When a restaurant changes hands, all too often the results can be disappointing, and the words “under new management” can be cause for dismay, especially to loyal fans that have developed a close, personal relationship with the chef or with a favorite dish. But when Brian McGorry former restaurant owner of Soup Herb in Hudson handed over the reins to Mara dos Santos last November, the transition was as seamless as passing a baton in an Olympic relay. With her quick smile and genuine warmth, dos Santos conveys a sense of comfort and assurance that all is well, or will be, just like the feeling you get from a bowl of good soup.

 “We kept everything the same,” she said, explaining that the previous employees stayed on, and that she plans to take one step at a time because Soup Herb has a large and faithful following whom she wants to keep happy.

Not only has dos Santos kept the same menu items, she and her cousin, Soup Herb’s new chef, Nelma Silva, have remained faithful to the original recipes and home-style made-from-scratch preparation of everything on the menu that is a hallmark of the restaurant. Online reviews from 2004 to date have been consistently positive, with the only ‘complaints’ — such as not enough seating or wanting more soups offered daily — actually serving as testimony to the restaurant’s continued popularity.

“There have been some small changes. For example, more tables and new colors [for the walls],” dos Santos said.

The restaurant now has expanded seating, expanded hours, including breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m., and a welcoming ambience that includes a new look, complete with cloth table coverings and fresh flowers.

The new crew at Soup Herb, including dos Santo’s right hand, bar tender and waiter, Leo Silva, have paid close attention to their customers.

“I changed the music a little,” Silva said, flashing a smile and holding up his thumb and forefinger half an inch apart. Previously, background music consisted of only instrumentals. “When a couple sits down to eat, and they are not talking, that [kind of music] is not enough to fill the space,” he observed. More up-tempo contemporary music now provides the backdrop for diners to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Silva noted that customers have been asking him if they can get the CD.

“It’s a mix of different CDs,” he explained apologetically, “so it’s not possible.”

Soup Herb’s menu also has expanded to offer more choices daily among the soups, though the Les Halles style French onion soup gratinée remains a constant favorite. Diners will also find a larger sandwich selection as well as Nelma’s own cornbread, which is served with every order.

In the few months since taking the helm, dos Santos has come to know her regular customers like family. The challenge she and her crew now face is continuing to meet the expectations of old and new customers alike, while incorporating their own influences.

Soup Herb is located at 439 Main St. in Hudson and is licensed to serve beer and wine. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.