By Sophia Yodice
Arepa Zone hosted its grand opening of its College Park location on Sept. 27, marking the restaurant’s first opportunity to introduce Venezuelan cuisine and culture to the University of Maryland community.
The restaurant, known for its slogan “Bringing Arepas to the DMV since 2014,” began as a food truck serving Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia, before expanding into brick-and-mortar locations. The College Park restaurant, which features its first mixology bar, joins six other Arepa Zone locations across the Washington metropolitan area..
The College Park location expands Arepa Zone’s reach beyond its established areas, bringing it to a bustling college town with potential to bolster the customer base. The restaurant’s founders emphasized accessibility and community engagement as central to the brand’s expansion, often positioning new locations near universities and cultural centers.
Co-owner Gabriela Febres explained there are many plans in the making for collaborations and themed events to bring in customers. On a regular day, students and residents can be seen lounging with friends or studying in a booth. The restaurant, open daily and offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery, has generated decent turnout so far.
“We have good coffee, we have plenty of outlets, free Wi-Fi,” Febres said. “I love seeing people just come hang out and study.”
Arepa Zone specializes in traditional Venezuelan dishes, particularly arepas, grilled cornmeal patties filled with meats, cheeses and other ingredients. The menu also features items such as cachapas (sweet corn pancakes) and tequeños (fried cheese sticks).
The company’s growth over the past decade reflects its popularity and the rising demand for diverse food options across the region. What started as a single food truck has evolved into a well-known brand recognized for its authentic representation of Venezuelan street food.
“I have never had Venezuelan food before, and now with a place so close by, I am super excited to try it,” junior human development major Fiona Brown said
Arepa Zone’s sister company, Antojitos de Tu País, complements the restaurant’s mission by operating as a Venezuelan market. The market provides customers with imported goods from Venezuela, including snacks, sauces and other specialty items that are difficult to find elsewhere in the region.
The opening adds to a growing list of international dining options available near UMD’s campus, reflecting the area’s increasingly diverse food scene. The restaurant is expected to attract both students and residents interested in exploring Venezuelan cuisine.
“Being Hispanic, I think it’s important to bring in diversity near a school that is considered a predominantly white institution… and arepas are delicious,” sophomore math major Gabriela Christian-Torres said.
Arepa Zone’s next event on Dec. 6 will feature two mixologists.
Featured Image: Customers enjoying Arepa Zone’s new College Park location, which had its grand opening in late September. Photo by Anika Stikeleather