Country music star and TikTok sensation Alexandra Kay has turned her viral coffee-making videos into a tangible dream with the grand opening of her first coffee shop, The Coffee Girl, in her hometown of Waterloo, Illinois, on June 19, 2025. Located at 219 South Main Street, the shop replaces the beloved Bean Tree Café, a spot that holds deep personal significance for Kay. This milestone marks a full-circle moment for the artist, whose journey from singing covers while brewing coffee in her kitchen to opening a brick-and-mortar café has captivated fans worldwide.
From TikTok to Hometown Triumph
Alexandra Kay, born Lexi Krekorian, first gained fame as the “Coffee Girl” on TikTok, where her videos of singing country classics while preparing her morning coffee amassed millions of views and a following of over 8.5 million across social media platforms. “This has been a dream of mine since 2020 when TikTok first named me ‘The Coffee Girl,’” Kay shared. “I can’t believe my dream of opening my own shop is finally a reality, and it’s even more special to have it in the heart of my hometown.”
The Coffee Girl isn’t just a business venture; it’s a love letter to Waterloo, where Kay grew up and frequented Bean Tree Café with her sisters. “I used to live in the apartment building right next door, and I never left town without going to Bean Tree,” she recalled. Taking over the same space, Kay worked closely with the café’s former owners, Lisa and Jay Jones, to ensure that favorites like “AK’s Favorite” retain the familiar taste locals love, using the same Guatemalan, Brazilian, and Colombian beans.
A Pink-Hued Haven for Coffee and Country
Stepping into The Coffee Girl feels like entering Alexandra Kay’s vibrant world. The shop’s exterior is painted a striking pink, adorned with a sweeping floral mural, embodying Kay’s signature aesthetic. Inside, a country playlist featuring Kay’s own songs sets the vibe, creating a space that’s both a coffee shop and a celebration of her music career. Fans have already flocked to the shop, with some traveling to Waterloo for the opening and others planning visits around Kay’s sold-out performance at St. Louis Music Park on June 20, 2025.
The opening day was a testament to Kay’s dedicated fanbase. “Alexandra Kay fans are a different kind of dedicated, and we love them so much for that,” she said. One fan, Megan Scheibel, praised Kay’s inspiring journey, saying, “She’s such an inspiration to anyone my age.” Kay spent nearly six hours greeting fans at the shop, a reflection of her gratitude for the community that helped her rise from a small-town dreamer to a rising country star.
Balancing Music and Business Ambitions
Kay’s coffee shop venture comes at a time when her music career is soaring. Fresh off headlining tours that sold over 80,000 tickets, she’s set to join Brad Paisley on his Truck Still Works Tour this summer and is preparing her sophomore album for a fall release. The Coffee Girl’s opening coincided with the debut of her new single, “Feminine Energy,” a sultry anthem radiating confidence and bold country attitude, further showcasing her ability to juggle multiple passions.
Despite her busy schedule, Kay has big plans for The Coffee Girl. “The Coffee Girl is hopefully going to be a franchise,” she said, with potential expansion to Nashville on the horizon. However, she remains committed to her roots, emphasizing that “Waterloo will always be the heart of The Coffee Girl.” Her goal is to give back to the community that shaped her, ensuring the shop becomes a gathering place that makes Waterloo proud.
A Community Effort
Transforming Bean Tree Café into The Coffee Girl in just one month was no small feat, and Kay credits the Waterloo community and greater St. Louis area for their support. The shop’s seamless transition and commitment to quality reflect Kay’s dedication to honoring her hometown’s legacy while infusing it with her unique flair. “Everyone in Waterloo can rest assured that the quality is not going to change,” she promised.
Why The Coffee Girl Matters
For Alexandra Kay, The Coffee Girl is more than a coffee shop—it’s a symbol of resilience and authenticity. From her early days on American Idol in 2011 and The Voice in 2017 to her breakout on Netflix’s Westside in 2018, Kay has navigated industry setbacks to build a career on her own terms. Her TikTok fame, sparked by those yellow-kitchen coffee videos, has evolved into a movement that resonates with fans who scream lyrics like “Sometimes I miss that yellow kitchen” at her concerts. Opening The Coffee Girl in Waterloo is a way to bring that journey home, creating a space where fans and locals alike can share in her story over a cup of coffee.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a coffee enthusiast passing through Waterloo, The Coffee Girl offers a taste of Kay’s infectious energy and hometown pride. Stop by 219 South Main Street to experience a sip of her dream—and maybe catch a tune or two on the playlist. For more on Alexandra Kay’s music and tour dates, visit AlexandraKayOfficial.com.
