Espresso-ing herself: A Q&A w/ Tiffany of Café at The Stella
Get ready to sip on some knowledge as we chat it up with our coffee connoisseur, Tiffany Larson of the Café at The Stella about the caffeinated world behind the counter of one of the finest cafés in the area.
Q. How long have you been with the Cafe at The Stella?
Tiffany: I’ve been with The Stella Hotel & Ballroom for 3.5 years overseeing the Café at The Stella, The 1844 Table & Mash, and Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar.
Q. Can you tell me about the types of coffee beans the Stella Café uses?
Tiffany: We use fresh espresso beans from Seattle’s Best Coffee™. 100% of their coffee beans come from Arabica trees, resulting in a smooth tasting cup of coffee every time we brew.
Q. Do you offer any specialty or unique coffee blends?
Tiffany: Absolutely, the espresso beans we use feature a medium roast coffee with a portside blend.
Q. What are some of the most popular items on your menu?
Tiffany: Our most sought-after coffee drinks include the Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte, and Brown Sugar Mocha. For food, guests love our Breakfast Melt and Avocado Toast.
Q. What are your signature drinks or pastries?
Tiffany: We introduce an array of drink specials and pastries weekly, each reflecting the season and offering something unique. Currently, our seasonal signature drinks are Chocolate Covered Strawberry Macchiato and Strawberry Matcha Latte.
Q. How does the Café at The Stella come up with new menu items?
Tiffany: We gather inspiration from our team members and keep an eye on current trends and seasonal preferences.
Q. What kind of vibes do you aim for at the Café at The Stella?
Tiffany: Our goal is to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and recharge with a cup of coffee or connect with friends and colleagues over breakfast or lunch.
Q. How do you/the Café at The Stella engage/connect with the local community?
Tiffany: At the Café at The Stella, we deeply value our connection with the local community. One way we foster this connection is by extending gestures of appreciation, such as offering complimentary coffee to the Kenosha Police. Additionally, we actively support local artists by providing a platform to showcase their work. Currently, Lemon Street Gallery in downtown Kenosha features artwork available for purchase within our café, allowing patrons to experience the vibrant creativity of our community firsthand.
Q. How do you ensure a positive customer experience?
Tiffany: Our commitment to ensuring a positive customer experience at the Café at The Stella is unwavering. To achieve this, our Baristas undergo comprehensive training to master the art of crafting exceptional beverages and delivering top-notch service. We empower our team members to take pride in their work, fostering a culture of excellence that resonates throughout the café. We also encourage open communication with our guests, welcoming feedback as a valuable tool for continuous improvement and growth.
Q. What are some of the challenges working at The Stella Café?
Tiffany: You need to be a “morning person” to work at a café. Being up before the sun on a regular basis can be challenging at times.
Q. What are the most rewarding aspects of running a successful coffee shop?
Tiffany: Seeing our guests happy and creating a welcoming space where regulars feel at home.
Q. Do you have any sustainable or eco-friendly practices at the Café at The Stella?
Tiffany: Yes, we use recycled drinkware and prioritize locally sourced products.
Q. Are there any events or community activities that Café at The Stella participates in?
Tiffany: We participate in local events like Kenosha Restaurant Week and offer special promotions during community festivities such as Snow Daze Festival, Easter Bunny Hop, Halloween, etc.
Q. Does the Café at The Stella have a loyalty program?
Tiffany: Yes, we offer a rewards punch card where customers receive a free coffee after purchasing five.
Q. What is the day-to-day like running the Café at The Stella?
Tiffany: Each day brings new experiences and interactions with our team and guests. From crafting beverages to curating a welcoming atmosphere, our daily endeavors are guided by a shared dedication to creating memorable experiences for all who walk through our doors.
Q. Do you change your menu seasonally?
Tiffany: Yes, we embrace the changing seasons by refreshing our menu offerings to reflect the fresh ingredients available. Our specialty drinks menu undergoes monthly transformations, while our food menu evolves to embrace seasonal delights. Guided by the expertise of our Chef, we curate a culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of each season while keeping our beloved staples cherished by our guests year-round.
Q. Are there any upcoming seasonal promotions or events?
Tiffany: Look out for our monthly drink specials and promotions during Kenosha Restaurant Week.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your fantastic staff at the Café at The Stella?
Tiffany: Our team of Baristas embodies the essence of hospitality, blending professionalism with genuine warmth to elevate every guest interaction. Hardworking, spirited, and committed to excellence, our staff is the heart and soul of the cafe, continually striving to exceed expectations and create moments of delight for our guests.
Q. What do you love about working in downtown Kenosha?
Tiffany: The sense of community and support among businesses in downtown Kenosha is truly inspiring.
Q. What makes the Café at The Stella stand out?
Tiffany: We continuously evolve to meet our guests’ needs and preferences.
Q. What is your favorite drink at the Café at The Stella?
Tiffany: My favorite is definitely the hot Caramel Macchiato.
Q. What is next for Café at The Stella?
Tiffany: We’re currently developing our spring/summer offerings. There will be a large selection of iced coffee & espresso drinks as the weather warms.
Q. Besides Café at The Stella, where else do you enjoy getting coffee in downtown Kenosha?
Tiffany: There are many great coffee spots in downtown Kenosha, there’s no way I could choose just one!
Café at The Stella is located inside The Stella Hotel & Ballroom at 5706 8th Avenue, Kenosha WI
Follow them on Facebook & Instagram
stellahotel.com/cafe
Hours: Open 7days a week from 7AM – 2PM
(262) 842-2000
Q&A and photos by Donny Stancato • Edited by Meridith Jumisko
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