Whiting opened Cafe Hon in 1992, initially planning to only serve customers a few days a week. You go into Petit Louis and Charleston and it feels really comfortable. “I just feel like they will be really excellent people to love and nurture the location the way I did. “It’s the best location in Hampden, because of the corner it’s on and the history of the building,” she says. She’s confident that the space will be in good hands. Though the changeover is indeed emotional, Whiting says that the 30-year anniversary feels like a natural stopping point. “We respect all of the efforts at Cafe Hon that have brought the spirit of this deeply Baltimore neighborhood to the public eye.” “Cafe Hon has been important to the city of Baltimore and to Hampden for many years,” Foreman said in a statement released today. The deal was put on hold due to the pandemic, but solidified recently. Whiting asked if Foreman knew of anyone who might be interested in taking over the lease, and “a couple weeks later, he texted me and said, ‘Hey, I’d like to come take a peek,’” she adds. ![]() She and Foreman, a longtime acquaintance, had an informal meeting in 2019, when she happened to mention that she was ready to embark on a new chapter. “I feel very strongly that this is meant to be,” Whiting adds. ![]() Foreman Wolf-which owns six local restaurants including nearby Johnny’s and Petit Louis Bistro in Roland Park-has newly leased the building and will soon begin transforming the cafe into a yet-to-be-announced concept. That opportunity came when Tony Foreman of Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group expressed interest in the space. I’ve always known that when the time was right, the opportunity would present itself.” But I really feel like I’m on a path, and this is the next thing. ![]() When I started, I never imagined it would last this long. “I’m 63, and it’s time for me to look into doing a little something different. “It’s something that’s been in the works for a long time,” Whiting explains. Tonight, owner Denise Whiting and her staff, some of whom have been on board for decades, will serve the cafe’s final meals. It was a fitting menu to celebrate the haunt-known for its crabby comfort foods, adjacent Hon Bar, and classic Bawlmer decor-and everything it’s brought to Hampden throughout the years. Just one week ago, neighbors flocked to The Avenue’s Cafe Hon to toast its 30th birthday with discounted Bohs, buck-a-shuck oysters, and free cupcakes.
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