From raising money for the county’s homeless to giving away ice and lemonade during power outages, Roundz Gourmet Market and Catering in Gambrills has established a reputation for community service.
It is this pattern of philanthropy that led the West County Chamber of Commerce to select Roundz as the 2013 Business of the Year.
“We have many wonderful businesses in West County,” said chamber president Claire Louder, “but Roundz, as a new business, has shown a remarkable level of community involvement and that really caught our eye. In addition to helping community groups and charities, Roundz also makes every effort to use local products and services. ”
Roundz, owned by Crofton resident Chef Zachary Pope, started in 2004 as a catering business serving the Maryland-DC-Virginia region. In 2011, Pope expanded his business with the opening of Roundz Gourmet Market, an eatery and special events venue that also serves as the hub of Roundz Catering.
“This is a tremendous honor, and a big surprise,” Chef Pope said. “I never expected to receive any acknowledgement for what Roundz does in the community. That’s not why we do these things. I live here and want to help this area thrive. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to use my abilities to help.”
Examples of Roundz community service cited by the West County Chamber include Pope’s involvement since 2007 in the SOUPer Bowl Lunch for the Light House Shelter; Pope’s class in healthy meal planning for participants of the WIC program; Roundz ice and lemonade giveaway during the power outages from storms in July 2012; Pope’s free lectures to public school groups on eating well; and numerous fundraisers and civic activities.
Chef Pope and his wife Jennifer live in Crofton with their two young sons. Roundz Gourmet Market is at 2299 Johns Hopkins Road in Gambrills, and is open for dining in or carry out Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cooking classes, private dinners and other event schedules are available at www.roundz.com Roundz Catering operates seven days a week and can be reached at 443.292.4631 or [email protected].
