The Tala Blog
Featured Article
The Return of the Baklava Latte
It started as an experiment, and now it’s the drink our regulars refuse to let us take off the seasonal menu. The beloved Baklava Latte was formerly an exclusive drink at our Libertyville café, but it was met with such rave reviews that we knew it needed a semi-permanent spot on the seasonal menu at all of our cafes.
October Events
October is here, which means cooler mornings, fall drinks, and plenty happening around our cafés. We’ve got events, pop-ups, new things to try, and a few good excuses to make a coffee run.
Busambo: Kayanza, Burundi
We’re excited to welcome Busambo to the lineup, sourced through our friends at Red Fox Coffee Merchants and processed at the Umoco washing station near Kayanza. With notes of candied grapefruit, Rainier cherry, and cream soda, this one brings plenty of sweetness and a super-clean acidity to every sip.
Partner Program Highlight: Ansera
A look inside our partnership with Ansera, their coffee culture, and the development from COVID-era studio productions to a dedicated office coffee counter and weekly Tuesday cuppings. What started as a solution to endless Dunkin runs has become a small but meaningful part of how their team connects, recharges, and comes together.
Fall Drink Menu 2026
It was a long summer … and we’re ready for a change! Introducing our fall drink menu: a lineup of drinks made for chilly afternoons and cozy hangs. This year’s menu brings back a mix of familiar favorites and warm flavors built for cool-weather sipping.
Bochessa: sidama, Ethiopia
There’s a reason Ethiopian coffees have such a strong reputation. Between the high elevations, heirloom varietals, and unique growing regions, they tend to have a character all their own. Bochessa is a great example.
Huver Castillio: Nariño, Colombia
If you’re someone who likes a coffee with a little personality, meet one of our newest releases, Huver Castillo. This vibrant coffee from Nariño, Colombia, is the kind of cup that makes you stop and think.
Partner Program Highlight: Cup of Wonder
We’re grateful to partner with a business like Cup of Wonder, where coffee is about so much more than what’s in the cup. Sarah and Dan have created a space rooted in connection, kindness, and a genuine love for their community, and we’re proud to be a small part of it.
The Case for a Third Place
In a world that increasingly happens behind a screen, third places give us a reason to slow down, step outside, and simply be around other people. Marissa makes the case for coffee shops as modern third places — spaces where small, everyday interactions can foster connection, community, and a sense of belonging.
Behind The Bar With Carl
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.