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A pit stop at Michigan's oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn

The New Hudson Inn is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Business

The divey New Hudson Inn in western Oakland County claims to be the oldest bar in the state, and it&#x27;s worth a visit for history buffs.The big picture: The neighborhood spot with a rich history dating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back to 1831" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" data-vars-content-id="ffef79f5-efbe-4a09-9d0f-322c380ecbd4" data-vars-headline="A pit stop at Michigan&#x27;s oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" target="_blank">back to 1831</a> is known for its burgers, jovial atmosphere and popularity with the biker crowd.

Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title

The Wolverines used defense and transfers to secure their first title since 1989.

Sports

U-M survived a brawl with UConn Monday night, 69-63, to win the men&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college basketball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" data-vars-content-id="9a7afb30-8742-4856-b3b6-ac1b296c4ed2" data-vars-headline="Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" target="_self">college basketball</a> national championship.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first Wolverines title since 1989, snapping a four-game losing streak in the title game.

Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy

Confidence is falling among small-business owners, per a recent national survey.

Some Metro Detroit business owners are echoing the economic stress felt by entrepreneurs across the country.Driving the news: Confidence among American small-business owners fell for a second consecutive quarter, according to the recently released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" data-vars-content-id="3e70fab0-836b-47da-b649-189d083e546b" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" target="_blank">U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index</a>.

What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living

STEM and skilled trades workers have higher homeownership rates here than nationally.

Real Estate

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the Detroit area, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data.The big picture: Homeownership occupation trends in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area diverge from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national pattern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" data-vars-content-id="fb0d51db-90e9-49f1-92d4-c5396ae7790a" data-vars-headline="What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" target="_self">national pattern</a>, as we have higher overall rates of homeownership here among all the careers studied.

Food trucks return downtown for 14th season

More than 80 food trucks are back with weekday lunches through early October.

Food and Drink

Downtown&#x27;s food truck scene, with more than 80 vendors in rotation, returned this week to Cadillac Square for its 14th season.Why it matters: The trucks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draw big lunchtime crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWyy1W3DdQC/" data-vars-content-id="706bd4a4-94f5-4fb7-b18e-da5ddb2e9b63" data-vars-headline="Food trucks return downtown for 14th season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWyy1W3DdQC/" target="_blank">draw big lunchtime crowds</a> downtown each spring and summer.

First sip: Hazel Park's Kazkara Coffee Roasters

Kazakara blends house-roasted coffee with a laid-back, insider feel.

☕ Joe here, sipping on a smooth banana latte in Hazel Park.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kazkara" data-vars-click-url="https://kazkara.com/" data-vars-content-id="c3012c22-2e57-4729-80e2-e4c23648b3d2" data-vars-headline="First sip: Hazel Park&#x27;s Kazkara Coffee Roasters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kazkara.com/" target="_blank">Kazkara</a>, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary, is the latest stop on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/first-sip-dovetail-warren-coffee-shop-review" data-vars-content-id="c3012c22-2e57-4729-80e2-e4c23648b3d2" data-vars-headline="First sip: Hazel Park&#x27;s Kazkara Coffee Roasters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/first-sip-dovetail-warren-coffee-shop-review" target="_self">our tour</a> of Metro Detroit&#x27;s coffee scene.

Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom

A new spot called Spiedo with rotisserie meats and veggies is expected to open there.

Brewery Jolly Pumpkin closed its Midtown taproom and pizzeria on Sunday, with a Mediterranean restaurant expected to replace it.State of play: The closure leaves a popular, retail-heavy block of Canfield Street without restaurants or bars for now.<ul><li>That is, until a new restaurant called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spiedo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spiedoa2.com/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spiedoa2.com/" target="_blank">Spiedo</a> opens, offering rotisserie meats and grilled veggies, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit News reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/03/30/brad-greenhills-spiedo-concept-to-take-over-jolly-pumpkin-midtown/89388290007/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/03/30/brad-greenhills-spiedo-concept-to-take-over-jolly-pumpkin-midtown/89388290007/" target="_blank">Detroit News reports</a>.</li><li>This will be the second location for Ann Arbor&#x27;s Spiedo, started by Brad Greenhill, the chef behind Thai Corktown restaurant Takoi, and Michael Goldberg, per the News.</li><li>Motor City Brewing Works <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shut its doors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/01/14/motor-city-brewing-detroit-close-beer-sales-slump-michigan/88176608007/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/01/14/motor-city-brewing-detroit-close-beer-sales-slump-michigan/88176608007/" target="_blank">shut its doors</a> across the street from Jolly Pumpkin last winter and Traffic Jam &amp; Snug <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was a total loss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2022/05/31/fire-rekindled-at-traffic-jam-snug-restaurant-in-detroits-midtown/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2022/05/31/fire-rekindled-at-traffic-jam-snug-restaurant-in-detroits-midtown/" target="_blank">was a total loss</a> after its 2022 fire.</li></ul>Catch up quick: Jolly Pumpkin, founded in 2004 and known for its sours, has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewery.jollypumpkin.com/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewery.jollypumpkin.com/" target="_blank">locations</a> in Ann Arbor, Dexter, East Lansing and Traverse City.<ul><li>Its Grand Rapids taproom closed in 2024 and Royal Oak closed in 2023.</li><li>Jolly Pumpkin is part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northern United Brewing Co" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nubco.net/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nubco.net/" target="_blank">Northern United Brewing Co</a>., based in Dexter, while its restaurant operations are run by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mission Restaurant Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.missionrestaurantgroup.com/our-brands" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.missionrestaurantgroup.com/our-brands" target="_blank">Mission Restaurant Group</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crain&#x27;s reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/cdb-jolly-pumpkin-detroit-closes-20260330/?utm_source=Sailthru&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletter-breaking-news-20260330&amp;utm_term=" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/cdb-jolly-pumpkin-detroit-closes-20260330/?utm_source=Sailthru&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletter-breaking-news-20260330&amp;utm_term=" target="_blank">Crain&#x27;s reports</a>.</li></ul>The big picture: The decades-long craft beer boom has been fading.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$28.8 billion nationwide industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics-and-data/national-beer-stats/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics-and-data/national-beer-stats/" target="_blank">$28.8 billion nationwide industry</a> faces a crisis as competition and waning interest lead to downsizing, mergers and closures, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios reported last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">Axios reported last year</a>.</li></ul>The intrigue: Starting in 2023, Jolly Pumpkin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shared a space" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/01/05/detroit-avalon-international-breads-closing" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/01/05/detroit-avalon-international-breads-closing" target="_self">shared a space</a> with 25-year-old Avalon International Breads, which moved its original cafe into the back of the restaurant.<ul><li>It&#x27;s unclear what&#x27;s next for the Avalon cafe. Axios requested comment.</li></ul>

Best Detroit patios for spring drinks, coffee

From rooftop views to cozy cafes, these Detroit patios are prepping for spring.

It&#x27;s the first day of spring, and we&#x27;re already craving that first patio beer.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a long winter. We deserve a local drink out in the sunshine without wind or snow pummeling us.

Saffron De Twah trims hours, teases new cafe

Chef Omar Anani says rising costs are squeezing restaurants as he plans a new cafe concept.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Notable" data-vars-click-url="https://detroit.eater.com/2020/2/26/21154387/james-beard-awards-semifinalists-detroit-michigan-restaurants-chefs-bars-bakers" data-vars-content-id="abdb25d0-4eab-4081-8d03-24c13ec67bd5" data-vars-headline="Saffron De Twah trims hours, teases new cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroit.eater.com/2020/2/26/21154387/james-beard-awards-semifinalists-detroit-michigan-restaurants-chefs-bars-bakers" target="_blank">Notable</a> Moroccan restaurant Saffron De Twah has narrowed its hours to weekends while its founder works up a new cafe concept.Why it matters: The small restaurant on Gratiot Avenue isn&#x27;t sustainable in its current form, chef Omar Anani wrote in a letter to supporters last week while teasing several upcoming changes.

First sip: Decent vibes at east side coffee shop

The recently opened Decent Detroit cafe offers stellar baked goods and a relaxed vibe.

👋 Annalise here, with the latest installment of our series visiting cute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metro Detroit coffee shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/02/monday-coffee-club-dearborn-mediterranean-bagel-review" data-vars-content-id="b22d5480-cdd9-4ff8-94e9-2300cd595818" data-vars-headline="First sip: Decent vibes at east side coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/02/monday-coffee-club-dearborn-mediterranean-bagel-review" target="_self">Metro Detroit coffee shops</a>.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Decent Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/decentdetroit/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="b22d5480-cdd9-4ff8-94e9-2300cd595818" data-vars-headline="First sip: Decent vibes at east side coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/decentdetroit/?hl=en" target="_blank">Decent Detroit</a> opened in 2024 on the edge of Grosse Pointe Park near the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.

First sip: Dearborn's Monday Coffee Club

A creamy Mediterranean bagel and roomy seating make this a strong work spot.

☕️ Joe here, with the second installment of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="series checking out coffee shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/first-sip-dovetail-warren-coffee-shop-review" data-vars-content-id="173d6cb9-f63d-4f47-afbc-e3f45e02c302" data-vars-headline="First sip: Dearborn&#x27;s Monday Coffee Club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/first-sip-dovetail-warren-coffee-shop-review" target="_self">series checking out coffee shops</a> around Metro Detroit.Dig in: I was in the Dearborn area last week while reporting in Romulus and stopped at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday Coffee Club" data-vars-click-url="https://mondaycoffeeclubmi.com/" data-vars-content-id="173d6cb9-f63d-4f47-afbc-e3f45e02c302" data-vars-headline="First sip: Dearborn&#x27;s Monday Coffee Club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mondaycoffeeclubmi.com/" target="_blank">Monday Coffee Club</a> to write.

First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren

Axios Detroit is visiting coffee shops around the region to find our faves.

👋 Annalise here! Joe and I will be trying out coffee shops across the region to see which have the best flavors, ambiance and conditions for remote work.First up, my visit to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Dovetail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" data-vars-content-id="0e693b86-ae1b-461a-8bf0-0d371e0963ca" data-vars-headline="First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" target="_blank">The Dovetail</a>, a very chill, very odd cafe in Warren.

Fish fries kick off across metro Detroit

Local churches and halls start Friday fish fries for Lent this week.

Fish fry season is back! Ash Wednesday marked the start of Lent, when many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays.The big picture: Most fish fries start this week and continue each Friday through either March 27 or Good Friday on April 3.

Food and Drink 🍽

Detroit joins Michelin guide

Food trucks return downtown for 14th season

A pit stop at Michigan's oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn

Hemo's smoothie cafe offers a plethora of options

First sip: Hazel Park's Kazkara Coffee Roasters