By Andrew Wilson

For 53 years, Marathon Deli & Grill, a Greek restaurant chain, has been serving customers with traditional gyros, comfort food, sports, and great music. This summer, the restaurant is looking to reach a five-year milestone of moving to their current location on Baltimore Avenue adjacent to the University of Maryland campus.

The restaurant, having survived the pandemic, faced a lot of challenges according to Marathon Deli owner George Soldatos.

“The policies and operational uncertainties the COVID-19 pandemic presented, ‘forced’ us to become even more adaptable,” Soldatos said. “It was not the ‘smooth sailing opening’ we were anticipating.”

College Park resident and long-time employee Jose, who asked not to share his last name, cites passion as the reason for keeping the location in business.

“The reason why we were able to transition to this area is because we have that reputation and that passion for the food that we make,” Jose said. “Passion is a good word for it because we all really enjoy working here within our comfort zone while trying to expand to more food.”

Other Greek restaurants in the area share the same passion for the Greek culture in the area but Marathon keeps the party going with their late-night hours, and UMD students enjoy what the restaurant has to offer.

Sebastian Antoine-Pompey, a junior government and politics major, shared his views on the deli, crediting its unique atmosphere and ambiance as a wonderful quality of the restaurant.

“The music is loud and cool… presenting all genres with people dancing, getting food, and having a good time; it’s pretty nice,” Antoine-Pompey said. “When people are going and leaving bars, Marathon Deli continues to be a good spot during and after those types of nights.”

Can Torumtay, a freshman political science and public policy major, believes that the restaurant represents his Turkish family background, and encourages students to try the cuisine.

“My family is Turkish, and with the focus of Marathon Deli being Greek-Mediterranean food, I feel a bit at home with some of the flavors offered at Marathon,” he said. “All and all, the food, service, and overall environment is great for the students, and I would definitely recommend it.”

Landon, who asked not to share his last name, and a third year PhD grad-student majoring in government and political science, spoke of the restaurant’s ambient nightlife.

“It’s a great place to go, especially at night,” Landon said. “I know a lot of students go to Marathon after they’ve been out. Maybe not the healthiest food, but it most definitely hits the spot.”

Modupe, a senior majoring in public health science, who also asked not to share her last name, agrees with Landon’s sentiment about the restaurant’s atmosphere.

“When you’re either studying late or out partying, you always knew that Marathon Deli is open to satisfy your hunger,” Modupe said.

Samantha Vidas, a junior communications and philosophy, and politics economics major, shared her appreciation about the marketing ideas the restaurant showcases.

“I’m not really annoyed by the music, but they do play loud music to promote their presence, and I like their marketing,” Vidas said.  I think it’s really funny with the logo of the guy grabbing onto the gyro as if it’s an Olympic torch.”

With the success that Marathon has seen in College Park, the owners are expanding to a new location in Kensington, Md. this spring.

“We have received immeasurable support and anticipation from the Kensington community and our patrons. It will surely be a celebration,” Soldatos said.

Within nearly five years of being part of the College Park community, the family restaurant has learned many things about the area along the way.

“The College Park community is diverse, and we cater to them all from morning school lunches, university catering, and corporate/departments,” Soldatos said. “We have established ourselves as an invested part of the community and have learned that we would not want it any other way.”

Featured Image: The outside of Marathon Deli on April 28, 2025. Photo by Andrew Wilson.