There is really nothing a good cup of coffee can’t fix.
One of the best parts of my day is my morning coffee, so much so that I go to bed already looking forward to it. That quiet moment, the warmth of the mug in my hands, the first sip that makes everything feel a little softer, a little slower. It’s a simple practice, but one I deeply cherish.
Tahnee Hipel, owner of Bruud Coffee Bar, understands the important ritual of coffee. The way coffee brings both comfort and connection is at the heart of her coffee bar, and one of the core values that Bruud has built its identity around.
Originally from Kitchener, Tahnee opened Bruud in November of 2022. After years of running her own digital marketing business, she took the leap into brick-and-mortar, opening a cozy coffee shop in the heart of Chesley.
“My mom sold our family home in Kitchener and moved out this way, and when I was up visiting her for a few days after the move, this space came up for sale,” Tahnee says. “I had nothing else tying me to the KW region and was ready to try something new. So, I put in an offer, and the rest is history.”
The inspiration around the coffee shop came from Tahnee’s own relationship with coffee, both as a daily ritual, and as a way of bringing people together. It wasn’t just about opening up a business; it was about opening up a place for people to connect.
“Coffee is a connector,” says Hipel. “I come from a German background, and being part of a ‘Kaffee Klatsch’, which translates to Gossip Over Coffee, has always been one of my favourite traditions when visiting family both here and in Germany. Now I get to witness those same gatherings every day in the shop.”
When you walk into Bruud, you’ll find the place is occupied with your favourite coffee shop tropes: friends catching up over lattes, students studying with a cup of coffee in hand, and someone tucked into a corner working on their laptop. The walls are covered in art from local artists, and the whole space feels easygoing and welcoming. It’s the kind of spot where you can come to get work done, meet a friend, or just hang out on your own with a good cup of coffee.
“I always want the shop to feel welcoming,” she says. “I’m of the mindset that people are coming into the shop for a calming break in their day. You never know what people are going through, and if nothing else, you can offer a moment that feels stress-free and ends with something comforting.”
One of Tahnee’s ideas that has helped put Bruud on the map is the coffee flights. What started as a niche idea to bring people in, an alternative for alcoholic flights and a way to play with different flavour combinations, the Bruud coffee flights have become one of the biggest draws to the coffee shop.
“I’ve always loved the concept of beer, wine and tequila flights (or any flight really), and when opening up a shop in a small town, I knew I needed something that would bring people in,” Hipel says. “It’s not always coffee – we also do hot chocolates, chai, and other fun drinks. I’m a creative person and love coming up with the flavours. I think about them as the seasons change. I usually have a running list of upcoming flavour ideas.”
The flights arrive on a wooden board. I went for a hot coffee flight — though iced options are always available, and let Tahnee choose the flavours for me. She brings out a caramel latte, an amaretto latte, a mint chai, and a coconut hot chocolate. Three out of four were drinks I probably wouldn’t have picked myself, but by the end, I was convinced: the mint chai might just be my new go-to.
Tahnee has experimented with plenty of flavour combinations over the past couple of years, which include: Spiced Rose Latte, Sweater Weather (Turmeric-based) Latte, Grand Chai (Grand Marnier), Tiramisu Latte, and even a Beet Latte. She hinted at a few new creations for the fall and winter menu, and I’ll just say, you should stop by Bruud to try these for yourself.
But it’s not just the unique flavour combinations that make the coffee stand out, it’s the coffee itself. Tahnee is intentional about where her beans come from and the roasters she partners with, “Our drip coffee is roasted by Ironwood Coffee Company up in Big Bay, and Harley does our signature Bruud Blend and a dark roast called Moody Bruud, which are roasted just for the shop, so you can only get them here. We also carry some of their other roasts on our retail shelf. Our Espresso beans are from Coastal Coffee in Goderich. We also carry retail bags of the espresso and decaf beans that we use for sale. I try to support other local businesses as much as possible.”
“I love converting people who are regular big-chain coffee lovers,” she says. “You really don’t know good coffee until you’ve had it, and some people haven’t – so it’s a great feeling when they come back or mention how good the coffee is,” Hipel says.
Tahnee has created a space that goes beyond being a coffee shop. Bruud hosts live music nights, creative workshops, and private gatherings, such as wedding brunches and bridal showers. But more than that, it’s become a reminder of why supporting local matters: Tahnee listens to the community and shows up for them, and in return, the community shows up for her. Supporting places like this keeps our towns thriving and gives space for entrepreneurs like Tahnee to bring their ideas to life.
“I always wanted to own a coffee shop and, to be honest, didn’t expect it to happen so soon, but when opportunity strikes, you know.”
Consider this your opportunity to try good coffee at Bruud.
Make sure to follow Bruud on socials to stay updated on events and seasonal offerings.
Words by Maddy Grasman
Photos by Erin J Coholan
