The Tala Blog

Featured Article

How Do I Get Better At Tasting Coffee? 

If you’ve ever taken a sip of coffee and wondered how some people can pick out tasting notes like peach, jasmine, and caramelized sugar, you’re not alone. Tasting coffee is a skill — one that develops over time. 

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Michael Michalak Michael Michalak

Tala-Ween Party Recap

Last Saturday, we threw our Ice Cream Social and Costume Party and had a great turnout! The cafe was buzzing all day, and our one-day-only affogato special was a huge hit, with espresso poured over Oberweis ice cream

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Marissa Cummings Marissa Cummings

Behind The Bar With Emily

Our “Behind The Bar'“ series highlights one of our team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our team puts a smile on the faces of so many each day by simply serving delicious beverages and being an authentic presence in each person’s day. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.

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Maya Johnson Maya Johnson

Grounds For Your Garden

Your morning coffee can do much more than just energize you—it can give your garden a boost too. From backyard pots to larger agricultural applications, coffee grounds are an eco-friendly addition to any soil system.

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Community Mel Kreppin Community Mel Kreppin

a very happy talaween

On October 3rd, we brought the spooky vibes to our Highwood café with our annual staff Halloween party! What better way to kick off the Halloween week than with a little recap of all the fun?

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Community, Behind the Bar Lex Miller Community, Behind the Bar Lex Miller

Behind the Bar with Grace

Grace joined the Tala crew in the summer of 2023 and, as of this month, is now the new manager of the Highwood location. All the way from Hartford, Wisconsin, Grace made the big move to Illinois to study international relations and environmental studies. You’ve probably seen her in the cafe with a big warm smile on her face. You can come see her at Tala most days of the week!

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Community Haley Horvat Community Haley Horvat

New year, new aspirations and of course, more coffee!

In honor of the upcoming year and rounding up the last few moments of 2022, we have asked Tala team to take a moment and share their new year’s resolutions or past year’s fondest memories. Since so many of us get to see so many of you everyday- you all can join us and check in on our progress as we chat across the bar! With that, here are the Tala team’s reflections and hopes as we end yet another wonderful year!

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Community Tala Coffee Roasters Community Tala Coffee Roasters

In Celebration of Community

Running a small business is always a wild ride, but running a small business through a pandemic has been a new kind of wild. What’s more: our cafe has officially been open longer during the pandemic than not. What felt like an emergency interruption has become our new reality. But that’s not unique to us, that’s everyone’s story as of late.

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Community Tala Coffee Roasters Community Tala Coffee Roasters

Small Business Saturday 2020

In typical 2020 fashion, this Small Business Saturday hits differently than most. The strangely somber undertone of this year is how many small businesses across the country—and world, for that matter—are closed for this special day, some temporarily and others permanently. With that as the backdrop of today, it is with even deeper gratitude that we extend our sincerest thank you to all of you.

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