September 2025 Updates

September marks the quiet shift from summer’s warmth to autumn’s embrace. The days are still touched by lingering sunshine, but cooler evenings hint at the season ahead. It’s a month of transition—students return to school, routines settle back in, and nature begins its slow transformation as leaves start to change. September carries both the energy of fresh beginnings and the comfort of familiar traditions. It’s a time to refocus, set new goals, and enjoy the balance between summer’s freedom and fall’s cozy rhythm.

I hope everyone that returned to school had a good first week.  Getting the family back into routine is always a pain.  Loving this weather so far.  Enjoy is while it lasts!

Something I hear a lot is about how there is nothing for kids and adults to do as far as recreation.  It's aways "they should build this or that".  Well unfortunately we need a someone to actually do it.  Your county does not build bowling alleys, Dave and Busters, mini golf courses and so on.  It takes a group of investors to put up the money and buy or lease a property and get it done.  The name brands have requirements before they even look at your site.  Lets take a look at Dave and Busters as an example.  From their website:  

Super-regional Draw: 
• 700,000 to 1,000,000 daytime population (within 10 miles) 
• Average guest travels 22 minutes to visit our stores.

So if we look at the mall as our spot to build, Charles County has a estimated 2024 population of approximately 174,478.  Daytime population means the people that don't leave the area for work. If we do a ten mile radius from the mall we only get to around 208,000 people. So unfortunately we are not even close to their requirements.

These kind of places are a big risk.  No only do you depend on people showing up and spending money but you know people are going to beat the crap out of your machines and they will need to be constantly repaired due to wear and tear.  So you can see why people would be apprehensive about getting into this type of business.  Of course it also does not help when people constantly bash where they live online like its some sort of war zone.  You don't realize businesses do their research and see that stuff.  So why would they come?  Think before you speak.

Sheets will have its Grand Opening September 11th at 37692 John Knight Drive, Charlotte Hall, MD

Foster's Grille is looking to open mid September at Armory Square in Prince Frederick.

Raw Juice and Wellness Lab soft opening this week at Merchants Square 4455 Crain Highway White Plains.

The Farmhouse is expanding from Gambrills to the new Fairway Village Shopping Center located at Billingsley Road and St. Charles Parkway. Known for its farm-to-fork dining philosophy and rustic-chic ambiance, The Farmhouse promises to deliver the same elevated yet approachable dining experience that has made its Gambrills location a favorite. From cozy interiors and private dining spaces to menus crafted with local ingredients, this new spot is set to become a must-visit destination in Charles County.

Zaxby's has given me a tentative opening date of October 6, 2025 for their new Waldorf Marketplace location 3068 Waldorf Market Place.  Dates are always subject to change.  They are now hiring.

November 2024 Updates

November is a transitional month, often marked by the deepening chill of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Trees stand bare against the gray skies, and a sense of quiet settles in as nature prepares for winter. In many cultures, November is a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance, often highlighted by holidays like Thanksgiving.  I've always been a fan of Thanksgiving because its one of the main times you get all the family together.  Unfortunately over the years our family gatherings get smaller as kids grow up and move, or have to share time with their in-laws, or our elders pass away and we lose that glue that holds us all together.  It really sucks.  So please get your family together as much as you can.  Share special times, tell stories and make memories.

And since its election time please go vote.

"There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people, religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin." -Linus VanPelt

I've now set the comments to google account users only.  Because I'm not going to sit and deal with having to moderate to everyone's liking and getting crap for it.  I don't have the time or crayons to deal with it. I have a job to do.

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market has signed on at the Wildewood Center in California, MD.  It will take over the former Bed Bath and Beyond space.  They have 480 locations across 10 states.  Each store is independently owned and operated.

Zaxby's is starting construction on their Waldorf location next to the Red Robin at Waldorf Marketplace.  No word on a finish date.

Tia's Cantina is showing an opening date of December 16th.  23415 Three Notch Road, Suite 2060.  Located in front of the Wildewood Center. 

October 2024 Updates

 October is a month that embodies the shift from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall. As the days grow shorter, the air turns cooler, and leaves transform into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s a time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and the unmistakable scent of woodsmoke in the air.

October also brings with it a sense of anticipation, with Halloween looming at the end of the month. Neighborhoods start to fill with decorations, and children excitedly plan their costumes. It’s a month that encourages outdoor adventures, from apple picking to scenic hikes, as nature puts on its final show before winter. Overall, October feels like a celebration of change and a reminder to embrace the beauty of transition.    That was AI cause I'm too tired to come up with new material today.

“Eat, drink, and be cozy – it’s autumn.” 

Fiesta Cancun Bar and Grill has announced an October 8th opening date in Waldorf.  They will open for lunch at 11a.m.  3610 Crain Highway next to Hooters.

The Bob Evans in Waldorf has closed to make way for First Watch The Daytime Cafe.  This would be their first location in Southern Maryland.  There is also one planned for Prince Frederick but it will open at a later time.  First Watch is a popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch café chain known for its fresh and seasonal menu. First Watch focuses on using high-quality ingredients, offering a variety of options including omelets, pancakes, salads, and sandwiches. They also emphasize healthy choices, with many dishes being made from scratch. In addition to traditional breakfast fare, First Watch is known for its specialty dishes like their famous avocado toast and various fresh juices. They also cater to dietary preferences, providing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Oasis Fresh Foods Market will have its soft opening at 9a.m. on October 9th at 4145 Indian Head Highway.  Oasis is a locally owned and operated neighborhood grocery store.

Scramblers is opening its first restaurant in Maryland at the old IHOP location in Lexington Park. 21911 Three Notch Road. Scramblers currently has 27 locations in Florida, Michigan and Ohio

Their locations are open for breakfast and lunch from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  No opening date set.

7-11 Has started construction on their new store next to Aldi at Rosewick Corner in La Plata.  The one at Hawthorne Center is closed permanently.  The new one will have a gas station as well.

Rios Mexican Carryout and Tortilleria has opened at 11740 Central Avenue in Waldorf.  

February 2024 Updates

Ah February. The shortest month of the year. Most famous for Valentine's Day.  A day to celebrate love and affection to those closest to you with really expensive flowers and trinkets. It is also a time when many people start to feel the anticipation of spring, as the days gradually become longer and signs of new life begin to emerge. Overall, February offers a mix of winter coziness and the promise of brighter days ahead.  I hope everyone has brighter days ahead filled with happiness and prosperity. 

"In February there is everything to hope for and nothing to regret" - Patience Strong

Panera Bread has opened their new freestanding location in Waldorf next to Silver Diner. 3070 Technology Place. The other location in the shopping center closed.  No new tenant yet.  I hear it does not have a fireplace in the new one and people are already upset.  This one does have a drive thru.

Grille No. 13 is now open as a carry out restaurant at 351 Smallwood Drive in Waldorf.  

Milk & Honey Cafe is coming to the Charles County Plaza next to Planet Fitness.  From their website: "Milk & Honey is a New Orleans themed Southern Brunch that features Award Winning Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, RumChata French Toast and specializes in other slow cooked mouth-watering favorites." No word on an opening date as the lease was just finalized.

The former AT&T store at Rosewick road in La Plata will be divided into two spaces.  Webster Insurance and Choice Floors and Stairs will be the two new tenants.

Name correction! The restaurant taking over the former Grill 13 space at Waldorf Marketplace is called T POT. They just opened one in Gambrills, MD recently. No word on an opening date yet. https://tpotrestaurant.com/

Lucianna's Steakhouse is back with a new owner. They are still at 3331 Plaza way in Waldorf.

Calvert Yard Cards Grand Opening at 1921 Skinners Turn Road, Owings, MD

So while doing some research on sales I found that the former capital one in Waldorf Marketplace next to Red Robin has been purchased to do a Zaxby's! I don't have any other information yet. I would assume they got approvals or they wouldn't have bought it. We will see how this progresses.

Firepan Korean BBQ and Bar is now having its soft opening at the Charles County Plaza. 3237 Plaza Drive. Grand Opening is March 6th.

Tommy's Express Car Wash is now open at 3185 Crain Highway.