Baltimore, January 1, 2026
In 2025, Baltimore’s restaurant industry underwent significant changes, with the closure of several long-standing establishments alongside the opening of new dining options. This shift highlights the sector’s resilience and responsiveness to evolving consumer tastes amid economic challenges. Notable closures included The Cheesecake Factory and On the Border, while new ventures like Lib’s Grill and Miss Toya’s Creole House began to emerge, signifying a vibrant dining landscape. The restaurant industry remains a crucial component of Maryland’s economy, contributing billions in economic output and supporting thousands of jobs.
Baltimore’s Restaurant Scene in 2025: A Year of Challenges and New Beginnings
Baltimore, Maryland – The year 2025 was a pivotal one for Baltimore’s restaurant industry, marked by significant closures and the emergence of new dining establishments. These developments reflect the sector’s resilience and its ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and economic conditions.
Notable Restaurant Closures
Several longstanding restaurants in Baltimore closed their doors in 2025, signaling shifts in the local dining landscape:
- The Cheesecake Factory: After nearly 30 years of service, the Inner Harbor location announced its closure, with the final day of operation set for January 24, 2026. This decision followed an extensive review and analysis by the company.
- On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina: The Towson location ceased operations in March 2025 due to bankruptcy, contributing to the area’s changing restaurant scene.
- Nando’s Peri-Peri: The Towson Square branch closed in July 2025 after choosing not to renew its lease, marking the end of a decade-long presence in the community.
Emergence of New Dining Options
Despite these closures, Baltimore witnessed the introduction of several new dining establishments, indicating a dynamic and evolving restaurant scene:
- Lib’s Grill: The popular seafood chain announced plans to open a new location in Towson, with a targeted opening date in late March or early April 2026. The restaurant is known for its seasonal offerings, including National Bohemian oyster shooters and crab dip in sourdough bread bowls.
- Miss Toya’s Creole House: Expanding its footprint, this restaurant is set to open its third Maryland location at Metro Centre Owings Mills in 2026. The menu features dishes like bananas Foster French toast, gumbo with mini cornbread, and oysters broiled with jambalaya sauce.
- The Food Market: Chef Chad Gauss’s acclaimed restaurant is preparing to open a new location in Bethesda in early 2026, continuing its tradition of offering elevated comfort food in a down-to-earth setting.
Economic Impact and Industry Outlook
The restaurant industry remains a significant contributor to Maryland’s economy. In 2025, eating and drinking places were projected to generate $26.5 billion in direct economic output, support 242,497 jobs, and deliver $8.6 billion in total labor income. These establishments also contributed $4.6 billion in taxes to all levels of government, underscoring their vital role in the state’s economic landscape.
While the industry faces challenges, including closures and economic fluctuations, the emergence of new dining options and the sector’s substantial economic contributions highlight its resilience and ongoing importance to Baltimore’s economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some notable restaurant closures in Baltimore in 2025?
Several longstanding restaurants in Baltimore closed their doors in 2025, including The Cheesecake Factory, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Nando’s Peri-Peri.
What new dining establishments have opened in Baltimore recently?
New dining options in Baltimore include Lib’s Grill, Miss Toya’s Creole House, and The Food Market, each offering unique cuisines and dining experiences.
How significant is the restaurant industry’s impact on Maryland’s economy?
The restaurant industry is a major contributor to Maryland’s economy, projected to generate $26.5 billion in direct economic output and support over 242,000 jobs in 2025.
Key Features of Baltimore’s Restaurant Industry in 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Notable Closures | The Cheesecake Factory, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Nando’s Peri-Peri |
| New Openings | Lib’s Grill, Miss Toya’s Creole House, The Food Market |
| Economic Impact | $26.5 billion in direct economic output, supporting 242,497 jobs, and contributing $4.6 billion in taxes in 2025 |
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
