After spending two years honing their menu and building a following at the Fells Point Farmers Market, the founders of the Ekiben food cart are opening a brick-and-mortar shop in the neighborhood.

Nick Yesupriya, Steve Chu and Ephrem Abebe, the trio behind Ekiben's Asian comfort food, are building out a small storefront at 1622 Eastern Ave., where they plan to open in March.

Yesupriya said they searched for space for about nine months before finding the right place to set up shop. Fells Point was a natural fit because customers there helped shape their menu and support their growth.

“Fells Point was the perfect place for us. It was small enough that we had space and time to figure things out, but big enough for us to gain momentum,” Yesupriya said. “It kind of made sense to open up a restaurant in the area that raised our business.”

Yesupriya said he's counting on the following Ekiben has amassed to support them as they get the shop up and running.

Ekiben specializes in slow-cooked meats atop rice bowls and steamed bun sandwiches. Some of the most popular varieties include Thai chicken meatballs and pork vindaloo. The buns and bowls will still take the spotlight in its new digs, but Yesupriya said the permanent space will allow the eatery to expand its offerings. The owners plan on adding more appetizers such as tater tots and spare ribs, as well as experimenting with new main courses such as Taiwanese fried chicken.

Ekiben sources its meats from an Ellicott City butcher shop, and Yesupriya said as the restaurant grows, it will aim to continue to work with local purveyors and support the surrounding community.

“We really are trying to make this a restaurant that's focused on the community in Baltimore,” he said.

In the shop, the neighborhood focus will be evident through more than just the food. Yesupriya said they plan to dedicate a wall of the shop to community news and feature work by local artists throughout the restaurant.

The shop will only seat about 10 customers, with standing tables for about eight. Yesupriya said he expects it to do a strong carryout business. Ekiben is looking to hire four employees to staff the shop.

The founders attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County together, and Ekiben stemmed from their mutual love of Asian food and experimental dinners with friends. The name “Ekiben” comes from a Japanese word for an artisanal bento box.

The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

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