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.

September 2024 Updates

Oh September. The end of summer is here. So sad. Where did it go? Feels the kids just get out of school and now we are already back in.  The cooler weather is starting to come in, then leaves will change soon.  It's a time when people return from summer vacations and settle back into their regular schedules.  I hope you got to do some fun stuff and spend time with family and friends.  

"Let's have one more barbecue before we start pumpkin spicing everything!" — Unknown

I get asked about this a lot so just for clarification.  You have a couple of projects on Western Parkway in Waldorf.  One near the corners is a SMECO project to expand the power station.  The other is the Waldorf Tech Park Apartments which are comprised of seven mid-rise, class A, elevator served, residential buildings, totaling 272 apartments. The project features two standalone clubhouses/fitness buildings, a pool, and multiple outdoor amenity areas.

Crunch Fitness coming soon to 3035 Waldorf Market Place in the former AC Moore space.  It will be a 24 hour center.  They plan to open in January 2025.

Berry Pointe is the new warehouse flex project on Berry Road where the turf farm is located currently.

Right now they are showing a forty-eight thousand and a fifty thousand square foot flex space that will start construction in the near future.  These will look like office on the front side and have roll up doors on the rear of the spaces.  They will have some pad sites for limited retail and professional uses. This is business park zoned so you can't do just any type of retail there.  There are limitations.  So far nothing is set in stone except for the warehouses.

Domoishi now open at the Esperanza Center in the former El Pollon chicken space.  22650 Three Notch Road A, Lexington Park.  Domoishi specializes in Asian Fusion ramen, wings, poke bowls, and bubble teas.  They have 33 stores in the US currently.

Tia's Cantina is now hiring at their new location 23415 Three Notch Road, Suite 2060.  Located in front of the Wildewood Center. Planning to open in November of this year.

Marco's Pizza is showing a November 23rd opening date.  Marco's is located at Waldorf Park behind Crumbl cookies. 3722 Crain Highway, Unit 114, Waldorf.

Fiesta Cancun Bar and Grill taking over the former Mariachis space.  3610 Crain Highway in Waldorf between Olive Garden and Hooters.  We assume these are new tenants and not just a rename.  Renovations have been done.  No opening date given but they were hiring staff.

August 2024 Updates

Oh August. Hot weather and long days. August marks the ending of summer and the beginning of a new school year on the way.  I don't want the summer to end even though sometimes it can be miserable.  I enjoy lots of colorful flowers and plants that winter kills.  It always keeps my mood positive. I'm also not looking forward to cleaning up leaves in the fall. So enjoy the weather the best you can.  Make those summer memories and spend it with the ones you love. 

• "Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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South Park Center in Waldorf has signed tenants including a Woman's salon, Botanical Bliss dispensary, Bahama Bucks Shaved Ice and a few more still in lease negotiations.  This building is located near the Carrabba's and Cracker Barrel.

Charleys Philly Steaks is coming soon to the La Plata Village Center next to Dunkin Donuts.

The McDonald's at 3000 Crain Highway in Waldorf by Outback has been demolished to make way for a new up to date version of its stores.  I think this was the oldest one in the area.  Had a couple birthdays there.  I'm not a fan of the new designs. Very boring.

Heartland Dental is taking over the former BBT building in White Plains.  10660 Stanhaven Place

Old Navy will have its grand opening August 10th at the Shops at Waldorf Center.

Domoishi Coming soon to the Esperanza Center in the former El Pollon chicken space.  22650 Three Notch Road A, Lexington Park.  Domoishi specializes in Asian Fusion ramen, wings, poke bowls, and bubble teas.  They have 33 stores in the US currently.

July 2024 Updates

July is a month filled with excitement and warmth, perfect for making memories with friends and family.  It's a month that brings the heat of summer along with lots of fun activities and especially the 4th of July to watch fireworks and celebrate our country.  I hope everyone has a good 4th and keeps out of the burn unit.  

“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” - Walt Disney

Once again I appreciate all the nice comments you have written.  I'll just keep laughing at the bad comments and chalk them up as just plain ignorance.  It's best that way.  I took a few days off and went to Ocean City with the family.  It's still a great place to visit.  Water was nice and really clear on some days.  Beach was not too busy.  Boardwalk was the same.  Quite the selection of "I love hot moms" shirts and other interesting quotes.  Tempting but I refrained from buying one for myself.  

A 60,000 square foot Weis Market is still listed as proposed for Charlotte Hall Station but I'm pretty sure its a done deal by now.  Along with it will be some outparcels and gas station proposed.  This is going on the former McKay's project site.

World Food Supermarket is coming to 2215 Crain Highway in Waldorf.  It will be a large Mediterranean Grocery store specializing in Middle Eastern products including halal meats and also foods from other countries.  Currently showing an opening date of July 30th.  This is their first location an they will have three more coming to the DMV area.

University of Maryland surgical services and breast health is now open at 145 Rosewick Corner Place, Unit 101 in La Plata next to the Aldi.

Playa Bowls Acai Shop has been added to the tenant list at the new Armory Square in Prince Frederick.  They specialize in Acai bowls, smoothies and juices. They currently have 13 locations in Maryland.

T Pot has set a soft opening date of August 1st at Waldorf Marketplace.  This is the former Grill 13 location.

Charles County has purchase the former Sears building at St. Charles Town Center Mall to turn it into a new sports and wellness complex with competition swimming pool, lap pool, splash pad, basketball courts, running track and more.  Currently it will be called the St. Charles Town Center Natatorium & Sports Complex.  No opening date has been given yet.  You can learn more about it and give your input for what you would like them to add here: https://www.charlescountyparks.com/about-us/development/sports-and-wellness-complex

Rack Room Shoes now open in the First Colony Shopping Center next to Target. 45147 Colony Way, California, MD

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.

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.