Hi! Welcome to Barista’s Daily Grind. I’m so happy you stopped by to check out our menu, meet our staff and see all the exciting things we have to offer! I have worked with Barista’s since it began, and I feel so honored to have been a part of its development and growth over the last 20 years. It’s been a wonderful privilege to serve the Kearney Community, and we are so grateful to all the loyal customers who have made us so successful over the years. I truly believe that we have the very best product and production of coffee in the Midwest, and I hope we have an opportunity to serve you and show you why “our business is people, and our passion is greatness.” My favorite drink is a classic Americano with some sugar in the raw and a little cream. I can’t wait to meet you in the shop, and I hope you feel all of our Pure Customer Love!
Hey, I am Edgar or Eddy. I’m from Lincoln Nebraska and graduated from Lincoln North Star (Go Gators!). I came to Kearney to attend UNK. I was impressed with the ‘family like atmosphere’ that Barista’s has, so I am fortunate to have been accepted to the team. I look forward to working on and developing the art of being a Great Barista. My go to drink is some good-ole Iced Tea (very little to no ice-I do take coffee with a bit of cream, always ;)), but when I’m feeling a sweet tooth I get a medium 2 shot dirty spiced chai with almond milk.
Ken
Meet Barista Ken! Ken parachuted in with a coffee filter one day long ago and proved to be a hard worker behind the bar. His humble days slinging ‘spro are behind him now, though. After what Ken refers to as his “Muffin Sabbatical” (he got trapped in the pastry case for two months) he was promoted to Senior Vibe Curator. With his 2.5 denim pockets and 0 functional limbs, Ken never fails to serve up a warm plastic smile for every customer that comes into our south store. His hobbies include looking good near accent lighting, climbing into places he shouldn’t be, and reminding everyone that he had a man bun before it was cool. If you see Ken around, don’t be afraid to say hi! He’s sure to wave back – his hand is almost always stuck in that position.
Madalyn
Hey everyone, my name is Madalyn! I am born and raised in Kearney and have been working at Baristas for a little over 3 years now, and it has been such an amazing experience. I have loved working here and can’t wait to see where the next year takes me! My favorite drink is an iced honey latte with cinnamon sprinkle and oat milk!
Shelby
Hi!! My name is Shelby and I’m from Omaha. Coming to college I was scared I wouldn’t be able to find a place that feels like home but that’s exactly how it feels every time I walk into Barista’s. Two of my favorite drinks are a honey almond steamer and an everyone’s favorite cookie chai!
Bethany(Team Lead South)
Hi, I’m Bethany! I am from Columbus, Ne and currently studying both English and Ministry. After working in the coffee industry for a few year, I found myself a home here at BDG. I love the atmosphere of friendship, community and consistent profess that this job grants me. You might not see me behind the bar for a while for I am moving to Florida soon to attend the Disney College Program. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon! 🙂
Jackson(Team Lead Campus)
Hi my name’s Jackson! I’m originally from Kearney and also attending UNK. I’m interested in computer programming, but my major is currently undecided. I have also been in the Air Force for about a year and a half now. I wanted to work at BDG because it has always been a very inviting atmosphere and I really enjoy that! My favorite drink is definitely the dirty caramel rocket chai.
Isaiah
Hi my name is Isaiah! I’m originally from California, but my family moved here for better job opportunities. I have been here a short time but am already loving the staff, customers, and atmosphere. As an avid coffee drinker, Baristas is the perfect place for me. My favorite drink is the hot matcha. You should definitely get yours hand on it!
RyLee
Hello everyone! My name is RyLee! I am from all over the place, due to my dad being in the military. However, Kearney has always felt like home! I have always loved coming to Barista’s and now I’m lucky enough to work here! It has always been such a special place to me due to the amazing people and the unique atmosphere! Personally my favorite drinks are a vanilla matcha or a spiced chai!
Morgan(Team Lead North)
Hi I’m Morgan, I’m originally from Gibbon, NE, but live in Kearney with my loving nerdy boyfriend and our 2 crazy cats. I’ve wanted to learn more about the coffee industry and work locally in Kearney and that’s why I applied for Barista’s Daily Grind. I love working at Baristas cause I’ve learned so much about coffee and have made great friends along the way that I will always annoy when I get the chance. My favorite hobby is reading and my absolute favorite drink is a pistachio and Irish cream cold brew.
Jalen
Hello! My name is Jalen, I’m originally from Lexington, but had moved to Omaha for a bit and then back to Lex to finish school. I came to Kearney for college and haven’t been able to finish quite yet. Through connections I made my way to Barista’s and enjoy spending time here working in a great environment! My favorite drinks right now are Dirty Chai’s with extra shots, or a Latte with English Toffee and Maple Extract.
Hunter
Hi, I am from central Iowa and moved out to Kearney after my time at the University of Northern Iowa and I also work for a campus ministry at UNK. I enjoy doing anything that involves a ball, disc golf, video games, venturing the great outdoors, and I love giving my thoughts about the Milwaukee Bucks to anyone who’s asking. Since working here, I think I have most valued the time and conversations spent with customers and coworkers alike. Whether it’s a quick trip to get a pick-me-up before work or reuniting with an old friend, I think you might as well always make the trip to Barista’s a fun one! While not much of a coffee drinker myself, I have broadened my horizons but I think you could never go wrong with a french toast chai.
Arielle
I am Arielle Lawrence and I’m from Marsland, ne. I am studying political science and history with minors in global peace and security and public law at UNK. I wanted to work at baristas because I love being around people and I love putting a smile on people’s faces by talking to them and making their favorite drinks! A fun fact about me is in high school iI competed in the Miss Nebraska’s teen scholarship organization and my talent was clogging!
Evan
Hey Guys I’m Evan from Springfield NE. I’m going to UNK majoring in Psychology and I love a good black coffee.
Lydia
Hello!
My name is Lydia Vlcek, and I am from a small town of 200 people called Chapman! Right now, I’m majoring in graphic design at UNK, and even though I don’t really have a clue what I’m doing after that, I’m excited for the future! My favorite drink right now is our blue butterfly iced tea with some lemonade and lavender on top! However, and you’ll have to hear me out on this, having a good cup of cold foam is also one of my personal favorites!
Sarah
Hi, my names is Sarah. I am originally from Aurora, NE but I’ve been living in Kearney for 1 1/2 years. I am currently just working for BDG and will be getting married this fall. I wanted to work at Baristas because I wanted to experience being a barista in an actual coffee shop & not a corporate coffee kiosk.
Abby
Hellloooo I’m Abby.
I’m from Sidney, NE, but currently living here. I wanted to work at Baristas because of the amazing environment (and drinks ofc). My favorite drink is a classic London Fog with Lavender.
Hello! My name is Trenton and I am from Western Nebraska. I’m currently studying Pre-Chiropractic and Political Science at UNK. I’ve never been the most social character so coming to Baristas was a chance for me to open up and get out of my comfort zone!
Blaine
I’m Blaine Tewahade and I am from Chadron, Nebraska. I am studying Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Kearney! I was introduced to Baristas through Arielle, a fellow barista, and immediately knew I wanted to be apart of this amazing team and brand. My favorite drink is a hot London Fog with lavender, vanilla, and honey!
My name is Macy Cline and I am from Franklin, Ne. I am going into my 3rd year at UNK majoring in agribusiness. I chose Baristas because I’ve been coming here with my mom since I was little and it always made me feel welcome and homey.
Aubrey
I am from Kearney. My favorite drink is an Everybody’s Favorite Cookie White Mocha. I wanted to work at Barista’s because growing up in town it was my favorite coffee shop to go to, so when I went to college I thought it would be a good job for me!
Kam
Hi Kearney, My name is Kami! I am from all over the place since I was in a military family. Outside of being a Barista I have a love for the arts! I’m a painter and currently working on a psychological thriller novel! I chose to be a barista because every time I open the window to take an order, I get to be a part all of your good and bad days! My favorite drink is an “Iced Lavender London Fog”
Bridgid
Hi, my name is Bridgid. Chicago-born, now brewing in small-town Nebraska. I have been a lifelong coffee snob, so finding Baristas felt like fate—joining the team? Even better. When I’m not perfecting my espresso, she’s raising and caring for her Australian Shepherds.
Alison
Hi, my name is Alison. I am a 20 year old student at UNK heading into my third year as a Pre-OT Heath Science major. Moving here from Emporia, KS to swim for UNK, I keep active between practice, working at BDG, and teaching little ones to swim at the YMCA. I accepted the job at BDG to acclimate myself in the Kearney community and meet more people – so feel free to say hi when you see me working in the shops!
Matthew
Hi there! My name is Matthew and I am 19 years old! Usually when I’m not slinging coffees, I am listening or playing music! I am a self-taught musician, and I love to play any second I get. I also love to go to live shows! If you see me at the window or inside the shop, please give me an album recommendation! I love to listen to new music!
Marti
Marti almost needs no introduction as she is a Kearney native who everybody already knows. Marty takes care of all of our plants at our 3 locations, and this lady loves the color PINK, she also gives the best hugs. Her favorite drink is just about anything colorful and she loves her job at Barista’s.

