Popular Gastro Pub HopCat Expanding to Oakland County

The restaurant known for craft beers and comfort food is opening a new location at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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HopCat, a popular gastro pub known for its craft beers and comfort food menu, is opening a new location at the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The new restaurant will take over the former Bar Louie space and have room for up to 300 guests, featuring a bar, outdoor and indoor patios, and private dining areas.

Why it matters

The addition of HopCat to the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is a significant development for the shopping and dining destination, as it brings a well-regarded restaurant brand with a strong reputation for its beer selection and classic American fare. This is part of a broader trend of popular regional and national dining concepts expanding into Oakland County to cater to the area's growing population and affluent customer base.

The details

The new HopCat location is slated to open sometime in early summer 2026. It will feature a bar, outdoor and interior patio seating, private dining space, and room for up to 300 guests. The restaurant is known for its extensive craft beer selection as well as its popular menu items like burgers and the signature "Cosmik" french fries.

  • The new HopCat location is expected to open in early summer 2026.
  • The previous tenant, Bar Louie, closed its Great Lakes Crossing Outlets location last year.

The players

HopCat

A popular gastro pub chain known for its craft beer selection and comfort food menu, including burgers and fries.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

A large shopping and dining destination in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Gary Neumann

The general manager of Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.

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What they’re saying

“We're really looking forward to welcoming HopCat to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. They bring a fun, energetic vibe and a great reputation for craft beer and comfort food that we know our guests will love.”

— Gary Neumann, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets General Manager (Patch.com)

What’s next

The new HopCat location is expected to open in early summer 2026, filling the space previously occupied by the now-closed Bar Louie restaurant.

The takeaway

The arrival of the popular HopCat gastro pub brand at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets demonstrates the continued demand for high-quality dining and drinking experiences in the growing Oakland County market. This new location will provide local residents and visitors alike with a destination for craft beer, comfort food, and a lively atmosphere.