Roundz Gourmet Market To Open In Gambrills

Chef Zachary Pope stared dreamy-eyed at a dark, empty store front and exclaimed with glee “This is my dream!” To others it may look like a vacant building with an empty parking lot. In just a few short months Pope’s dream will come true when the grand opening of Roundz Gourmet Market, planned for in mid-October takes place. 

Roundz Gourmet Market will offer prepared hot and cold gourmet foods for carry-out or café dining. You will be able to walk out the door with a fully prepared meal or ingredients and instructions to make an amazing gourmet entrée at home. There will also be tables for café dining and free Wi-Fi. This space will be audio/video ready and available for meetings, special functions or other events. 

Pope explains his design layout is based on his experience in numerous award-winning restaurant kitchens in Washington, DC. “I worked with an architect to design an inviting space built around an open-kitchen concept. From the front door you can see all the way into the kitchen. Working kitchens are fascinating. If you have time, you will be welcome to hang out and ask questions about what’s going on,” said the Crofton resident Pope.

“I want to raise awareness about food, ways to prepare food and how to enjoy different kinds of food. What is a beluga lentil? How do you prepare purple imperial rice? Have you tried diver scallops? I want to offer these items, and much more, in connection with ideas on how to prepare and serve,” said Pope who is also the owner of Roundz Catering. 

Roundz Gourmet Market is the natural progression of Roundz Catering, which Pope started in 2004. Since that time, his business has grown primarily by word-of-mouth. In the past few years, the company has won industry and community awards as their client base has grown. Pope hopes that the Market’s gourmet kitchen will provide even greater capacity for growth.

“I envision the Market as a place where I can prepare food for my catering clients, while being on hand to welcome everyone who comes through the door. We can help you choose something for your family dinner, let you sample my fresh roasted coffees, answer cooking questions and sign you up for a cooking class!” said Pope.

The Market that is currently under construction will provide shelf space that will feature specialty food items that aren’t available at local grocery stores, such as compound butters and infused oils. "It will also offer select gourmet kitchenware that I’ve found useful, such as mandolin slicers and specialty vegetable peelers," explained Pope. 

“Since signing the lease, my family and I have walked several times from our home to the space at 2299 Johns Hopkins Road.  The area behind Roundz Gourmet Market is residential, which makes me feel great about the opportunities to connect with the community. We want Roundz Gourmet Market to be a community hub,” said the father of two, Pope.