Kai Café: A Taste of Hawaii in Norfolk County

Located at 4665 Highway 24 in Scotland, Ontario, Kai Café is a hidden gem that brings a little piece of island life to Norfolk County. Now in its second season, Kai Café was inspired by owner Abby Procyk's passion for coffee, her adventures abroad, and her deep connection to the community.

Abby always knew she wanted to run her own business, but it was her time spent working at Sam’s Place Farm Market a local staple where she managed operations for eight summers that shaped her work ethic and connection to the community. Her inspiration for Kai Café, however, came from two winters spent in Hawaii, where she trained as a scuba divemaster and fell in love with the island’s coffee culture.

"Hawaiian coffee is something else, smooth, rich, vibrant," Abby shares "When I came back to Ontario, I wanted to bring that experience home with me." With the support of her employer at Sam’s Place, she turned her vision into reality, designing a café that blends the warmth of Norfolk County with the laid-back energy of island life.

Step into Kai Café, and you’ll immediately notice the surfboards, palm trees, and ocean-inspired décor—a deliberate choice to evoke the same sense of relaxation Abby found in Hawaii. "I wanted customers to feel a little bit of what I felt living near the ocean," she says. The result is a bright, welcoming space where people can slow down and enjoy a great cup of coffee.

Abby’s travels heavily influence Kai Café’s menu, which features unique twists on classic drinks. She experiments with international flavors and Ontario’s seasonal produce, testing new ideas until they’re just right. One unexpected hit? The matcha latte with coconut cold foam, which has become a customer favorite. But the true star is the Iced Hawaiian Latte, a nutty, coconut-vanilla blend that transports you straight to the islands. "Once you’ve had it, it’s hard to order anything else," Abby adds.

For Abby, the best part of running Kai Café is the connections she’s made. From regulars who feel like family to families gathering at the play park, the café has become a place where people come together. One family stands out stopping by nearly every day, sharing deep conversations, and bringing their dog along for visits. "It’s relationships like these that make all the hard work worth it."

Running a café hasn’t been without its challenges, but Abby has embraced every hurdle as a learning experience. "I wish I had known that running out of oat milk doesn’t mean the day is ruined," she jokes. "Now, when something goes wrong, I just think, ‘Well… now I know.’"

Looking ahead, she has big plans whether it’s expanding to a brick-and-mortar location, canning their signature lattes, or even launching a mobile café trailer. This summer, she’s collaborating with her sister’s flower farm, pairing specialty drinks with fresh, local blooms.

If you’re stopping by for the first time, Abby recommends:

·       Must-try drink: The Iced Hawaiian Latte

·       Best time to visit: Weekend mornings before 10 a.m. for shorter lines and a relaxed vibe

For aspiring café owners, her advice is simple: "Ask ALL the questions. You don’t have to have it all figured out from day one."

Follow Kai Café:

📸 Instagram: @kai__cafe

🌐 Website: kaicafe.ca

👍 Facebook: Kai Cafe

Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a welcoming spot to unwind, Kai Café is a little taste of paradise right here in Norfolk County. Stop by and say aloha!