What started as a spontaneous idea between a husband and wife looking for a change of pace has quickly grown into one of western Kentucky’s more unique coffee concepts.
Lethal Latte, owned by Tess Milam, has developed a growing following through its edgy branding, specialty coffee drinks, and weekend trailer appearances in Owensboro.
The business operates a brick-and-mortar storefront in Powderly while also traveling with a coffee trailer that regularly visits the Kroger on Starlite Drive on Saturdays and the Walmart on KY 54 on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
Milam said the business was born after she and her husband found themselves struggling with the isolation that came with working remotely.
“We both were working from home, and which sounds great until it’s not,” Milam said. “You’re just so happy that you get to stay home, but it kind of cuts off that human interaction with people, and just kind of started falling into a slump and a little bit of depression.”
Milam said the couple’s love for coffee eventually inspired a bold decision.
“We woke up one day and he was like, ‘Hey, let’s go buy a coffee trailer,’ and then it was just kind of born,” she said.
The trailer officially launched around August 2025 at an event in Madisonville and quickly gained momentum.
“We went out to one of our friend’s businesses and just kind of tried it out, and it just kind of took off from there,” Milam said.
Since then, the business has expanded into a full storefront in Powderly while continuing to travel to festivals, events, and pop-up locations across the region.
Milam described Lethal Latte as more than a coffee shop, calling it an “experience” built around a distinct aesthetic and atmosphere.
“A lot of people have been calling us the Hot Topic of coffee,” Milam said with a laugh.
The shop blends heavy-metal-inspired décor with what Milam described as an elegant, welcoming atmosphere. Alongside coffee drinks, customers can browse custom-designed merchandise, clothing, accessories, and gifts.
“Everything you see is designed by me,” Milam said. “Our shop is a total experience. It’s not just go in there and get your coffee and your drinks — you can shop.”
Milam said the business appeals to a broad range of customers despite its alternative look.
“We have all ages and all demographics and all religions,” she said. “Owensboro is such a good mix of that, and I feel like it’s not near as judgmental of a space. It’s very open-minded.”
The menu includes hot, iced, and blended espresso drinks, refreshers, pastries, avocado toast, cake pops, and what Milam said are some of the business’s most popular items — jumbo cinnamon rolls.
Customers can customize drinks with single, double, or quad espresso shots, and many beverages can also be ordered without coffee.
“We have a lot of people who don’t even like coffee,” Milam said. “They’re like, ‘I really want to try this, but I hate coffee.’ So you can order it without the coffee and it still tastes good. It’s more like a milkshake.”
Milam declined to reveal exactly what makes the drinks different from other coffee shops but said the preparation process and ingredient sourcing are a major part of the brand.
“We’re more like a coffee bar,” she said. “We’re very selective on who we use as suppliers for our beans and specific syrups.”
The business currently employs six people, and Milam said customer service remains one of the company’s top priorities.
“We have the best customer service you could ever imagine, because that’s number one importance to us,” she said.
Milam also emphasized the company’s involvement in fundraising and community events, including partnerships benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Muhlenberg County Humane Society.
She said Lethal Latte is also exploring the possibility of opening a future location in Owensboro after seeing strong support during its weekend stops.
“They have received us extremely well,” Milam said. “I just kind of feel like it’s a great area for us.”
