Iconic Downtown Ann Arbor Restaurant: Celebrating Afternoon Delight and Joanne Williams

For nearly fifty years, Afternoon Delight has been a fixture on East Liberty Street — a go-to breakfast and lunch destination for Ann Arborites and visitors. This year, owner Joanne Williams announced she will be retiring. 

A Legacy That Started in 1978

Afternoon Delight first opened its doors in 1978, founded by Tom Hackett with a simple vision: fresh, healthy food made to order, served with genuine hospitality. Over the years, the restaurant became a cornerstone of downtown Ann Arbor — a place where University of Michigan students grabbed their first real breakfast away from home, where families marked Saturdays with something that felt a little special, and where locals and visitors found comfort in a bowl of homemade soup or a famous bran muffin.

Joanne’s Story: From High School Job to Community Anchor

Joanne Williams began working at Afternoon Delight as a high school student. She learned the ropes directly from Tom Hackett, eventually taking a hands-on role in every aspect of the business. When Hackett stepped back in 2020, Joanne transitioned into ownership, guiding the café through an uncertain period and staying true to things that made the space special: fresh ingredients, warm service, and a space where people genuinely felt welcome.

What Afternoon Delight Means to Ann Arbor 

Oxford highly values the community that exists around the spaces we manage. Afternoon Delight has always been an example of what that looks like in practice. The restaurant holds memories for generations of Ann Arborites: it’s a lunch spot that turns into a weekly ritual for regulars and is a partner that shows up for local businesses and events year after year.

Joanne put it simply: “We’ve met so many wonderful people and built lasting relationships with our regulars. It’s a wonderful space in a great location, and it’s truly been an honor to be part of this community.”

Joanne – thank you for the warmth you brought to this corner of Liberty Street every single day.

What Comes Next for 251 E. Liberty Street 

Joanne is hoping to pass the torch to someone who shares her love for Afternoon Delight and its place in the neighborhood. Anyone interested in learning more about the future of the space can reach out to Jim Chaconas at Jim.Chaconas@Colliers.com.