Serial Entrepreneur Erica Opens ICON: A Black-Owned Restaurant Revolutionizing the City

Erica, a serial entrepreneur, has just opened ICON—a Black-owned family restaurant located at 301 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD, that’s redefining the dining and entertainment scene in the city. ICON is more than just a place to eat—it’s an immersive experience that combines luxury, culture, and community, offering a variety of unique features you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Erica’s journey from daycare owner to real estate mogul and now restauranteur has been one of resilience, ambition, and a deep desire to create generational wealth for her family. Growing up in Laurel, Erica attended both private and public schools, with her private school experience shaping her mindset to prioritize discipline and structure. “I always wanted to make as much money as I can,” she says. “I’m glad I went to private school because without that, I would’ve been off on the wrong path.”

Though Erica dropped out of Bowie State University, she never let her education or background limit her. “If I can do it, anybody can. It’s all about mindset,” she says, reflecting on how she’s proven success isn’t defined by formal education. Her children were her motivation to push harder and build something lasting for them. “I wanted to make sure my kids had something to inherit,” Erica explains.

Before venturing into real estate, Erica ran a daycare, but quickly realized the transformative power of property ownership. “The money, the process—it’s all exciting. You gotta play to win. You gotta be a risk taker,” she says. Now, her business ventures have led her to open ICON, a family restaurant where the focus is not just on food, but on creating a complete experience for every guest.

At ICON, it’s all about choice. You can enjoy valet service, savor a delicious meal, and encounter friendly faces wherever you go. After dinner, catch an exciting show or enjoy a night of comedy. If you’re looking for something more interactive, head to the game room for some fun, or escape to the library for a more relaxed vibe. And for those who want to take the experience to the next level, you can even bring your food down to the pool area and unwind in a beautiful setting. Whether you’re looking for great food, fun, or networking, ICON has something for everyone.

What makes ICON stand apart isn’t just the atmosphere or amenities—it’s the service and the sense of community. “This business is about hustling and hard work. We focus on treating people right,” Erica emphasizes. ICON is designed to be a space where culture, history, and connection come together. “You’ll learn about iconic people who run the world. You’ll get the history,” she adds.

Erica didn’t have experience running a restaurant, but her relentless drive and business savvy led her to succeed. With her strong work ethic and a trusted business partner, Erica is setting a new standard for hospitality in the city.

ICON is more than just a restaurant—it’s a legacy in the making, a place where you can eat, entertain, connect, and experience something completely new.

Journalist Take- I had the chance to actually try the food for the first time and it was absolutely delectable, I had a well cooked cheesesteak with a beautiful made blueberry strawberry smoothie to wash it down.

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