September 2026 Updates

Dang I've been so busy with just busy work I forget to post on here.   Well there hasn't been much to post yet so that doesn't help either.  I think with the summer closing out there will be some more activity.   I hope everyone had a great summer and kids are getting back to school now and getting used to new schedules.   Seems like there are quite a few things that will open in the next few months if they get thru the permit process.  That's what takes the longest time.  Just have patience.  

Speaking of patience, it is scary how many people I watch do whatever they like on the roads.  Driving down shoulders to by pass traffic, U-turns at red lights, getting out of a turn lane and driving around everyone to make the turn on a red light, trying to merge into a turn lane at the front of the line while blocking the regular traffic lanes.  Why does everyone have this main character energy where they think they can do whatever the hell they want?  These kind of decisions not only put you in danger but the people you are cutting off.  Have some frickin patience people.  The light will change!

Please be kind to one another.  It doesn't take much effort at all.

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” - Dolly Parton

Saladworks Brandywine said they have a tentative opening date of October 1st pending all permit approvals. We will see what happens.  Hopefully this is it after two years in the making.

Starbucks will open at the PAX River Village Center on September 11th. 21841 Three Notch Road.

August 2026 updates

The summer seems to be moving so quickly I have not had time to enjoy it.  Trying to keep up with work, home maintenance and running errands is taking up so much time.  I need a day to sit by the water and eat some crabs!  I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.  Seems like they put the back to school stuff out earlier and earlier every year.  I just want to have some summer without thinking of the kids going back to school.  They put out the summer gear and the pencils and folders seem to show up weeks later!  What are your must do things each summer? 

Always remember you matter, you are special and you are loved.  Go out and spread love and kindness.

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” — Sam Keen

Flavor hive is now open at its new Waldorf location on 10440 O'Donnell Place next to The Creek Sports Bar.

Jersey Mikes has delayed its opening in Lexington Park at PAX River Village to August 19th.

Always Ice Cream is the latest tenant signed for The Shops at Fairway Village in St. Charles.  This is the new shopping center located at the corner of Billingsley Road and St. Charles Parkway. Coming Spring 2027 

The former Bollywood space in La Plata has been leased to two tenants.  Aladdin's Royal Palace and Holy Cow Burger.  More information as it becomes available.

Ocean State Job Lot grand opening August 22nd at Rox Run shopping center in Prince Frederick. Soft openings start August 17th.

According to the permits office it looks like Fox Run Shopping Center in Prince Frederick is getting a Wonder.  It will be located next to Advance Auto.

July 2026 Updates

I'm excited to celebrate our 250th anniversary of America.  I love the 4th of July.  I love family time and fireworks with patriotic music playing.  It always brings a happy tear to my eye.  I wish everyone loved it as much.  Unfortunately some people spend all their time hating on everything that makes us a great country.  We have our flaws.  There will always be issues.  But there is no where else Id rather be.

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." – Abraham Lincoln

Burlington has opened at the Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center.

Pollo Campero is now open at the Waldorf Station complex. 12468 Mattawoman Drive. They join Starbucks and Honeygrow that are already open.  Potbelly is coming soon.

This is the current tenant line up so far at Charlotte Hall Station. More tenants are in the works.

Starbucks has opened its freestanding location with drive thru at the Charlotte Hall Center.  29870 Three Notch Road next to Aldi and Chick-fil-A.

10x Pilates coming to Mechanicsville, MD this August at New Market Plaza.  29015 Three Notch Road, Unit 2B. 

Arby's is coming back to LaPlata in the former Roy Rogers location.

Wonder is coming August 20th to Waldorf Marketplace in the former Three Brothers space.

Wonder is a modern food delivery company that brings meals from multiple well-known restaurants and celebrity chefs together in a single order. Instead of operating as a traditional restaurant with a dining room, Wonder prepares fresh meals in local kitchens designed specifically for delivery and pickup. Customers can mix and match dishes from a variety of restaurant concepts, making it possible for everyone in a group to order something different without placing separate orders.

One 50 Fitness is now open at 37670 Mohawk Drive in Charlotte Hall.

June 2026 Updates

Happy June and Congratulations to the graduates of the class of 2026.  I watched my first child get her diploma on the 2nd and boy did I have all the feelings.  Where did the time go?  What's next?  Such a flow of emotions that were almost too much to handle.  It will be a big transition from this to her next chapter but she's got confidence and a personality that can tackle anything, and I'm very proud of her.  Make sure to tell your kids the same.  

Still a good amount of activity out there with new businesses opening or coming soon.  Hope we can keep the momentum up.  Some of these social media posts don't help but I'm not going to get into that. Be a cheerleader for your town.  Be educated on what's going on.  Do research.

Rice and Spice now open at the Westlake Square Shopping Center.  3380 Middletown Road #102, Waldorf. Rice & Spice offers a flavorful fusion of Asian cuisine, featuring an extensive menu of Thai, Laotian, Chinese, and sushi specialties. Known for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant provides diners with a unique culinary experience that blends traditional recipes with modern influences. From expertly prepared curries and noodle dishes to handcrafted sushi rolls and signature house specialties, Rice & Spice has become a popular destination for those seeking authentic flavors and a diverse dining experience in Southern Maryland.

Hangry Joe’s is now open at Armory Square in Prince Frederick May 28th. 439 N Solomons Island Road.  

Looks like First Watch is taking the current Panera space at South Plaza Shopping Center in St. Mary's county.  Stay tuned for updates.  Still wondering if Panera will move somewhere else.

One 50 Fitness Grand Opening July 18th. 37670 Mohawk Drive in Charlotte Hall.

Bollywood Masala will open June 11th at their new location in Waldorf. 3804 Crain Highway next to Bahama Bucks at the South Park retail center.

Red Bowl Hibachi & Chicken and Red Chili Burgers & Wings coming soon to Pinefield South Shopping Center in the former Lefty’s location.

Our friends at the shops at Waldorf center have announced a new lease with Mini So. Coming this fall.  

MINISO is a popular global lifestyle and variety retail chain known for its affordable, high-quality, and trendy merchandise.

La Tazza Coffee Co. Soft opening July 6th at 26945 Three Notch Rd, Mechanicsville.  Grand Opening on the 7th.

Newly renovated The Creek sports bar and restaurant opened June 19th at the former Boston's pizza location.  Still waiting for a date on when Flavor hive will open next door.

Three Notch Toys opened Saturday June 27th at 38592 Unit B Brett Way, Mechanicsville.

May 2026 Updates

Happy May!  What a couple of months its been.  In need of some major rain!  We have seen quite a few businesses open up in the area.  I mainly focus on the retail since that's what people are really interested in but there are plenty of new office users in the area as well.  There has been a big interest in mental health offices.  They all call for the same type of space.  Apparently some new grant money has opened up and we are getting lots of calls but we don't have much inventory for those types of tenants and the size they need.  I'm running out of office space!  We have seen some new and interesting restaurants open up as well with more on the way.  Hopefully our community will give them business.  Remember many of these name brands are also owned by local people.  Sometimes its easier to buy a franchise that gives you help than try to start on your own.  So lets keep them in business.

As a reminder 99% of what I post I have nothing to do with.   We aren't developers.  I'm just putting out news so you know what's going on in the area and helping to educate.  Since I'm based in Charles County it's what I see the most of every day so its within easy distance to check out and get updates on.  If you know of a new business coming soon let me know.  Sometimes I don't see anything until they open.

Its coming up on election time and the signs are starting to show up all over.  Most of them are placed illegally and its really annoying.  Almost as bad as new homes signs.  Please follow the rules.  No signs should be on the side of highways in easement areas which is the area from the road side to the power lines.  Any intersection corner is pretty much illegal as well. No signs should ever be in the median strip of the road (grass in middle of highway lanes).  Its illegal.  

You need permission from the land owner wherever you put them. State Highway will remove them.  

As stated in the Charles county county code: Political campaign signs. Political campaign signs are permitted in all zones. In residential zones, political campaign signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not be illuminated. Political campaign signs shall be confined to private property and shall not be affixed to any public structure.

Question:  When you look at this blog are you on your phone or desktop usually?

I'm picking up advertisers so if you use them let them know where you saw their ad!

Waldorf Park has picked up some new tenants.  This is the shopping center located at the corner of Route 301 North and Smallwood Drive East.  CloseKnit is a primary care medical facility that has recently opened.  Gold Rush is a type of jewelry store and gold sales.  Salon 809 is a premium Dominican hair salon franchise known as the first Dominican hair franchise in the United States. It combines traditional Dominican hair care techniques with a luxury, VIP customer experience.  I'm going to assume the super convenient is a convenience store and wireless phone center.

Saladworks in Brandywine says they are opening soon.  Will this be another "made you look" situation?  Stay tuned.  If you don't remember they had originally announced to open in June of 2024!! They will be located in the Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center near the Greene Turtle.  You also have Salad House coming in the future across 301 at Brandywine Village.  The salad wars have begun!

Coming Soon - Flynn’s Arcade & Bar is bringing a fresh new entertainment concept to North Beach with a mix of retro arcade gaming, nightlife, and live entertainment. Located along Chesapeake Avenue, the upcoming venue will feature classic arcade games, pinball machines, pool tables, and a full bar in a vibrant neon-inspired atmosphere. Designed as a gathering place for both locals and visitors, Flynn’s aims to add a fun new social destination to the town’s growing waterfront scene. With live music, interactive games, and a unique beach-town arcade vibe, the project has already generated excitement throughout Southern Maryland.

O'Reilly Auto Parts and Sherwin Williams have both opened in La Plata at the corner of Route 301 South and W&W Industrial Drive.

Nothing Bundt Cakes has signed on at The Shops at Waldorf Center in Waldorf.  They expect to open in the Fall of 2026.  Nothing Bundt Cakes is a popular bakery chain known for its rich, handcrafted bundt cakes available in a variety of sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to full-sized celebration cakes. The bakery combines a nostalgic, homemade feel with modern flavors and elegant presentation, making it a favorite for birthdays, office gatherings, weddings, and everyday treats. Guests can choose from classic flavors like Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Red Velvet, and Lemon, all topped with the brand’s signature cream cheese frosting. With a warm atmosphere and beautifully decorated desserts, Nothing Bundt Cakes has become a go-to destination for anyone looking for a sweet treat or a memorable gift.

Burlington in Brandywine is showing an opening date of June 26th 2026.  This is taking over the former Joann fabric store.