"Pizza Empire” Baltimore Corner Maryland
Story and photos by Josh Rudderforth
It’s hard to imagine that there is a “middle of know where” Maryland and even more unbelievable that it could be the headquarters for Maryland’s newest favorite Italian restaurant chain. Located at an undiscovered stretch of road Pizza Empire seems to be thriving in a location that most entrepreneurs would gladly pass by as forgettable and enthusiastically scout for more populated locations. But for Pizza Empire founder and Owner “Eric” Arslan this was the best location to tap into an untouched region of Maryland and make it work with much success.
Arslan, a Turkish born Marylander, came here looking to create a business. Like many with the American dream, he wanted to start his own company and branch out on his own. “We started Pizza Empire two years ago. Originally we wanted to open up shop in Easton Maryland. One day I was driving around the back roads and saw an empty building. It was centrally located and I decided to take a chance. There is not much around here and we would be the only option around.” It was a chance that paid off. Many in the area were not convinced that Pizza Empire would last. “Seems like when I first opened, people thought I was crazy. There are only a few houses here and no one thought I would make it.”
How wrong they were. Pizza Empire appears to be thriving. On the day I went to visit, there were phones ringing, and deliveries headed out almost nonstop. “Most of our business comes from deliveries, its convenient being the only place around.” Arslan said with a smile. And he smiles for good
reason. With his success he has been able to open another restaurant just 12 miles south on Rt 404. “We have over 20 employees, both full time and part time. We are in the process of opening another location very soon.”
I ordered the Italian Stromboli. It was awesome. It tasted fresh and all of the ingredients stood out. Especially the bell peppers, they could have been plucked from the garden that morning. Service is out of this world and the people that work there look like they enjoy working there. Everyone had a smile on their faces. I will be back; there is so much on the menu to try and not enough time to try it all.
