Tag Archives: denise whiting

Baltimore’s Cafe Hon on “Kitchen Nightmares”

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Scott Huffines

Kitchen Nightmares (FOX TV, 2/24/2012, 8:00 pm ET) “Who’d have thought a little three-letter word, used by coffee-shop waitresses all over the country, could be so controversial? In this new episode, Gordon meets the owner of Baltimore’s Cafe Hon, who … Continue reading →


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Denise Gets a New Pair of Glasses

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Tom Warner

Denise wouldn’t listen to us—the people who live here—but she had a change of heart in front of someone who will put her exploitation of real Baltimoreans in several million living rooms. By Rafael Alvarez (Baltimore Patch, November 7, 2011) … Continue reading →


Posted in 2010s, Baltimorons, Dining, Hampden, Neighborhoods, Roadside Attractions, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Ms. HON-derstood?

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Scott Huffines

Denise Whiting has a PR problem. Here’s why. By Edward Ericson Jr. (Baltimore City Paper, 2/2/2011) Denise Whiting shows a guest to her cozy breakfast nook. The kitchen is retro-stylish yet unfussy, with old-time tile, a big double oven, and … Continue reading →


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Continuing Hontroversy

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Scott Huffines

Cafe Hon Owner Whiting Apologizes to Baltimore By Ryan Sharrow (Baltimore Business Journal, 1/19/2011) Denise Whiting apologized on Wednesday for stirring controversy regarding the usage of “Hon.” Cafe Hon owner Denise Whiting apologized to Baltimore on Wednesday for allowing people … Continue reading →


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‘Hon’ trademarker says she’s sorry. Again

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Tom Warner

Denise Whiting, through a new lawyer, says she doesn’t claim to own beehive hairdos and cat-eye glasses By Laura Vozzella (The Baltimore Sun, 1/19/2011) Cafe Hon owner and “hon” trademarker Denise Whiting wants Baltimore to know she’s sorry. Not sorry … Continue reading →


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Power of One vs. Power of “Hon”

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Scott Huffines

Writer (Bruce Goldfarb) to test Whiting’s legal right to trademark word “Good for him,” says President (Benn Ray) of Hampden merchants’ association By Jill Rosen (The Baltimore Messenger, 1/4/11) He’s calling it the first shot fired in The Battle of … Continue reading →


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Calm Yourselves, Hons

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Scott Huffines

by John McIntyre (The Baltimore Sun, 1/2/2011) “My worthy former colleague Rafael Alvarez has weighed in on the bogus controversy about Denise Whiting’s trademarking of hon. I understand and respect his views, though I do not entirely concur with them. … Continue reading →


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‘Hontroversy’ Gets Weird as ‘Superheroes’ Protest Trademark

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Scott Huffines

Three men dressed in what they called superhero costumes walked around outside Cafe Hon in bizarre spectacle by Adam Bednar (NorthBaltimorePatch, 12/22/2010) On Wednesday evening three self-proclaimed superheroes (read: three guys in ridiculous costumes) gathered outside Cafe Hon in Hampden … Continue reading →


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You Can’t Trademark a Feeling

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Scott Huffines

‘Hon’ culture functions as a tribute of sorts to white, working-class women By Mary Rizzo (historian and writer of essays about HonFest and the cultural image of the Hon), The Baltimore Sun, 12/21/2010 Hampden has become center stage — again — … Continue reading →


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The Newly Trademarked ‘Hon’ Sparks Protest

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Scott Huffines

From the WJZ Channel 13 news report: In her defense, Café Hon owner Denise Whiting said: “I do not own the word ‘Hon.’” The usually perky Whiting–obviously affected by the protesters—said they’re misinformed about the basics of business branding. “I’m … Continue reading →


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Cafe Hon owner: Trademark Was About Protecting a Business, Not Co-opting a Baltimore Tradition

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Scott Huffines

by Denise Whiting (“Maryland Voices,” The Baltimore Sun, 12/19/2010) Welcome to my office. Once a supply closet, it’s crammed with tools, merchandise and paraphernalia left over from this summer’s HonFest. I’ve about five cubic feet of space for me, my … Continue reading →


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What We Talk About When We Talk About HON™

Posted on December 18, 2010 by Scott Huffines

by Benn Ray (The Mobtown Shank, 12/18/2010) As Baltimore’s HON™troversy marches insistently into week #3, I’d like take a moment to point out a few things I’ve noticed about the fascinating conversation we, as a city/state/region, are having over private … Continue reading →


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