Annapolis overhauls outdoor dining as shared lease ends June 30

Outdoor dining in Annapolis’s Market Space will change after June 30, as the city ends its current collective lease. The move follows six years of success with al fresco seating, which became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. City leaders now plan to introduce individual street cafe leases for each of the five restaurants in the area. The decision to replace the shared lease comes from Mayor Jared Littmann, who wants a more flexible system. Instead of a single agreement, each restaurant will negotiate its own terms. This shift aims to balance construction projects, public safety, and major events like the Annapolis Boat Shows.

Federal House’s managing partner, Jeremy Black, credits outdoor dining with boosting revenue and staffing levels. He notes that customers consistently prefer eating outside, a trend that has held strong since 2018. Despite the lease change, the city hopes to keep outdoor dining available through summer and autumn.

The new arrangement will also address practical concerns, including City Dock resiliency work and snow removal. Restaurant managers remain optimistic that the updated agreements will preserve the lively outdoor atmosphere in downtown Annapolis. The city’s updated approach will replace the existing lease with individual contracts by July. Each restaurant will now manage its own outdoor space, while the city focuses on infrastructure and event planning. The goal is to maintain a vibrant dining scene while adapting to future needs.