A huge congratulations is in order to one Mrs. Talya Strader, Bow Truss’ retail and operations manager. Our Head Mistress of Caffeine, our Sultan of Arabica, our Baroness of the Bean… you get the idea—we’re just so proud of her!

Here’s why Zagat included her in the prestigious 30 Under 30 Hottest Up-and-Comers list along with head chefs, mixologists and tastemakers in Chicago.

Talya Strader, 29
Retail and Operations Manager, Bow Truss

Strader wanted to open her own coffee shop since the age of 12, loving the communal nature of such a business. She worked at Intelligentsia for five and a half years before leaving the company to found a start-up called New Gotham Coffee. Strader was inspired by the camaraderie she witnessed while competing in the National Barista Championships and wanted to develop a similar community in Chicago. New Gotham connects local roasters and coffee lovers through monthly Thursday Night Throwdowns. She’s also the retail manager of Bow Truss and recently helped the local roaster open its second location.

Side Dish . . .

• Strader dabbles in mixology and home-brewing.
• She competed in barista competitions in 2007 with a fourth place finish at the regionals. 

Photo: Hugh Galdones, courtesy of Zagat