Former Olympic Speed Skater Opens Wauwatosa Coffee Shop

Two-time Olympian Dave Tamburrino trades ice for coffee beans with new Idyll Coffee Roasters

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Dave Tamburrino, a two-time Olympic speed skater, has opened a new coffee shop called Idyll Coffee Roasters in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Tamburrino, who competed in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics, is now trading his speed skates for coffee beans, opening the new shop with his family.

Why it matters

Tamburrino's transition from Olympic athlete to small business owner highlights how elite athletes can apply the skills and mindset they developed through intense training to entrepreneurial ventures. His coffee shop also provides a unique local option in Wauwatosa, which has seen an influx of national chain coffee shops in recent years.

The details

Idyll Coffee Roasters offers a welcoming atmosphere with natural light and seating for up to 246 people, setting it apart from chain competitors. Tamburrino credits his Olympic training for preparing him mentally and physically for the challenges of opening his own business. He put college on hold to focus on his Olympic dreams, competing in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Games, before retiring from speed skating at age 25 and later pursuing a successful marketing career prior to opening the coffee shop.

  • Tamburrino competed in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics.
  • Tamburrino retired from speed skating at age 25.
  • Idyll Coffee Roasters opened in Wauwatosa in 2026.

The players

Dave Tamburrino

A two-time Olympian who competed in speed skating at the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics. He is now the owner of Idyll Coffee Roasters in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Idyll Coffee Roasters

A new coffee shop opened in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin by former Olympic speed skater Dave Tamburrino and his family.

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What they’re saying

“Training at that level for four years at a time, you're putting your body and mind through things that are incredible but not sustainable forever, so having that context really helped position my mindset in terms of what it would take to help bring this vision to reality with a great team.”

— Dave Tamburrino, Owner, Idyll Coffee Roasters

What’s next

Tamburrino and his family plan to continue growing Idyll Coffee Roasters and expanding their reach in the Wauwatosa community.

The takeaway

Tamburrino's transition from Olympic athlete to small business owner demonstrates how the skills and mindset developed through elite athletic training can be applied to entrepreneurial pursuits. His coffee shop provides a unique local option in a market increasingly dominated by national chains.