Written by: Danna Matheus 🇻🇪
Mural at 1123 by Chef Tobias, representing Tobias Dorzon’s mother when she was 25. (Danna Matheus)
The University Town Center (UTC) in Hyattsville will host 1123 By Chef Tobias, a new Asian & West African Fusion Cuisine at 6450 America Blvd #105 that will have their grand opening on Nov. 23.
Although the restaurant is not officially open, guests can experience its food and ambiance during the soft open phase. This period serves as a trial run, allowing the staff to refine operations in preparation for the grand opening. General Manager Melissa Hill notes that reservations for this phase can be made through OpenTable.com, subject to availability.
“This is just practice for us to make sure that once we get to our grand opening, we are more than prepared for high volume. Tobias always relates it to football. You have multiple pre-season games to get you ready for the actual season itself. ” said Hill.
The cost of an entree ranges from $26 to $125.
The owner, Tobias Dorzon, originally from Riverdale, MD, played football in The National Football League and The Canadian Football League before becoming a full-time chef. The football player opened his first restaurant, Huncho House, on Nov. 19, 2022, and after two years, he will officially open his second restaurant right across the street.
“Both restaurants are considered upscale dining. Huncho House is more American-style, where you can get a ribeye, a Filet mignon, crab cakes…normal American food items. We are (referring to 1123 by Chef Tobias) West African and Asian flare, serving lobster jollof, oxtails, tomahawk… Our menu is completely different as far as flavor profiles,” said Hill.
“We went to this restaurant for their brunch soft opening. It was a wonderful experience. The service, food, and ambiance were great,” said Nnaemeka Chima, a local food vlogger.
Dinner hours are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and brunch is on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Guests can park at Parking Garage B or UTC Garage B. Both garages are within walking distance from 1123 by Chef Tobias.
The restaurant is also under discussions to purchase 50 spaces in a nearby parking lot for staff and valet services, “we are looking into being on a month-to-month basis, but it is not finalized yet,” said Hill.
According to Hill, the business has noticed a few people who appear to be homeless in the UTC area. Tobias has spoken with county officials and Mayor Robert Croslin and hired private security to address it.
She wrote a letter on behalf of Tobias to find ways to address this.
“So we can work as a community together to find resources for these individuals that could potentially be homeless, just something to try to make the general area a little more safe at least from the view from guest perception and our staff feeling a little more comfortable being here.”
In a survey administered by The City of Hyattsville between Nov. 30, 2023, and Jan. 30, 2024 in which 64 willing respondents who were experiencing homelessness responded. 56.3% of those surveyed said that they sleep outside.
The business also has experienced trespassing issues. “We are considering speaking with the chief of police of Hyattsville so that we can get off-duty officers,” said Hill.
Renee Harris, the Business Development Coordinator of the City of Hyattsville, recognizes the need to address the homelessness issues in UTC and create a safer, more inviting environment for local businesses and their customers.
“It will take a team approach, working with the local businesses and property owners surrounding the area. One way to promote safety in our commercial districts is by bringing activities as well as lighting to spaces, which will discourage vagrancy and loitering,” Harris said.
“We are currently working with MNCPPC (Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission) planning a Holiday event to engage the community. This will include lighting on poles and/or trees along America Blvd, a Holiday Market at Independence Plaza, art and entertainment, and lots more.”
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