have the joy of serving so many fathers each day and the rare privilege of seeing a glimpse into what fatherhood looks like for them. Over time, our regulars become more like family, and their routines give us a front-row seat to the small, significant ways they show up as fathers every day. Whether they’re rushing in before the school drop-off, heading out to coach a little league game, or savoring a quiet moment of one-on-one time with their kid, we get to be a part of it.
From them, and from the men on our own team, we’ve learned that fatherhood is far more than meets the eye. It’s packing lunches and tying shoes, offering advice with patience, and being the steady presence in the chaos of life. It’s full of trial and error, laughter, and love. Fatherhood is messy, loud, and full of surprises! But better than you expected in the quiet and tender moments.
This Father’s Day, we wanted to shine a light on the amazing dads who are part of the Tala family. Here’s what they had to say about their favorite parts of being a dad, something that surprised them, and lessons they’ve learned along the way:
Carl Foltz – Libertyville Café
“My favorite thing about being a dad is seeing my kid do something I taught them. I call them ‘proud poppa moments’”
“Something that caught me by surprise about fatherhood was the small moments my son pays attention to. I remember sitting cross legged on the ground once and Will sat beside me. He looked very closely at the way I was sitting and copied it exactly! Kids really embody ‘monkey see, monkey do’!
“I’ve learned to be really patient. Having a kid has allowed me to see that we are all just big ol’ kids who want to hang out, have a good time, and get along with each other.”
Ryan Hickman – Co-Owner
“My favorite thing about being a dad is watching my kids grow up and change every year. Not only in how they look but in what they need from me as a parent.”
“Something that has surprised me is how much it means to me to be their dad. Especially now, as both of my kids are in high school!”
“I have learned to be patient. Not only in meeting their needs as a parent, but to take it slow and enjoy all the stages of parenting.
Keith Lilja – Co-Owner & Head Roaster
“I’m incredibly excited to become a dad because it marks the beautiful reality of our family truly starting and building a family legacy rooted in faith. I’m really looking forward to guiding and teaching our son, but also equally excited to get to learn from him and grow as a dad, husband, and man.”
“Even though he’s not here yet, this time of pregnancy has been even more sweet and beautiful than I imagined. In the newness and uncertainty of it all, a line of joy and fun has brought my wife and I even closer and kept this season feeling so uniquely challenging and special!”
Daniel Fletcher – Facilities Steward
“My favorite thing about being a dad is the curiosity that my children share with me and how we can find magic and wonder in everyday things together.”
“What surprised me about fatherhood is having such a capacity for love I didn’t realize I had before.”
“I’ve learned to have gratitude for the sacrifices that parents make every day.”
Stefan Tong – Co-Owner
“I love being with my buddy and watching her grow. She’s so new so it’s exciting and special to see who she will become!”
“It has been surprising, I thought I would feel like someone else. But I still feel like myself, just with greater responsibility. It has been a pleasant surprise.”
“I’m definitely still learning, but patience is so important and so easy to lose.”
Mike Boyack – Libertyville Café
“I love seeing my son learn new skills and grow. I’m just so proud of the little guy. I also love when I come home and he gets so excited to see me. It warms my heart.”
“I feel like fatherhood comes more naturally to me than I expected. It’s definitely a learning curve and I’ll make a lot of mistakes along the way, but I didn’t expect to be so nonchalant about changing diapers!”
“I’ve definitely gained some perspective. It’s cliché to say, but fatherhood makes you look at the world differently.”
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.