Market House Opens its Doors for Amsterdam Falafelshop

The doors of the Market House in downtown Annapolis finally opened again on Thursday—at least, for a few people.

The City of Annapolis hosted a soft opening of the newly renovated Market House, where the first of its new vendors, Amsterdam Falafelshop, was serving up fried treats for the press and city officials.

Thursday was the final day of spring, so the falafelshop's opening met some form of criteria for Mayor Josh Cohen's promise to reopen the Market House by spring.

The controversial city property has been in the process of renovation for more than a year. And while blue tarps still covered the walls for other vendors, the difference between this Market House and the previous was clear. Each stall resembles a miniature restaurant, instead of the old design, where businesses had a front-facing stall with a sign.

The Amsterdam Falafelshop franchise's co-founder, Arianne Bennet, said she and her husband were searching for the right Maryland location for a falafelshop, and were excited about the opportunity the Market House presented.

"Annapolis fit all of our demographics, and it just has a fun, small town feeling to it. This is something that can cater to both residents and tourists," she said.

Bennet said the falafel makes sense for Annapolis for a few reasons— it's fresh, offers options for people with alternative diets, and it's an eatery that's going to be open later than pretty much anyone else in town—as late as 3 a.m. on weekends, catering to late-night diners looking for something a little different.

"People's eating patterns have really changed," Bennet said. "That's something we noticed in D.C., and I think there's an opportunity here in Annapolis as well."

Bennet's brother Mike Greenfield has helped his sister out at each of the franchise's openings—in Washington D.C., Boston and now Annapolis. 

He said eating a falafel carries a certain image that's popular among all crowds.

"People eat these and want to be seen. They'll be dressed to the nines, and have yogurt sauce all down their chin. That's just part of it," he said.

The public opening of the falafelshop will be Monday, according to a press release from the city.

The falafelshop is the first of six vendors to open at the Market House, which the city hopes to have completely open sometime in July.

Other future vendors at the location will include:

• Hard Bean Café, (which includes Midship Fresh Bar and Carl’s Corned Beef & Delicatessen)
• Firenze’s Gelataria & Coffee
• Annapolis Organic Market
• Good Life Smoothie Bar
• Yellowfin Seafood & Oyster Bar

Cohen has promised to "walk the plank" into Spa Creek for failing to open the Market House in fall of 2012, but his punishment hasn't yet been scheduled.