ILLINOIS — Fans of viral coffee-making videos and heartfelt country tunes lined up by the hundreds in Waterloo, Illinois, this week to celebrate the opening of The Coffee Girl Café — a new business launched by rising country music star and TikTok personality Alexandra Kay.
Known to her 4 million followers as the “Coffee Girl,” Kay has captured national attention through her popular videos where she brews coffee while singing country classics. On Thursday, that online community became reality as nearly 800 fans gathered in person for the café’s grand opening.
“She’s such an inspiration,” said Megan Scheibel, one of the first customers in line. “She’s helped me through hard times — seeing her build something like this is amazing.”
From TikTok Fame to Small-Town Café
Alexandra Kay, born Alexandra Lexi Krekorian, rose to fame by filming simple, soulful clips of herself brewing coffee while singing songs by artists like Randy Travis, Tim McGraw, and Tracy Lawrence. One video even drew attention from Travis himself.
Kay’s path to success includes appearances on “The Voice” (2017) and Netflix’s “Westside” (2018), a docuseries about aspiring musicians. She released her debut country album, “All I’ve Ever Known,” in 2023 and has since collaborated with major stars, including Jelly Roll on the “Twisters” soundtrack.
“I went from no followers to four million now,” she shared. “And The Coffee Girl was always meant to start here, in Waterloo.”
Inside The Coffee Girl Café
The newly opened café — named after her TikTok nickname — blends cozy aesthetics with Kay’s personal branding. While menu details haven’t been widely released yet, fans came as much for the atmosphere and connection to Kay as for the drinks themselves.
Kay plans to franchise the café if the first location proves successful, turning her personal brand into a wider coffee movement.
“The Coffee Girl is hopefully going to be a franchise and that’s why I started the company,” she said.
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Balancing Music and Business
Even with a packed summer schedule — including a tour with Brad Paisley and performances at St. Louis Music Park — Kay says she remains committed to making the café work.
Her latest singles, “Cupid’s A Cowgirl” and “The Last,” are already making waves on country radio, and she continues to post regular content for fans on TikTok and Instagram.
Kay says launching the business in Waterloo was intentional — a tribute to her roots and the fan base that’s supported her since the beginning.
Have you visited The Coffee Girl Café in Waterloo yet? Share your experience or photos with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
