About Us
Established in 1988, The Orchard has been serving fresh, local whole foods to the Downtown Frederick community for over 30 years. We use many organic ingredients in our cooking and buy produce from a number of local sources.
We cater to all diets including vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free. Everything we serve at The Orchard is homemade using only fresh ingredients. We make all of our sauces and dressings from scratch and do all of our own baking. We are known for our whole wheat bread, variety of stir-fries, fresh salads with homemade dressings, and desserts. We offer a number of chicken and seafood options on our menu as well as many vegetarian choices. We are able to accommodate vegan and gluten-free diners. Check out our menu here!
Owner Wais Noorzai grew up in Afghanistan and came to the United States as a refugee in the 1980s. He got his first job at 14 as a dishwasher and over the years worked in the food service industry in various positions throughout the DC Metropolitan area. Wais & wife Belle Noorzai met working in a restaurant in Washington, DC and later moved to Frederick, MD in 2011 where they now reside with their 4 children.
Owning their own restaurant had always been a shared dream of the couple and one they are excited came to fruition with The Orchard which they took over ownership of in February 2023. Following in the footsteps of the previous owner Jim Hickey, who was a giant in the downtown Frederick restaurant industry, they are thrilled to continue the legacy of The Orchard with the same menu favorites and emphasis on whole foods and local fresh ingredients and the continued focus on catering to a variety of diets. In November of 2025, the couple opened a second restaurant called Mazako located at 911-B N. East St in Frederick, MD.
Our Story
Our Chef
Chris Loy is a remarkable chef who began working at The Orchard in1996! The dishes he delivers are consistently fresh and whole-food focused and at the same time innovative and amazingly delicious.
Chef Chris unfailingly delivers the Orchard staples that have made us a renowned downtown Frederick establishment for the past 38 years and unveils new weekly specials and menu additions that are all must-try accompaniments to an already robust menu.
Meet Mazako—The Orchard’s Sister Restaurant Serving Afghan Flavors in Frederick
Mazako is our sister restaurant and a new addition to the Frederick dining community. Located at 911-B North East Street, Mazako offers a modern menu rooted in traditional Afghan cooking—including kababs, rice bowls, aushak dumplings, vegetarian sides, bolani, and fresh herb-driven sauces.
Mazako is fast-casual, welcoming, and designed for quick lunches, takeout, and family meals, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options available.
Learn more at www.mazakofrederick.com.
