THB Coming to Federal Hill?
Whether you are a Towson University grad or just a fan of good bagels, Towson Hot Bagels (THB) has developed a loyal following in the Baltimore area. Currently with locations in Towson, Canton and Timonium, THB told the Baltimore Business Journal that they are eying new spots in Federal Hill, as well as Charles Village and White Marsh. From the article:
As they search for space, Scotto said they’re primarily interested in moving into new construction. Each location requires 2,500 to 3,000 square feet with strong street visibility. Scotto said he’s also interested in neighborhoods with an average income between $80,000 and $150,000.
THB isn’t rushing to open new shops; Scotto said it will add new locations as the right spaces become available. It could be a year or so before the next one opens, he said.
Stadium Square and Anthem House are new construction retail opportunities in the area that could fit THB’s criteria.
Idle Hour Exceeds Crowfunding Goal
Idle Hour set a $40,000 crowdfunding goal on Indiegogo for raising funds to reopen their Riverside bar after discovering a buckling wall late last year. The campaign was at $30,000 with 36 hours to go and, after a flurry of donations, closed out with $47,235 raised. This included the sale of their sticker-covered front door, which was available for a $5,000 donation.
The owners are hoping to begin construction to repair Idle Hour in the near future with a goal of reopening late this summer.
Former Tilted Pig/Calypso Café Available at Auction
A prime bar/restaurant property at 771 Washington Blvd. in Pigtown will be available at a June 18th auction. The building is 3,348 sq. ft. and includes a fully-equipped kitchen, a built-in bar, and numerous TVs. The property was last Tilted Pig before it lost its liquor license in September 2014. It was Café Calypso before that until 2012.
SHAKERS to Open This Friday
SHAKERS Fine Spirits & Wine Lounge, located at the former Jiggs Tavern at 737 Carroll St. in Pigtown, will have its soft opening this Friday. SHAKERS will feature a small kitchen and offer lite fare, as well as a large selection of wines, cocktails, spirits, and local craft beer. SHAKERS is owned by Brent Fuller, who lived in Ridgely’s Delight for 10 years, and Derrick Vaughan, owner of The Corner Bistro & Wine Bar in Ridgely’s Delight.
Vac Pac Announces Move to Middle River
Vac Pac, currently at 150 W. Ostend St. in South Baltimore, has announced it will be moving to a new 46,000 sq. ft. facility in Middle River according to the Baltimore Business Journal. The Ostend St. property, the former Furst Bros. property (which has been demolished) and U.S. Post Office building make up Phase 3 of the Stadium Square project, which is expected to include retail and office space.
Plano-Coudon Expands
Carroll-Camden-based construction company Plano-Coudon has expanded. It recently hired eight new staff members, pushing its workforce to more than 50 people. From a press release:
“There are more cranes in Baltimore today than there have been for several years,” said Brett Plano, co-founder and co-owner of the Baltimore City-based company. “We are seeing more private-developer and commercial work, including new office towers and senior living facilities. Unlike the temporary volume increase we saw in prior years, this increase seems more consistent and sustainable. We continue to get positive indications from this market.”
OrderUp Expands in Federal Hill
Baltimore-based delivery service OrderUp has added eight new restaurants that will deliver to customers in Federal Hill and South Baltimore. These restaurants are Harbor Que, Liv2Eat, Maiwand Grill/Kabob, The Local Fry, Porters, Camden Pub, Peace and a Cup of Joe, and Umi Sake.
Kinetic Sculpture Race Rescheduled
AVAM’s Kinetic Sculpture Race was cancelled last weekend amid unrest in Baltimore City. It’s been rescheduled for Sunday, June 14th at 11am.