After 16 years in the financial industry, Ann Costlow had a sudden epiphany as she took in the view of the tall ships from her office overlooking the Inner Harbor � she wanted to serve as a galley cook on The Pride Baltimore, a reproduction of an 19th century Baltimore clipper. Six months later Costlow knew she had found her true calling � to create good, nutritious food that diners could eat on the go. Crepes, the ubiquitous French street food, seemed to fit that bill perfectly.
Named after her beloved dog, Sofi's Crepes quickly became a favorite for Charles Theater movie goers and residents of the Station North neighborhood. Just three years after opening the creperie, Costlow expanded, taking over the restaurant in the Women's Industrial Exchange on Charles St. in Downtown Baltimore. In January 2008, Costlow opened to the business to any taker with the opportunity to open a franchise. The first franchiser, Stephanie Hans, recently opened a location in Annapolis, MD.