Cafe Hon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cafe Hon |
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Cafe Hon, with the flamingo
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1992 |
| Closed | 2022 |
| Current owner(s) | Denise Whiting |
| Street address | 1002 West 36th Street |
| City | Baltimore |
| State | Maryland |
| Postal/ZIP code | 21211-2415 |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 39°19′52″N 76°37′59″W / 39.331157°N 76.632920°W |
| Website | www.cafehon.com |
Cafe Hon was a well-known restaurant located in the Hampden area of Baltimore, Maryland. It was famous for its unique style and connection to Baltimore culture.
Contents
A Look at Cafe Hon's History
How Cafe Hon Started
Cafe Hon was opened in 1992 by Denise Whiting. The restaurant's name comes from "hon," a friendly nickname. People in Baltimore have used "hon" for many years, like saying "honey."
In 2010, Denise Whiting opened a gift shop called HONtown. It was located across the street from the restaurant. Later, in 2014, the gift shop moved to a smaller spot right next door.
Cafe Hon on TV
On February 24, 2012, Cafe Hon was featured on a TV show. It appeared in an episode of Kitchen Nightmares on the Fox network. The show's host was famous chef Gordon Ramsay.
Cafe Hon Closes Its Doors
Cafe Hon closed in 2022. Denise Whiting decided to lease the restaurant space to another group. She also said that the big flamingo sculpture would find a new home.
The Famous Flamingo Sculpture
Introducing the Flamingo
In 2002, a very noticeable flamingo sculpture was placed above the restaurant. This first flamingo was made from wire and cloth. It quickly became a symbol of Cafe Hon.
Flamingo's Permit Problem
In October 2009, the city of Baltimore said the flamingo needed a permit. This was because the flamingo stuck out over the public sidewalk. The permit would cost money each year.
The flamingo was taken down for a short time while this issue was discussed. Denise Whiting said the flamingo was "hibernating." She was determined to keep it.
Eventually, Whiting and the city reached an agreement. The flamingo returned, and the permit fee was set at a lower yearly cost.
The New Flamingo
The new flamingo that was put up is made of fiberglass. It is a strong and lasting material.
The mayor of Baltimore at the time, Sheila Dixon, was there when the new flamingo was revealed.
"Hon" and the Trademark Issue
What is a Trademark?
In November 2010, Denise Whiting made the term "hon" a trademark. This meant she had special rights to use "hon" on things like napkins, hats, and other items. These items helped promote Cafe Hon.
Whiting explained that the trademark did not stop anyone from saying "hon." It only applied to using the word on products.
Public Reaction to the Trademark
Many people in Baltimore were not happy about the trademark. A newspaper columnist, Dan Rodricks, wrote about it. He felt that "hon" belonged to everyone in Baltimore, not just one person.
This disagreement led to street protests on December 19, 2010. Baltimore residents gathered to show their feelings.
Giving Up the Trademark
On November 7, 2011, while filming Kitchen Nightmares, Denise Whiting held a press conference. Gordon Ramsay was there with her. She announced that she would give up the "Hon" trademark.
Ramsay noted that the trademark issue caused a lot of anger. He said he had "never known a restaurant to have such a huge issue."
A newspaper article mentioned that the Kitchen Nightmares episode was unique. Instead of just kitchen problems, it focused on a public relations issue. It was "one woman vs. a city."
Whiting said the trademark controversy hurt her business. She estimated a "20 to 25 percent drop off" in sales. She even had to sell her individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to pay her staff.
Whiting officially filed to cancel the trademark. She announced this on Facebook on November 11, 2011.
