Celebrity chef Bobby Flay plans to open a Bobby’s Burger Palace in College Park’s The Varsity, the new luxury student housing complex slated to open in August. The burger joint, which will showcases 10 signature burgers inspired by Flay’s travels, is scheduled to open in the ground floor of the complex on Sept. 1.
Flay is a chef specializing in Southwestern cuisine and has had shows on the Food Network, Cooking Channel and NBC. Bobby’s Burger Palace will join other retail and restaurants in the complex that have already been announced, including Royal Farms and Looney’s Pub.
As much as residents don’t like University of Maryland students taking over College Park, you have to admit, it’s nice to get some more dining options on Route 1 other than the small handful of chain takeouts. And Flay’s investment in the area is a real sign that Route 1 can go from being student-controlled territory to the Main Street residents want from their neighborhood.
The 901-bed Varsity is developed by Potomac Holdings Development and Campus Suites and is located adjacent to the Maryland campus on Baltimore Avenue. The complex will offer 20,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level, covered parking for retail customers and residents, and a fitness center, business center and game room for students.
