In a bustling college town like College Park, it’s common for local businesses to come and go.
The restaurants and shops surrounding the University of Maryland often rotate in stride with the groups of students who make up their customer bases, hanging around for a few years before setting off.
But one spot has remained rooted in the university’s culture throughout every addition and redevelopment, occupying a space in the hearts of students and alumni for more than 50 years: Marathon Deli.
The Greek-style restaurant sits in the middle of the many businesses lining Route 1. Known for its late-night crowds, booming music and interior brimming with Terp-themed paraphernalia, Marathon Deli dishes up authentic cuisine and other late-night cravings to students almost all day, seven days a week.
“Anybody who goes to Maryland knows about Marathon Deli,” freshman biology major Abby Grech said.
Marathon opened its doors in 1972, its name inspired by the original owner feeling like he was always running to keep up with his busy schedule.
The restaurant was originally housed in the College Park Shopping Center, just around the corner from its current location, but moved in 2020 because of redevelopment near the building, The Diamondback previously reported.
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Freshman biology and Silver Spring native Khoi Nguyen said he has been eating at Marathon since he was a freshman in high school. He enjoys the food, usually opting for a classic order of a lamb gyro and fries.
Grech said she had heard of Marathon even before coming to Maryland, all the way in her hometown of Chicago. She said people she knew who attended this university told her about the deli.
“When I got here, I already knew that it was kind of a staple in the community,” she said.
Shift leader and cashier Leilani Blunt said university alumni often bring their families to Marathon when they come back to visit the area.
Although the restaurant opens before noon every day, its busiest times usually start after 10 p.m., according to Blunt.
It stays open until 1 a.m. from Sunday to Wednesday and as late as 3 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.
After spending the night out, groups of students will often stop by to order food and dance along to the music blasting loud enough to be heard from the street. Sometimes, Blunt said, orders must be announced via microphone to be heard over the noise, adding to the deli’s hallmark craziness.
Some students described its late-night atmosphere as feeling like a club.
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“The music is bumping,” said freshman public health major Devereaux Edler, who discovered Marathon because it stays open so late and is so lively.
Blunt said Marathon’s mission is to ensure customers are comfortable and have a good experience.
“We definitely cater to our customers as if we’re just one big family,” she said.
Now, Marathon is looking to grow that family.
Marathon will open a second location on Connecticut Avenue in Kensington, its first expansion outside of College Park.
The new restaurant has been in the works for about two years and will cater more toward the traditional family crowd. Blunt estimated it will open sometime between November and early 2026.
She said her favorite part about working at Marathon is seeing the happy faces of alumni who return to the deli on Maryland game days.
“Everybody’s so excited to be here,” she said. “I’m like, ‘Welcome back.’”
