The Local Fry is expanding to Urbana — and Texas is next
The Baltimore-born fast-casual brand is preparing to open a new location in Urbana while also taking its franchise concept beyond Maryland for the first time.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
The Local Fry is opening a new location in Urbana. The address is 3260 Bennett Creek Ave., Unit F. The company currently lists the Urbana location as coming soon. The brand is also expanding to Waco, Texas. The Texas restaurant will be The Local Fry’s first location outside Maryland. The company was founded in Baltimore in 2015. Its menu includes loaded fries, wings, sandwiches and rice bowls. The Local Fry is using franchising to expand into new markets.
A Baltimore-born restaurant brand known for loaded fries, wings, rice bowls and globally inspired flavors is expanding closer to Frederick — and beyond Maryland.
The Local Fry is preparing to open a new location in Urbana, at 3260 Bennett Creek Ave., Unit F, according to the company’s website. The Urbana restaurant is currently listed as “coming soon.”
At the same time, the company is taking another major step: expanding outside Maryland for the first time.
The Local Fry has announced plans for a location in Waco, Texas, near Baylor University, with additional Texas markets expected to follow. The move marks the brand’s first expansion beyond state lines and comes as the company continues growing through its franchise program.
Founded in Baltimore in 2015, The Local Fry built its reputation around loaded fries, wings, sandwiches and rice bowls that combine familiar comfort food with international flavors. The company later expanded to Hampden, Northwood Commons and Camden Yards, while also beginning to offer franchise opportunities.
The Urbana location is especially notable for Frederick County because it brings the brand into one of the county’s fastest-growing areas.
The company’s expansion strategy also includes adapting some menu items to the local market. One example is “The Local,” a loaded-fries item that changes depending on the city. In Baltimore, the dish features crab-based toppings, while future locations are expected to create versions inspired by their own regional flavors.
The Texas move is part of a broader push to grow the brand through franchising. The Local Fry says its franchise model is designed to retain the feel of an independent neighborhood restaurant while adding the systems and consistency of a larger quick-service operation.
For Frederick County diners, however, the more immediate development is Urbana.
The Local Fry has not yet publicly posted an exact opening date for the Urbana restaurant on its locations page, but the location is officially listed as coming soon.
Everything Frederick will continue following the Urbana opening as a grand-opening date and additional details are announced.
WHAT IT MEANS
For Frederick County, the key takeaway is that a Baltimore-based restaurant concept is preparing to establish a permanent presence in Urbana.
The broader national expansion also suggests The Local Fry is moving from a regional Maryland brand toward a larger franchise operation, while still trying to keep its locally inspired menu identity.
Original reporting referenced by Everything Frederick:
WBAL-TV 11 — reporting on The Local Fry’s franchise expansion →Want more Frederick updates like this?
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