Selden Standard: How Midtown's Wood-Fired Pioneer Defined Detroit's Farm-to-Table Era
Chef Andy Hollyday and Evan Hansen built Selden Standard into a multi-time James Beard semifinalist, making seasonal wood-fired small plates the cornerstone of Midtown dining.
Author
Cassius Delgado
Category
Brand Spotlights & Cultural Identity
Read Time
10 min read
Published
September 5, 2025

Opened in 2014 by Chef Andy Hollyday and partner Evan Hansen, Selden Standard helped usher in a new era of Detroit dining. Located on Second Avenue in Midtown, the restaurant's wood-fired grill, hyper-local farm sourcing, and warm hospitality earned it multiple James Beard Foundation nominations and Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year honors.
Key Takeaways
- 01Selden Standard opened in 2014 in Midtown Detroit, co-founded by Chef Andy Hollyday and Evan Hansen.
- 02Multi-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist and Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year winner.
- 03Centers on rustic wood-fired cooking and seasonal ingredients sourced from Michigan farmers.
- 04Combines communal dining tables with an open kitchen layout.
- 05Set the standard for modern farm-to-table dining across Southeast Michigan.
Farm-to-Table Credibility
Selden Standard doesn't just use the phrase 'farm-to-table' — it lists its local farming partners explicitly on the menu. From local trout to seasonal roots, Chef Andy Hollyday lets local harvests dictate dish creation.
This transparency builds immense trust with guests who value sustainability and regional agriculture.
“Authentic local sourcing creates a dynamic menu that evolves with Michigan's agricultural seasons.”
Open-Kitchen Energy
The heart of Selden Standard is its open kitchen anchored by a wood-burning grill. Guests can watch chefs slice house-made pasta, sear proteins over hardwood coals, and plate colorful vegetable small plates.
This kitchen transparency doubles as sensory theater, turning dinner into a memorable visual experience.
Enduring Brand Reputation
Over a decade after opening, Selden Standard remains one of Detroit's hardest reservations to get. Its reputation is maintained through unwavering standards rather than marketing gimmicks.
Businesses aiming to build long-term brand authority can work with House of Karma to structure digital assets that support lasting market presence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selden Standard
**Where is Selden Standard located?** Selden Standard is located at 3921 Second Ave in Midtown Detroit.
**Who owns Selden Standard?** It was co-founded by Chef Andy Hollyday and Evan Hansen.
**Has Selden Standard won any awards?** Yes, it has received multiple James Beard Foundation nominations and Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year.
**What style of cuisine does Selden Standard serve?** It serves seasonal, wood-fired small plates with local Michigan ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Selden Standard proves that seasonal integrity, culinary craft, and warm hospitality build an indestructible brand foundation. Visit seldenstandard.com and follow @seldenstandard.
Sources & References
- [1]Selden Standard Official Site
Official menus and farm partner listings.
- [2]James Beard Foundation Awards
Multi-time semifinalist for Best Chef Great Lakes.