Factors Row Opens in Annapolis After Years in Making

Factors Row, downtown Annapolis' newest restaurant, opened its doors Sunday to much fanfare after several delays.

The eatery occupies the space once known as Riordan's. The opening of Factors Row is three years in the making, according to Mike Conroy, assistant general manager of the restaurant. 

Conroy walked through the two-floor bar and restaurant as its staff were gearing up for their big opening, noting that the brick walls have quite a bit of history associated with them. 

"The brick itself is old and historic," Conroy said. "It's a very old building, and so there was a lot that needed to get done, to ensure it was done right."

The structure is built along Market Space, an area that once housed a warehouse in the 18th century. Ships would dock in Annapolis and list their wares with factors. The place where the factors worked was Factors Row—hence the quill and ink iconography in the restaurant's logo.

At one point, the row of buildings burned down, all save for the building occupied now by Factors Row.

As a result of the 2011 earthquake, the restaurant's structural integrity was deemed unsafe, and repairs had to be made, further delaying its opening.

In May, the restaurant unveiled its menu, featuring entrées such as sautéed Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, grilled red drum, pan-seared Atlantic swordfish, and a variety of locally grown produce.

Factors Row, located at 26 Market Space, Annapolis, is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.