Baltimore Business Buzz: New Openings, Closings & What's Coming Next
Baltimore's dining and retail scene is shifting fast this year. From long-awaited restaurant debuts to the closure of a few neighborhood staples, here's what's new, what's leaving, and what's still on the way across Baltimore City and County.
What's Opening
Marta al Mare (Harbor Point)
This American-Italian concept is expanding to Harbor Point, with dishes like Lobster Saltimbocca and Tori Arancini on the menu. Opening is targeted for summer 2026.
The Fishmonger's Daughter (Downtown Baltimore)
An expansion of the fifth-generation, family-owned John W. Fraidley's Seafood, this new spot at 210 W. Pennsylvania Ave. will bring the brand's famous jumbo lump crab cakes, table service, a raw bar, and a catering facility to the city. A firm opening date hasn't been announced yet, but it's expected sometime in 2026.
Lib's Grill (Towson)
This Baltimore-area seafood chain known for oysters and a full raw bar is opening a new Towson location.
A Dozen New Restaurants Citywide
At least 12 new restaurants are set to open across Baltimore in 2026, spanning Jamaican, Japanese, steak, and Mediterranean concepts, including a Blackwall Hitch sister location in Hampden's Rotunda.
What's Closing
Banditos Tacos & Tequila (Federal Hill)
After 14 years as a neighborhood staple, Banditos closed its Federal Hill location, which will be taken over by GameOn Bar+Arcade. The brand's other Maryland locations remain open.
The Cheesecake Factory (Harborplace)
This location closed in January due to the upcoming Harborplace redevelopment project, impacting around 115 employees.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue closed its Baltimore-area location at the end of May as parent company Saks Global continues to shrink its footprint following its January bankruptcy filing.
Mother's Grille, The Riptide & Bondhouse Kitchen (Federal Hill & Fells Point)
Several other long-running Baltimore restaurants closed earlier this year, including Mother's Grille after 27+ years, The Riptide seafood restaurant, and Bondhouse Kitchen in Fells Point.
What's Coming
Baltimore's restaurant permitting process has caused delays for several anticipated openings, pushing some 2025 launches into 2026. Industry insiders point to paperwork holdups and construction delays as the biggest culprits, so expect a few more "still waiting" updates as the year goes on.
Baltimore's business landscape is always evolving, and so is the local real estate market that supports it. Whether you're watching your neighborhood grow or thinking about your own next move, we're here to help you stay informed. Check back for more local business updates.