Ferndale lost a precious gem when Hilton Road Cafe closed in October. The community cafe has been an essential part of local community members’ memories. Thankfully, something new is developing at the vacant building at 3150 Hilton Rd, where Hilton Road Cafe once called home.
Chef Nikita Sanches, the genius behind Rock City Eatery, posted on Instagram on December 29, holding the key to the vacant Hilton Road Cafe space. The caption read, “We’re taking it back to where it all began. See you soon, Ferndale! Stay tuned for details.”
Sanches is a Soviet immigrant and a long-time Michigander. Sanches founded Rock City Pies with his wife and business partner, Jessica Imbronone Sanches. The couple opened their first full-service dining venture, Rock City Eatery, in Hamtramck in 2013. Sanches has since created many fan-favorite dishes and is seen creating various pop-up dining experiences across Detroit.
By the time of this coverage, Sanches had not replied to What Now Detroit‘s request for comments. Whatever the chef plans for the old Hilton Road Cafe is early in its conceptualization stage. Listing information indicates the property was no longer for sale, but no plans, permits, or license applications have been filed with the State or the city of Ferndale.
