HopCat, known for its Cosmik fries and a vast selection of craft beer on tap, now has a dozen Michigan locations with the opening of its newest in Auburn Hills.
Project Barfly is the west Michigan hospitality group behind the chain’s 12th location, which opened May 4 at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. This newest HopCat is in the space formerly occupied by Bar Louie. That Bar Louie location, along with a Livonia location, abruptly shuttered in March 2025.
HopCat’s Auburn Hills soft opening took place on May 2 with proceeds supporting its HopCat employee and Community Assistance Fund. The fund helps employees and residents facing hardships. HopCat also contributed $5,000 to the fund.
A grand opening party is set for Saturday, May 9. The first 200 guests in line receive free Cosmik Fries for a year, and there will be swag and other giveaways throughout the day. HopCat’s last restaurant opening was in June, 2025 in Southgate.
At Great Lakes Crossing, HopCat has a more than 8,000-square-foot space located between entry 6 and the AMC Star Theater. Inside, the restaurant can able to accommodate up to 300 people. Its remodel added a full-service bar, TVs, a private dining space and an outdoor patio. The Auburn Hills HopCat will employee more than 100 people.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SusanMariecooks. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: HopCat opens its 12th Michigan location in Auburn Hills
Reporting by Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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