Detroit, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Hudson Café, a beloved brunch spot founded by Tom Teknos, is undergoing significant renovations and expanding its locations in Detroit, Northville, and Troy. Known for its unique brunch offerings like Chunky Monkey pancakes and Voodoo benedict, the café is enhancing its Detroit venue to increase seating capacity and improve kitchen efficiency. The Northville location has already opened, and both sites are popular among locals for their vibrant brunch scene. As renovations progress, the flagship Detroit location is set to reopen soon, promising an exciting dining experience.
Detroit
The Hudson Café, known for its vibrant brunch scene, is undergoing a significant renovation and expanding its locations. Founded by Tom Teknos, the restaurant has become a popular gathering spot in Detroit, Northville, and Troy, renowned for its unique brunch offerings and warm ambiance.
The Hudson Café serves popular dishes, including Chunky Monkey pancakes and the Voodoo benedict. The name “Hudson” pays tribute to the historic J.L. Hudson department store in Detroit, which closed in 1983 and was demolished in 1998. The original Hudson Café opened in Detroit in 2011 as Teknos sought to be a part of the city’s resurgence.
Teknos has deep-rooted ties to the city; his family has lived in Detroit for generations, with his grandfather owning a bar in the 1940s and ’50s and his parents arriving from Greece in the 1960s. The café’s nostalgic menu features beloved items like the Maurice salad, referred to as the Hudson salad, for which Teknos perfected the dressing to replicate the original Hudson’s recipe. Additional contemporary offerings include Cinnabunn pancakes, vanilla mascarpone French toast, and bacon jam omelets.
Distinctively, each Hudson Café location features a bar adorned with murals depicting Detroit’s rich history during the 1920s and ’30s. The recent expansion included the opening of the Northville location in 2023 and the Troy location in 2022, providing additional dining options for concertgoers and event attendees in Detroit. All staff members, including servers and chefs, undergo training at the Detroit flagship location to maintain consistency across the cafés.
Alongside serving customers, the Hudson Café is also available for private and corporate events. Teknos attributes his success in hospitality to his family, especially his mother, who cultivated his love for feeding people. While the Detroit location prepares for renovations, it is currently closed, expecting to reopen in late March or early April. The remodel will bring substantial enhancements, including a new bar with 10 seats and an expanded dining room, increasing seating from 88 to 118. Kitchen efficiency will also be improved, and while popular menu items will remain, new dishes may be introduced post-renovation.
The Northville location occupies a former Applebee’s establishment and includes a banquet room accommodating up to 60 guests. Customers have already expressed enthusiasm for the new Northville site, indicating that it fulfills a gap in the community’s dining needs. One notable young volunteer at the Detroit café, 11-year-old James Murphy, is recognized for his dedication and cheerful service, marking him as an unofficial mascot. His mother, Jessica Byers, manages the bar at the café, allowing James to be heavily involved in the business’s daily operations.
The Hudson Café has built a solid reputation for exceptional customer service and community connection, evidenced by the appreciation customers have shown toward James’s contributions. Currently, the Northville location is the only open site while Detroit undergoes renovations. The Kahua Café operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering both dine-in and carryout services to meet varied customer preferences.
Key Features of Hudson Café
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Tom Teknos |
| Locations | Detroit, Northville, Troy |
| Popular Dishes | Chunky Monkey pancakes, Voodoo benedict, Maurice salad |
| Year Established | 2011 |
| Renovation Timeline | Expected reopening in late March or early April |
| New Dining Capacity | Increased to 118 at the Detroit location |
| Operating Hours | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
FAQ
What locations does Hudson Café operate in?
Hudson Café operates in Detroit, Northville, and Troy.
Who is the founder of Hudson Café?
Tom Teknos is the founder and executive chef of The Hudson Café.
What are some popular dishes served at Hudson Café?
Popular dishes include Chunky Monkey pancakes and the Voodoo benedict.
When was the original Hudson Café established?
The original Hudson Café opened in Detroit in 2011.
What renovations are taking place at the Detroit location?
The Detroit location is undergoing a remodel, set to reopen in late March or early April, with changes to the bar and dining room seating.
What are the operating hours for Hudson Café?
Hudson Café operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers dine-in and carryout services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Hudson Cafe: Michigan’s Best Pancake House
Additional Resources
- Hour Detroit: The Hudson Café Puts a Fresh Spin on Brunch Classics
- Detroit Free Press: Hudson Café Remodels Detroit Restaurant
- WXYZ: 11-Year-Old Winning Hearts at Detroit’s Hudson Café
- Google Search: Hudson Café
- Axios: Dime Store Move in Rochester Hills
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
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