Favorite Memory Winners
We heard so many amazing stories from people's experiences at Tala this week. In fact, we had way more submissions than we were prepared for, so it has taken several extra days to sort through it all. Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and thoughts about our cafe. We are so honored by the community and stories you’ve provided! We’ve chosen the top five memories, and randomly picked the winner of the $200 giveaway. Read all five stories below and see who is the lucky grand prize winner.
Coffee Squad
“The night before Tala opened, the three of us were having ice cream next door. Desperate for a good, local coffee shop, we were eager to learn more about Tala. So eager, in fact, that someone in this group crawled under the partially open garage door to talk to the staff and learn more about their opening plans. We established ourselves as the Coffee Squad, frequenting for Mermaids and oat milk lattes and donuts and life discussions that can only happen over excellent coffee. This picture is from a cupping event we attended together shortly before we started peeling off on new life adventures. But no matter how far away any of us go or how long we’re away, Tala is home base for reunions. And, as the one who stayed close enough for my own visits, it’s a reminder of friendships that were strengthened thanks to this very sweet little place that we get to celebrate this month.”
Sunday tradition
“Every Sunday, my three best friends and I drive an hour to get our favorite 16oz iced caramel latte with lite ice and oat milk. This has not only become a tradition in our friend group, but also an amazing way to spend time together. On talas first birthday, we each ordered three of our favorite drinks and brought them to the beach in Highwood, where we spent the day and went swimming in Lake Michigan. Tala will always be a staple in our friendship, and now that we are all going to college, we hope to still be able to come home as often as we can so that we can drive the hour to our favorite coffee shop.”
becoming a regular
“My favorite memory, apart from countless coffee dates with friends, hours upon hours of studying and writing papers, and unbelievably tasty drinks I have had, was when I first became a regular at Tala. I was meeting a friend from school to work on course work together and Keith and Matt we’re behind the counter. As I approached the counter, Matt, although he had incorrectly guessed my name at first, new I would be ordering a “drip coffee for here, filled to the top.” Keith came around, and I shared my name with them both. It was at that moment that I new I was a regular - I was seen and noticed and valued. Becoming a regular at a local, significant part of the community has always been a dream of mine, and I love the fact that Tala is that place where I can go and become a part of their family; Tala feels like home away from home.”
A special place
“Tala has become a special place for us. We’ve seen them grow from the stand in Highwood Wednesday market to opening day of this coffee shop, went there for many celebrations including birthdays and our engagement photos, and it became our go to spot for any meetups. Leon loves meeting people there and knows when we walk in that direction Not only it has an awesome vibe, their graphic/ packaging design and coffee are superb!! Can’t wait to try this special Truest Tala line! Happy 2 years!”
Mother & SOn
“My son lives 1/2 the year in Highrwood and 1/2 in Florida. When he went to Florida all I heard was how he missed his tala coffee. I ordered him a 5 pound bag and sent it to him. For the next two weeks after receiving it he texted me a picture every time he was drinking a cup.”
And the winners are…
Congratulations to Stacy O. for winning the Grand Prize $200 gift card. Thank you, also, to Tatiana G, Donna C, Anna G and Judy L, our four runners-up, each receiving $25 gift cards! We will contact you to win your prize!