Royal Deli, a longtime vendor at Lexington Market, is expanding with a second location at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. The family-run deli will take over the former Gangster Vegan space and hopes to open within the next few weeks pending final inspections.
Royal Deli was founded in 2005 by Ana Alvarado. It originally operated in the old Lexington Market before moving into the newly-redeveloped market in 2022.
Alvarado, who is opening the Cross Street Market location alongside her daughter Gisselle Alvarado, told SouthBMore.com she envisioned expanding into Cross Street Market since renovations began there in 2018. The new location is the first step in what the family hopes will become several future Royal Deli locations, along with a more modern vision for the business.
According to the Alvarados, Royal Deli’s most popular sandwiches include the chicken salad, shrimp salad, turkey club, corned beef, and Reuben. Customers can choose from sub rolls, white bread, wheat bread, potato bread, and wraps. The deli’s meats are also available atop garden, Caesar, and chef salads.
In addition to sandwiches and salads, Royal Deli offers house-made sides and snacks including yogurt parfaits, egg salad, macaroni salad, potato salad, fruit salad, pickles, chips, and banana pudding. Customers can also get deli meats by the pound.
Royal Deli also provides catering services featuring sandwich platters, charcuterie boards, and side dishes. Beverages include lemonade, house-brewed tea, sodas, and Everfresh drinks.
The new Cross Street Market location is expected to be open Monday through Saturday, with hours based on market demand. At Lexington Market, which operates from 7am to 5pm, many customers from the nearby University of Maryland Medical Center stop in for sandwiches on their way to work.
Ana Alvarado said she is excited to open the second location and appreciates the atmosphere at Cross Street Market, describing it as “really nice” and “quiet.”
