The Coffee Girl: A Walk Down Memory Lane in Waterloo, Illinois

This week, while vacationing in St. Louis, I took a short trip across the river to visit a place that holds decades of memories—Waterloo, Illinois. Once my hometown, it’s a little slice of Americana that now boasts something brand new, yet comfortingly familiar: Alexandra Kay’s coffee shop, "The Coffee Girl."

But for me, this beautiful, buzzing café is more than just a new spot for lattes and lunch. It’s a building steeped in my personal history—one that began long before the first espresso shot was ever pulled behind that counter.

A Grandfather’s Treats and Blue-and-White Wrapped Bread

As a small child, I remember the building fondly as Schulmeister’s Bakery. My grandfather would take me by the hand, push open the wooden door, and lead me to the counter where we’d pick up fresh, sliced homemade bread. It came wrapped in a blue and white wax wrapper—something so distinct, so real, that to this day I can almost smell the yeasty warmth of it.

(Fun fact: I never ate store-bought bread until I started school. That’s how spoiled we were on real, homemade flavor!)

But Schulmeister’s offered more than bread. I still recall the immense penny candy counter stretching the length of the wall. It was a child’s dream, and Grandpa always let me choose something sweet and special. It wasn’t just a store. It was a memory factory.

From Bakeries to Cafés: The Evolution of a Space

As time passed, the building saw new tenants and identities. One of the most memorable was The Courthouse Cafe, owned by my coworker Barb Bruss and her husband, Dave. Later, it became The Bean Tree, a beloved café where my family often gathered for breakfast or lunch after church on Sundays. Sometimes, I’d pop in solo for a quick salad or sandwich on a busy day.

Each business brought a new chapter to the building, but always retained that same sense of warmth and welcome.

A New Generation, A New Chapter

This week, I had the joy of visiting the newly remodeled space with my sister, Judy. And at 70 years old, I must say—there’s something incredibly inspiring about watching young people breathe new life into familiar places.

Alexandra Kay has done just that. The transformation of the building is absolutely stunning. From the décor to the details, it's a blend of old soul and modern charm that fits perfectly into the heart of our town. And the food? Absolutely top-notch. The service? Impeccable. You can feel the heart behind the place in every sip and every bite.

Why It Matters

There’s a special kind of joy in seeing something so close to your heart be lovingly revived by a new generation. As I sat in the café, sipping my coffee and reminiscing with Judy, I realized something powerful: our stories don’t disappear when the walls are repainted—they echo louder.

This building, this little corner of Waterloo, is no longer just a memory of the past. It’s part of the future too.