Katie Hudson has opened Matkat Café in Oakdale, Stanislaus County, following the closure of Cottonwood Café on Yosemite Avenue. The café officially celebrated its grand opening on November 8. Hudson did not originally plan to open a brick-and-mortar location but decided to take the opportunity when it became available.
Hudson began her business as a vendor selling sourdough bread and treats at local farmers markets. In 2020, she purchased the MatKat name, recipes, and equipment from a Santa Cruz woman whose bread she admired. Since then, she has expanded her offerings to include a variety of sourdough-based menu items.
The café is managed and designed by Hudson’s daughter, Kayla Martin. Customers have commented positively on both the food and the interior design of the space, including the restroom. The establishment features indoor seating as well as a large patio that can be rented for events.
Matkat Café serves breakfast until 11 a.m., offering specialty sourdough toast priced between $10 and $12, along with breakfast sandwiches served on sourdough bread or bagels for $12 to $14. The lunch menu includes sandwiches, seasonal soup and salad, pizza, charcuterie boards, and small plates such as bruschetta dip. Sourdough loaves are also available for purchase, alongside sweets like cookies and cinnamon rolls made with sourdough.
While waiting for orders, customers can use board games provided near the restroom area. According to owner Katie Hudson: “It wasn’t in my plans [to open a brick-and-mortar], but the opportunity arose when Cottonwood Café closed on Yosemite Avenue.”
The café’s hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
