Opening day for The Hidden King Café and Bar marks a new era of the family-run business that began years ago with Ann Arbor’s beloved Peaceable Kingdom gift shop. Led by Carol Lopez’s son Mark Wilfong, The Hidden King Café and Bar are a tribute to the trekking spirit of its namesake and a testament to the values being passed down to a new generation. With amenities ranging from TeaHaus and eight craft beers to espresso tonics and Super Duper Coffee, the legacy of providing an enjoyable experience lives on. Delighting culture vultures and socialites alike, The Hidden King Café and Bar promise guests a memorable time with warm drinks, good company, and hospitality rooted in beloved tradition.
Continuing the Legacy: The Hidden King Café and Bar
After four decades of providing Ann Arbor with the iconic Peaceable Kingdom gift shop, Carol Lopez closed the business in 2017 due to changing downtown landscape and declining sales. However, her son Mark Wilfong proudly continues the legacy by opening The Hidden King Café and Bar at 210 S. Main St. in downtown Ann Arbor on April 1. This new venture is a testament to the family’s longstanding commitment to the Ann Arbor community.
Wilfong has fulfilled his late mother’s wish of creating opportunities for single parents by entrusting Lopez with managing The Hidden King Café and Bar. As a result, not only has he provided a chance for someone to lead a successful business, but he has also fostered a supportive and nurturing work environment. Wilfong has consciously chosen to maintain the establishment’s connection to its historic roots while updating the place for visitors to revel in its newness. Wilfong’s efforts prove how one can honor their past while also looking toward the future with positivity and optimism.
Located in a historic building, The Peaceable Kingdom offers visitors an unforgettable experience. With a wide array of products from TeaHaus, Mothfire Brewing Company, and Super Duper Coffee, customers can indulge in their favorite treats or explore new ones. To top it off, the restaurant’s specialty summer drink, an espresso tonic, is a must-try. As the caretaker of such a vibrant building, Wilfong takes pride in sharing its history with visitors while providing a space to create new connections. So come down, savor the flavors, and bask in the nostalgia. The Peaceable Kingdom is waiting for you!
He is delighted to see people come together to learn about and talk about Ann Arbor’s history.
The Hidden King Café and Bar is open from 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, providing an excellent opportunity for customers to enjoy the atmosphere.
The Hidden King Café and Bar encapsulate the Lopez family’s commitment to providing Ann Arbor with a unique experience. With the legacy of The Peaceable Kingdom embracing the same single-mindedness Carol Lopez championed, Wilfong steps forward, keeping true to his family’s long-standing dedication to downtown Ann Arbor. A contemporary concept meant to capture the flavor of years gone by, The Hidden King is an invitation to new connections, reinvigorating relationships, and exciting times sure to come.
