Popular Stanislaus County farmers market vendor opening cafe. ‘It was time’
If you would’ve asked her a year ago, MatKat Sourdough owner Katie Hudson would’ve said she has no plans to open a brick-and-mortar location anytime soon.
In fact, that is what she told Modesto Bee reporters during an interview in late July 2024. But those plans (or lack thereof) have changed.
Hudson announced on Instagram that she will be opening MatKat Cafe at 154 S. Yosemite Ave. in Oakdale — where The Cottonwood Cafe operated for around 14 years.
Hudson said she searched more than a year to find the right location, but nothing “spoke” to her. She decided it wasn’t time to take the step to open a shop and became content with what she was already doing — selling at farmers markets.
“I was not looking to open a brick and mortar at all, but everything about this felt so good and fell into place so easily,” Hudson said. “The universe said it was time. This is the next step for growth for MatKat.”
Hudson was not a baker when she purchased the MatKat name, recipes and equipment from a woman in Santa Cruz in 2020.
Daughters Kayla Martin and Krysta Knowles worked with her full time at the cottage bakery business, managing and helping out at the Modesto, Oakdale, Ripon and Sonora farmers markets.
Now, they will both manage the bakery as well as the cafe.
“My goal as a mother, grandmother and business owner is to provide flexible work for mommas with small children,” Hudson said. “The hardest part of raising my kids on my own was child care. I want to help my girls have meaningful jobs without worrying about child care.”
The cafe will sell gourmet panini and bagel sandwiches made with MatKat sourdough for breakfast and lunch.
Also on the menu will be seasonal soups and salads, specialty pizzas as well as small bites made from local, seasonal ingredients. Drink options will include coffee, tea, beer and wine.
Hudson said she is aiming for a fall opening. After the cafe does open, MatKat will continue to be sold at local farmers markets.
“I will always support our local communities as much as possible,” Hudson said.
This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
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