Venezuelan Fast-Casual Eatery Opens In College Park

COLLEGE PARK, MD — A Venezuelan fast-casual restaurant with locations in Washington, D.C., and area sports stadiums has expanded to a site in College Park.

Arepa Zone opened its first Maryland location Sept. 1 in the retail space beneath the Aster apartment complex at 4341 Calvert Road. After 10 years in the DMV, the restaurant looked to offer Venezuelan food to an area that didn't have that option.

“Our main focus is to introduce those people that have never tried Venezuelan food before to what we’re all about,” Gabriela Febres, the restaurant’s co-founder and co-owner, told College Park Here & Now.

The eatery offers arepas - corn patties with various fillings including meat and cheese - and cachapas, a corn pancake, along with tequeños, a fried cheese stick. Also on the menu is Venezuelan-style empanadas, assorted bowls, customizable fritas, patacon and desserts.

The restaurant also offers juice, coffee and a full bar with 10 specialty cocktails, including some made with homemade syrups. The College Park location is the only one with a bar, Febres said.

Arepa Zone in College Park is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.