O’Donnell’s began in 1922 when Tom O’Donnell opened the Sea Grill at 1207 E Street NW in downtown Washington, DC. Now, O’Donnell’s Market operates at 1073 Seven Locks Rd. in the Potomac Woods Plaza (Rockville/Potomac, MD). Our very own Mr. MoCo recently ranked O’Donnell’s as his favorite crabcake in Montgomery County and in the top five in the entire state of Maryland. Photos are available below.
Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, the business expanded. In 1941, Tom opened a second location at 1221 E Street in DC, and in 1945 his daughter, Janice O’Donnell Edelblut, joined the family business.
In 1956, the family acquired the Edgemoor Motor Building on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, MD, where they opened another restaurant. This location underwent several renovations and expansions over the years to improve the dining experience and meet community demand for fresh seafood in a welcoming atmosphere.
Tom’s grandson, Bill Edelblut, later took over leadership of the business, guiding its growth into a multi-location operation. In the summer of 1997, O’Donnell’s opened a restaurant in the Kentlands (Gaithersburg, MD), further establishing its presence as a seafood provider in Montgomery County. The restaurant operated for approximately 16 years, closing in July 2013.
In December 2015, the fourth generation of the family, represented by Bill and his daughter Ashlee, opened O’Donnell’s Market in Potomac, MD. The Market offers fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, healthy prepared dishes, and baked goods made daily from scratch. A raw bar and grill are also available, and catering services–including the Norfolk Table option for events–are offered.
For over a century, the O’Donnell family has maintained its commitment to serving seafood using original recipes and a Norfolk style of cooking, continuing its long-standing tradition in the DC Metro area and Montgomery County.
