Emma’s Torch in Silver Spring is receiving regional recognition after being named to Eater DC’s “Best New Restaurants Around D.C.” list for July 2026. It is the only restaurant in Maryland to make this month’s roundup, which highlights the Washington region’s most exciting restaurants that have opened within the past six months.
The nonprofit café and culinary training program officially opened its new Silver Spring location on June 12 at 1200 East-West Highway, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony the day before.
The new 4,500 SF facility serves as Emma’s Torch’s regional flagship and is more than four times the size of its former Washington, D.C. location, which closed ahead of the move. The expanded space allows the organization to train more than 185 students annually while offering seating for about 60 guests, private event space, and expanded catering operations.
Founded in 2016 by CNN Hero Kerry Brodie, Emma’s Torch helps refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking build careers in the food industry. Since its founding, the organization has enrolled more than 700 students from over 75 countries and has helped generate more than $34 million in increased wages for participants.
The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm, serving breakfast, lunch, pastries, coffee drinks, and weekend brunch. Menu offerings include house-made biscuits, avocado toast, crispy chicken sandwiches, brown butter pancakes, vegan shakshuka, and specialty coffee and tea beverages. Future plans for the Silver Spring location include outdoor dining and the addition of beer, wine, and cocktails.
