Baltimore’s Ekiben is set to open its first location outside the city in Frederick, according to the Baltimore Banner. Founder and Quince Orchard High School alumnus Steven Chu shared two photos on Instagram– a view of a building’s interior and a floor plan for a commercial kitchen accompanied by the caption “#4.” The upcoming Frederick restaurant will occupy 500 N. Market Street, a space that formerly housed Affiliated Barbershop and, prior to that, a State Farm branch. No opening date has been announced.
Founded in 2014 by Ephrem Abebe, Steve Chu, and Nikhil Yesupriya, Ekiben began as an Asian fusion fast-casual stand selling unique takes on Asian and Ethiopian cuisine from a hotdog cart at the Fells Point Farmers Market. Since its inception, the restaurant has grown to operate three brick-and-mortar locations in Baltimore– in Fells Point, Hampden, and South Baltimore– and a catering operation.
Ekiben has earned national recognition, appearing on Yelp’s Top 100 restaurants list in the United States for three consecutive years. In 2017, Travel & Leisure named it the best place to get a sandwich in Maryland. In subsequent years, founder Steve Chu garnered industry accolades, including a 2018 semifinalist nomination for Eater’s Young Gun Awards and a 2023 semifinalist recognition from The James Beard Foundation for Best Chef of the Mid-Atlantic.
Chu, a Quince Orchard High School alumnus, has emphasized the restaurant’s mission to provide a welcoming space for everyone. He is also active in Youth Works, a Baltimore summer program that offers job training and mentorship, and has indicated plans for additional concepts that continue Ekiben’s community-focused approach.
