The mornings feel colder, the days feel shorter, and the motivation to leave the house ultimately feels… negotiable. But if there’s one thing we believe, it’s that the best way to get through the cold months is by filling them with warm drinks, good company, and experiences that make you forget about the temperature entirely.

We hosted our annual holiday party last Saturday at our roastery, featuring the same theme as the cafes: Cozy Cabin Christmas. Everyone came dressed in their best flannels to eat some barbecue and play bingo. We try to get all of the staff together as much as possible, but it was especially nice to have everyone here to celebrate the holidays!

Do you know the muffin women? Located in Mundelein, Illinois, in a nondescript wholesale kitchen is Holcomb Hollow. A business that began from “the plan is jam mentality,” if you get the friend's reference, you know, at the local farmers market, eventually developed into an original gluten-free flour recipe and all the baked goods behind it. Mia sits down with Melissa Norton, head baker and co-owner, and Elena Morris, chief operating officer, to learn more about what makes these muffins so special.

This Thanksgiving marked our 5th annual Tala Turkey Trot, and a never-before-seen change of location! This year, we got to open up Highwood for the morning to have our coffee and doughnuts. A huge shoutout to Gurnee Donuts for providing us with an amazing and delicious assortment year after year. It was extremely cozy and a truly wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving morning together!

We’re celebrating TWO YEARS at our Winnetka Cafe this week! To mark this occasion, we’re inviting you to comment below with your favorite memory at the Winnetka Cafe for your chance to win a $100 cafe gift card.

It’s 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday, and the café is still waking up. The air smells like clean countertops and yesterday’s roasted beans. Mia and I are already moving through our opening routine — putting out the pastries, brewing the first batch of drip, and quietly trying to convince our brains to start functioning…

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.

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

Looking for the perfect space to host your next event? Why not use your favorite coffee shop? Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, shower, corporate get-together, reunion, or holiday bash, we’re here to help make your next event one to remember.