Virtual X Kitchen Plans New Berwyn Location, Seeks City Business Assistance

VirtualX Kitchen plans to move to this new location on Berwyn Road, at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue, in the Berwyn commercial district.

A longtime College Park business is preparing for a major expansion in Berwyn. Krazi Kebab College Park, LLC, which operates Virtual X Kitchen, has purchased properties along Berwyn Road and Rhode Island Avenue and is planning a significant redevelopment that could bring new restaurant, café, and community-oriented spaces to the neighborhood. The proposed expansion could provide an important boost for Berwyn by retaining an established College Park business, bringing new investment to older commercial properties, creating jobs, and adding new places for residents, and visitors to eat, gather, and shop.

From Krazi Kebob to Virtual X Kitchen:

The story of Virtual X Kitchen in College Park goes back more than 15 years. In 2010, local restaurateur Nomie Hamid opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Krazi Kebob, near the University of Maryland, introducing a fast-casual concept that blended Pakistani and Indian flavors with made-to-order wraps, bowls, and other dishes. Over the years, Krazi Kebob built a loyal following among longtime residents and students, while Hamid experimented with additional concepts such as Krazi Burrito and The Kabob Joint.

When Krazi Kebob’s downtown location closed around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamid used the transition to rethink the traditional restaurant model. In 2021, he launched Virtual X Kitchen, shifting toward a carryout- and delivery-focused “virtual food hall” where multiple restaurant concepts could operate from one kitchen. The model allowed customers to order from several brands under one roof without traditional table service. Virtual X Kitchen has since expanded to include Krazi Kebob, Krazi Burrito, Krazi Chick, The Kabob Joint, Boba Chai Barista, and catering services.

A New Home in Berwyn Commercial District

The proposed investment along Berwyn Road and Rhode Island Avenue marks the next chapter in Virtual X Kitchen’s College Park journey—from a small restaurant that opened in 2010, through its pandemic-era transition to a virtual kitchen, to a major new investment in the Berwyn commercial district. The business recently acquired 4910 and 4912 Berwyn Road and 8601, 8603, and 8605 Rhode Island Avenue for approximately $1.2 million. The roughly 9,000-square-foot redevelopment is expected to include a commercial carry-out kitchen and restaurant concept on Rhode Island Avenue, along with a new coffee shop and café on Berwyn Road.

The project represents a substantial private investment. In addition to the property purchase, the owner expects to invest about $450,000 in renovations, bringing the overall investment to approximately $1.65 million. Planned improvements include commercial kitchen equipment, fire suppression systems, ADA accessibility upgrades, HVAC and electrical work, structural improvements, walk-in refrigeration, and customer service areas.

Instead of relocating outside College Park, Virtual X Kitchen is choosing to expand its operations here. City staff notes that the project could help reactivate several commercial properties in Berwyn, create additional dining options, increase local business activity, and support new employment. The business expects to hire at least 15 additional employees once the new operations reach full capacity.

Seeking City Business Assistance

To help make the expansion possible, the business is requesting $300,000 from the City’s Business Retention and Attraction Assistance Program. According to the staff report, construction plans include significant upgrades such as commercial kitchen installations, fire suppression systems, ADA accessibility improvements, HVAC and electrical upgrades, structural improvements, walk-in refrigeration, customer service areas, and other code-required improvements. Please see the grant application here (starts at page 127). City staff has determined that the application appears to meet the program’s intent and eligibility requirements, including the business’s commitment to remain in College Park for at least five years.

The City of College Park’s Business Retention and Attraction Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help retain existing businesses, support their expansion, and attract new businesses to College Park. Applicants are required to submit information about their business and property, proposed improvements, project costs and schedules, along with supporting documents such as tax returns, permits, and contractor information. Recipients must comply with the program’s requirements, including inspections, documentation, non-discrimination provisions, and maintaining funded improvements for the required period. Final funding is contingent upon satisfying the City’s program guidelines and approval requirements.

For Fiscal Year 2027, which began on July 1, 2026, the City Council allocated $300,000 to the Business Retention and Attraction Assistance Program to support eligible businesses. The proposed $300,000 grant to Virtual X Kitchen would therefore use the entire amount currently budgeted for this program for FY2027.

At the September 1 City Council meeting, the Council will consider whether to approve the $300,000 assistance request. Staff is recommending approval once all requirements of the Business Retention and Attraction Program have been satisfied. The Council may also decide to approve only a portion of the requested $300,000 rather than the full amount.

Please send your comments on the requested grant to the Mayor and Council at cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov. Thank you.