Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Kappes.
Hi Erika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Erika has loved the Cormorant Lakes area for as long as she can remember. When she was ten, her parents bought a little red seasonal cabin on Turtle Lake—a cozy two‑bedroom, one‑bath getaway that quickly became the backdrop of her childhood summers. Weekends in Cormorant Village shaped her, from lazy lake days to her very first job as a cashier at the Cormorant Store at age fourteen. The lakes weren’t just a destination; they became part of her identity.
Years later, in 2024, that deep connection sparked an idea. Erika wanted to bring something she loved—coffee—to the place she loved most. With a borrowed construction trailer from her dad and the skilled hands of her husband, Aaron, the vision took shape. Together, they transformed the trailer into a fully functional mobile coffee haven. And just like that, Lake Life Coffee was born.
Erika has loved the Cormorant Lakes area for as long as she can remember. When she was ten, her parents bought a little red seasonal cabin on Turtle Lake—a cozy two‑bedroom, one‑bath getaway that quickly became the backdrop of her childhood summers. Weekends in Cormorant Village shaped her, from lazy lake days to her very first job as a cashier at the Cormorant Store at age fourteen. The lakes weren’t just a destination; they became part of her identity.
Years later, in 2024, that deep connection sparked an idea. Erika wanted to bring something she loved—coffee—to the place she loved most. With a borrowed construction trailer from her dad and the skilled hands of her husband, Aaron, the vision took shape. Together, they transformed the trailer into a fully functional mobile coffee haven. And just like that, Lake Life Coffee was born.
By the summer of 2025, the freshly minted coffee trailer was rolling into its first season. Stationed at favorite local spots like the Roadhouse, Zorbaz, and McLaughlin’s Landing, it quickly became a cheerful weekend fixture. Erika wasn’t alone in the adventure—her best friend Jess, her sister Emily, and her niece Hallie joined in, turning each shift into a blend of hard work, laughter, and community. Meeting the friendly faces of Cormorant was a joy, and the highlight of the season was undoubtedly Cormorant Daze, where the trailer buzzed with energy and excitement.
Lake Life Coffee served up espresso, cold brew, Red Bull infusions, dirty sodas, and fun drinks for kids—something for every lake‑day mood. And as the season wrapped, Erika and her crew were already dreaming ahead.
With hearts full and espresso machines ready, they look forward to serving the Cormorant and FMWF communities again in the summer of 2026, bringing lake vibes and good coffee wherever the trailer parks next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to serving delicious beverages has definitely had its highs and lows. Operating as a mobile food unit comes with its own set of challenges—one of the biggest being the need to license the trailer in every jurisdiction you plan to work in. Each area has its own rules and regulations, and what’s perfectly acceptable in one county might not fly in the next. Once the trailer is licensed each year, the next major hurdle is the setup and teardown that comes with transporting it from place to place.
On the bright side, finding opportunities to serve has been the easiest and most enjoyable part of the business. Networking groups have been great for referrals, and word-of-mouth and social media have helped spread the word even further. I’ve set up at daycares during parent drop-off, at schools for teacher appreciation events, and at sporting events. Summer festivals, though, are by far my favorite—they’re always full of energy and excitement.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lake Life Coffee ?
Lake Life Coffee stands out because it isn’t just another café—it’s a mobile, lake community rooted coffee experience built around local identity, handcrafted drinks, and a strong sense of place.
What truly sets Lake Life Coffee apart
• Deep local roots and authentic lake life identity — Owner Erika Kappes grew up in the Cormorant Lakes area, and the business was created specifically to serve that community’s lake day culture. This personal connection shapes everything from the branding to the locations they choose.
• A fully custom, handcrafted mobile coffee trailer — Instead of a traditional shop, Lake Life Coffee operates from a converted construction trailer that Erika and her husband built themselves. This gives it a unique, approachable, on the go vibe that fits lake life perfectly.
• Creative, fun drink offerings — Beyond espresso and cold brew, they serve specialty items like Red Bull infusions and kid friendly drinks, making it appealing to families and lake day crowds. The “Red Bull Frog” is a standout favorite.
• Community centered presence — The trailer pops up at beloved local spots such as the Roadhouse, Zorbaz, and McLaughlin’s Landing, and participates in community events like Cormorant Daze. This makes it feel woven into the rhythm of lake season life.
• Warm, family and friends operation — Erika runs the business with help from her best friend, sister, and niece, creating a friendly, personal atmosphere that regulars notice and appreciate.
• A story of passion and craftsmanship — From navigating Minnesota’s mobile food regulations to building out stainless steel counters and plumbing, the business reflects hands on dedication rather than a corporate model.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is spending weekends in a small seasonal cabin with my family and the occasional friends. Lake time was spent laying in the sunshine on the beach, tubing behind the speedboat for hours, and jumping off the pontoon into the 70-foot-deep lake middle.
Pricing:
- All specialty drinks: 12oz $5.50 20oz $6.50
- Red Bullfrog (Red Bull + flavors) — Medium $5, Large $6
- Kid’s Starry Fish — Medium $3, Large $4
- Slosh (shaved ice + soda + flavor) — Medium $5, Large $6
- House Brew — Medium $2.25, Large $3.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lakeslifecoffeeco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakelifecoffee_mn/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563508657509
