Hudson Roast keeping hometown at heart

By Rylee Freeman

Reporter

Whether in the mood for a hot coffee to start the day, a refreshing lemonade to cool off or an energizer for a midday boost, customers no longer have to drive miles out of town to satisfy the craving.

The Hudson Roast brings familiar favorites to the Maud community, offering many of the same drinks found at larger coffee shops while providing the convenience and inviting atmosphere of a locally owned business.

After living in Maud for 12 years, owner Felicia Hudson saw an opportunity to serve the community by opening a coffee shop. 

Though The Hudson Roast has been open for only two months, it already offers a wide variety of beverages for all ages. Customers can choose from iced and hot coffee, energizers, Alanis, lemonade, sweet tea, milkshakes, matcha and chai. 

Hudson values creating a welcoming environment and strives to make every customer feel at home.

“People can walk in and I know who they are, and I know their drink order because they come in so often,” Hudson said.

Those who enter The Hudson Roast can also expect greetings from Hudson’s younger children, whose friendly welcomes help make the shop feel like home.  

After years of balancing a full-time job and nursing school, Hudson said the most rewarding part of opening the coffee shop has been having her children by her side throughout the journey. 

Looking ahead, Hudson hopes to expand while maintaining the same hometown atmosphere. 

“If it does well enough in the first year, my husband and I have talked about opening up a second location in another small town,” Hudson said. 

She said any future location would continue to serve a small community, provide a gathering place for locals and be operated by members of that community.  

Encouraging residents to invest in local businesses, Hudson emphasized the impact community support can have. 

“Support your local shops,” Hudson said. “You’re literally pouring into your community when you stay local.”

The Hudson Roast is located at 119 Main St. in Maud.