Arepa King, a Venezuelan restaurant preparing to open its first Montgomery County location at 109A Market Street in Kentlands Square in Gaithersburg, is scheduled to have its liquor license hearing with Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) on Thursday, November 19.
The restaurant is taking over the space formerly occupied by Potomac Cookie Co. and is targeting an opening before the end of 2026. If approved, the liquor license would allow Arepa King to offer beer and wine, including Latin American beers such as Polar and Aguila.
Owner and founder Jorge Ramos, a 1994 graduate of Watkins Mill High School, previously operated Arepa Queen before launching Arepa King as an independent brand. The restaurant opened its Hagerstown location in February 2025, and the upcoming Gaithersburg restaurant marks a return to the community where Ramos grew up.
Arepa King specializes in Venezuelan cuisine, including freshly prepared arepas, tequeños, patacones and rice bowls. Its signature King Arepa features shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains and cheese. The new location also plans to offer Venezuelan and Colombian coffees.
Construction has been underway at the Kentlands location, with an opening anticipated before the end of the year. An official opening date has not yet been announced.
