June 2024 Updates

The month of June is a time when the sun shines brightly and the days are long. Time to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, barbecuing, and going on vacations as the kids are getting out of school. June marks the beginning of summer. One of my favorite times of the year.  I started my summer having my gallbladder removed.  Apparently it didn't like my eating habits.  Drink water people.  Lots of it!

“Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” - Mark Twain

I should have taken this advice.  I spent too much time this weekend dealing with people talking trash about me on Facebook.  Apparently when I post what's coming some people think it's all my stuff.  They think these are all my projects and all my developments and I make all the decisions on who comes to the area. Like I personally decide to put four chicken restaurants in an area.  99% of what I tell you about I have absolutely nothing to do with.  We don't own any properties besides our office space we occupy.  I'm just informing you of what's happening in the area because I don't like rumors flying around and its kind of fun to do.  I'm trying to educate.  But these Yo-Yos hold me personally responsible for every tree that has been taken down in Southern Maryland and every nail salon.  You try to educate and explain and its like talking to a brick wall.  I know better to engage but when they try to defame you you better believe I'm going to respond.  And I'll go the legal route if I have to.

Because I've been asked about this project I looked up whatever information was available.  In Brandywine by the GMC dealership they are clearing land for this project called Calm Retreat. It is a 72 acre site that is said to have around 850 residential units and maybe three small commercial buildings at the entrance.  Concepts are always subject to change.

Navy Federal Credit Union and Pizza Hut Express are now open at the Brandywine Village Shopping Center off of Chadds Ford Drive in Brandywine.

Atrium Spirits liquor store is now open at 37680 Mohawk Dr, Charlotte Hall.

For some reason the Beauty Island coming to Waldorf Shoppers world in place of Bed bath and Beyond has changed the name to Beauty Town.  Looks like they are getting close to opening.

WMK Appliances is opening soon at Waldorf Shoppers World.  This will be their third location in the DMV area. 3228 Crain Highway

Old Navy shows opening this summer at the Shops at Waldorf.  They are now hiring.  

Saladworks is showing a new grand opening date of September 10th at the Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center.  15802 Crain Highway next to the UPS Store.  This is their forth location in Maryland.  Dates always subject to change. 

One Eyed Jack's Seafood Market & Deli is taking over the former Pickers Paradise at 23905 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood, MD

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is showing an opening date of July 8th at the Brandywine Village shopping center.  15805 Crain Highway, Unit H. 

May 2024 Updates

The month of May brings a sense of happiness and delight to many people. The blooming flowers and warmer weather transitioning from spring to summer create a feeling of joy in the air. People often spend more time outdoors during May, enjoying the beauty of nature. The joy of May reminds us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and embrace the happiness that surrounds us. 

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” ― Henry James

Looking at the comments over and over I think people forget that Waldorf is the main area of Charles County and that's where its supposed to have the most development.  St. Charles Development was planned in the early 60's.  All the homes sites were planned years in advance.  

"These developers are destroying all the trees and there wont be any left."  Maybe take a drive a mile or so off of 301 and you will see that there are farms, parks, forests and protected wetlands all over.  50% of the county will always stay green according to the comprehensive plan. Here is the link but its a big document: 

https://planning.maryland.gov/Documents/OurWork/compplans/16_CMP_CharlesCounty.pdf

You say you aren't informed?  Here is the schedule of Charles County commissioner meetings.  Go and make a statement: 

https://www.charlescountymd.gov/government/charles-county-commissioners/board-of-charles-county-commissioners-meetings

This is the full lineup of tenants for the Brandywine Village next to 7-11 and Taco Bell on Chadds Ford Drive.  The last tenants added area a dentist and Zips Cleaners.  Edit: Fresh Green has backed out.

Price Busters Furniture will take over the former Office Depot space at Waldorf Marketplace.

We attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fairway Village Shopping Center.  This is located at the corner of Billingsley Road and St. Charles Parkway.  It will have a state of the art 60,000 square foot Weis market as the anchor tenant.  They said it will look at nice as a Harris teeter.  It will also have a McDonalds, Kinder Care, Heartland Dental, Eggspectation restaurant, Haircuttery, Saleya Nails and Spa and more tenants on the way. 

Current layout for the new section of the Charlotte Hall Center.  Starbucks will join Chick-fil-A and Aldi on the former farmers market space.  Royal farms is still coming to the Wentworth corner. 

April 2024 Updates

April is a vibrant month full of new beginnings and growth. The flowers start to bloom, and the weather begins to get warmer. People often spend more time outside, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. It's a great time to start planting seeds in the garden or going for walks in the park. Overall, April is a month of renewal and excitement as we transition from the cold winter to the warmer days of spring. It can't come soon enough!  

Anne's Southern Kitchen is now open in Indian Head at 4840 Strauss Avenue.

ISLAND GRILLE KOREAN RESTAURANT

Island Grille Korean restaurant is now open in the Lusby Town Center at 182 Village Center Drive.

My friends at Inside Commercial Real Estate Companies updated me on the Armory Square project in Prince Frederick. Tenants include Aldi, Dash In, Ace Hardware, Michael's, First Watch, Always Ice Cream, Quickway Hibachi, Fosters Grille, Jersey Mike's and Hangry Joe's. More to be announced at a later date. Groundbreaking will take place mid May. This is the corner of Route 2/4 and Dares Beach Road.

Sprouts Farmers Market is coming to the former HHGregg/Pop Up space at The Shops at Waldorf Center.  This will be their seventh location in Maryland.  Sprouts offers a large selection of organic and natural foods that are minimally processed, free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and synthetics.

The RAD House will have its Grand Opening May 3rd at the La Plata Village Center.  82 Drury Drive.

March 2024 Updates

March. The signs of the changing season become more apparent. The weather starts to get warmer, and the days become longer. Spring flowers begin to bloom, bringing color back to the world. March is a time of transition from the chilly winter months to the more pleasant days ahead.  I hope everyone has pleasant days ahead filled with happiness.  I'm really in need of some more of that sunshine.

As I always say if you want a restaurant or other store to come to the area tell them!  Go to their websites, Facebook pages, Instagram and let them know you want them here.  They need to hear from the consumers.  Not every place can open because some have to have a franchiser in the area. It's not always a corporate store.

Sheets was approved for Charlotte Hall.  It will be located off of Three Notch Road across from the VA Clinic.  O'Reilly Auto Parts has now been added to the tenant list for that Charlotte Hall Commons project.

Social Coffeehouse is having their grand opening of their new location April 5th at 41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown.

Choice Floors & Stairways opens April 1st at the Rosewick Crossing Shopping Center in La Plata.

Southern Maryland Produce in Charlotte Hall is going to move to the former St. Mary's Landing restaurant location on Three Notch Road.  They plan to open April 3rd.

There are new apartments coming to Western Parkway across from Hamilton Road. Waldorf Technology Park Apartments will have seven mid-rise, elevator served, class A apartments.  There will be a total of 272 apartments.  It will have two separate clubhouses, fitness buildings, a pool and other outdoor amenities.  

Royal Farms and Chipotle are signed for Lexington Exchange on Oak Crest Drive in California, MD

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.