A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Annie Gustin
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Annie Gustin started at Lakeshore Cafe in 2004. Just a couple of years ago, after working as a barista and manager at the cafe for almost two decades, Gustin purchased the business.
“The original owners, Tina and Mike Bowen—whom I not only knew from working for at Lakeshore Cafe and at one of their family’s other companies, but also from growing up with their son—found themselves in Florida more and more during COVID,” Gustin said. “Eventually, it got to a point that made sense for me to purchase the cafe. We opened that conversation, and I’m so glad it worked out.”
Gustin started working with the Bowens part-time in college. She eventually decided to pursue work at Lakeshore Cafe full-time and later took business classes while serving as manager. Now that she owns Lakeshore Cafe, she is able to put the learnings from these classes to use in an even fuller capacity.
“I love Lakeshore Cafe,” Gustin said. “It has been my home for a long time.”
Gustin has many favorite items on the cafe’s menu. Her go-to drink is a black coffee: no milk, no sugar.
“We do have an oat milk latte that we added this summer,” Gustin said. “That’s my second favorite drink, and I love the cheese danish. It’s the best.”
Gustin has grown the menu and offerings at Lakeshore Cafe.
“We recently got our wine license,” she said. “Adults like to gather for drinks in the evening, especially in the summer.”
One of her new favorite sandwiches is the prosciutto burrata on sourdough.
“It’s delicious,” she said. “You have to try it.”
Coffee is a hobby for Gustin. She is very busy with work and with her family, so she does not have much more time to fit anything else into her schedule.
Gustin has three small children, ages 5, 7, and 9. Two of her children are autistic. As a result, she is passionate about helping children with autism.
“I have learned a lot helping my own children with their needs,” she said.
Gustin works hard and, as a result, aspects of her life have aligned to fit what her role at Lakeshore Cafe calls for and also what she is called to take care of as a mom.
“I honestly bought this place at the perfect time for my family,” she said.
Gustin and her family enjoy time outdoors, especially near the water. With Lake Michigan bordering La Porte, there’s lots of ways to take advantage of this family pastime.
“We love the beach as a family,” Gustin said. “We go to Beverly Shores a lot.”
Lakeshore Cafe was integral to Gustin growing as a professional. Her career at Lakeshore expanded from a barista to a manager, and then the cafe’s owner. Now Gustin is growing Lakeshore Cafe and continues to elevate an already favorite spot in the community while attending to her family as a devoted mother.