Our Story

Laurene Hynson opened Sweet Maple Cafe in 1999 when the opportunity to rent a then-abandoned restaurant space presented itself. At that time, Laurene, a mother of two young children, wanted a creative outlet that would not interfere with her role as a parent. A breakfast place that closed at 2 pm was the perfect option!

The lifelong home cook gathered family recipes, like that of her mother’s fabulous French Toast, and developed new recipes in her own kitchen, to create the initial menu. Laurene taught the cooks to prepare her recipes as she did at home, with loving care and uncompromising passion. She dusted off old family photographs to hang, pulled up the carpet and painted the floorboards.

One October morning, she turned on the lights and unlocked the door. Laurene didn’t know if anyone would come, but she hoped for the best. And they came!

Now her children are old enough to work at the restaurant and the paint has worn off the floor, but from that humble beginning, Sweet Maple Cafe has become a phenomenon that has received national media attention and draws crowds of loyal customers from the neighborhood and from around the world.

As is sometimes asked, “Who knew”?!