Our Story
Same Kitchen.
Same Heart.
Same Food You've Always Loved.
Southern-inspired comfort food and warm hospitality in the heart of East Frederick.
We think the building traded up.
Our Roots
A historic mid-century showroom, reimagined for modern dining
The building at 882 N. East Street has a unique industrial history that directly inspired the restaurant's current identity. Built in the 1960s, the space originally operated as an actual car dealership showroom on Frederick's industrial East side.
When celebrity chef and Frederick native Bryan Voltaggio first took over the space in 2012, he opened Family Meal, an upscale take on classic Southern comfort food.
As the restaurant evolved, the team decided to lean fully into the building's architectural roots.
1960s
Built as a showroom
The space opens as a car dealership showroom on Frederick's industrial East side, soaring ceilings, glass picture windows, cars on display.
2012
Family Meal arrives
Frederick native and Top Chef finalist Bryan Voltaggio took over the space and opened Family Meal, an upscale take on classic Southern comfort food.
Today
CARRIED FORWARD AS SHOWROOM
A direct nod to its automotive past, the floor where cars were once shown is now a modern dining room and bustling open kitchen.
Familiar classics. Same sharp space.
The space never needed to change - the soaring ceilings, glass picture windows, and open floor plan
were right from day one. What's evolved is the name and the menu's confidence, carrying the same
food and spirit forward as Showroom.
The Chef
"We set out to create what we thought could be the best fried chicken in the Mid-Atlantic… That is the signature dish for Family Meal, without a doubt. We're really proud of that."
-Bryan Voltaggio, Eater DC, 2013
Frederick native. Top Chef finalist. Multiple-time James Beard Award nominee - he built Family Meal, and later Showroom, around the food he grew up on in his hometown.
still winning today
Frederick Feed's #1
Fried Chicken
#1 Onion Rings
OpenTable's #1 Brunch in Frederick five years
running
Frederick News-Post's #1 Reuben in Frederick
County
tripadvisor review
“The fried chicken is the best to be found north of the Mason-Dixon Line,
I believe. I started with the fried chicken and never looked beyond.”
“Every time we come we have great food, drinks and service. They make incredible drinks and cocktails, and the food is elevated and hearty. If you are looking for a great brunch spot, this is a must try!”
Google review
“Served in one of the most charming vessels east of the Mississippi - a large, golden bowl shaped like a chicken. Great American supper food like fried chicken, pork chops and meatloaf.”
Baltimore Sun, 2015
“Why We Love Showroom Frederick So Much,” - praises the fried chicken with cheddar chive biscuits, the meatloaf, mushroom risotto, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, salmon, steak frites, and short ribs.”
Glenn VanLandingham, December 2023
beloved since day one
“Brined in pickle juice, then lightly breaded before being fried in a cast-iron skillet. Order it today and you’ll see: some things are worth never
changing” . - Todd Kliman, Washingtonian, 2013
Your table’s ready. So is the fried chicken.
Seats fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Find Us
A table is waiting.
Visit
882 N. East Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Hours
Brunch: daily 8am–4pm · Dinner: daily 4pm–9pm · Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 2–6pm, bar only
contact
(301) 835-7628 · manager@ShowroomFrederick.com



