Agave opening Annapolis restaurant in May
A little more than a year after opening a second location on Route 1 outside Rehoboth Beach, Agave Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar has announced it is set to open its third location in Annapolis, Md.
Restaurant founder Chris McKeown opened the original Agave restaurant in 2008 on Second Street in downtown Lewes. McKeown, wife Jocelyn and new co-owner Mike Firetti opened a second location on Route 1 in November 2021.
In an email March 7, Firetti said construction on the Annapolis location is nearing completion and it is expected to open sometime in May. He didn’t have a specific date.
“As is our opening mantra, Agave only opens when Chris says it’s ready to open,” said Firetti. “Which is, Chris walks up to the front door and simply opens up the restaurant for business and lets the word spread organically! I love this approach, as it ensures Agave is on point and ready to serve our customers in true Agave fashion.”
Agave’s new location is in West Annapolis, near the Naval Academy stadium, and will be the company’s first out-of-Delaware location. Firetti said Annapolis chose them.
For years, many patrons implored Agave to open in Annapolis, said Firetti. With a new building, a great location and similar hometown charm to Lewes, it was an opportunity that could not be missed, he said.
As for the still-new location on the highway, Firetti said things are full steam ahead.
“It’s been an incredible experience, and our staff and customers have come out in full force and support,” said Firetti. “We’re making lots of new friends from a wider geographic area now and our loyal customer base is growing exponentially.”
Looking to the future, Firetti said he and McKeown are in regular discussions about more locations, but nothing has been decided. All options are on the table, but only the best locations that allow Agave to retain its charm will be considered, he said.
At about the same time the restaurant announced a location was coming to Rehoboth, it also announced a location would be in Middletown. Firetti didn’t say that location was no longer part of the plans, but he didn’t provide any details either.
“Annapolis is our laser focus now, and Jocelyn and Chris have the blinders on to ensure the Agave experience, look, feel and food quality are of utmost importance while providing a unique flair in each store we open,” said Firetti.
Agave, 106 Annapolis St., Annapolis, Md., will be open 11:30 a.m. to midnight, with the last seating at about 9:45 p.m., but it could fluctuate with the season. For more information, go to agaverestaurants.com.
