As 2013 comes to a close, local businesses reflect on the year and look forward to what’s to come in 2014. We checked in with some of our favorite classics, some notable “new kids” and a few to keep an eye out for in the new year.
THE CLASSICS
O’Brien’s Steakhouse
113 Main St., Annapolis
The keys to success at O’Brien’s, “Annapolis’ original steakhouse,” are great service and consistently good food in a welcoming atmosphere.
The building at 113 Main St. has been a tavern since it opened as The Rose Crown in 1774. While the name has changed over the years, most recently when owner Jerry Hardesty acquired the restaurant in 1993, the property has always served as a social hub for locals and tourists alike.
O’Brien’s is a landmark institution in downtown Annapolis. The décor pays homage to the sports heroes of the Naval Academy and the history of Annapolis. Sunday evenings feature robust games of trivia. Free games of Texas Hold ‘Em beckon on Monday nights.
Jerry recently invested in an extensive renovation of O’Brien’s décor and menu. In 2014, he looks forward to showcasing OB Prime, a traditional steakhouse replete with fireplace above the tavern, while bringing renewed excitement to diners with O’Brien’s great steaks, extensive raw bar and Sunday brunch.
Homestead Gardens
743 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville
Homestead Gardens started as a dream and a roadside stand opened by Don Riddle in 1973. The company has grown to encompass greenhouses, nurseries and retail space across the region.
Homestead Gardens has won national retail and landscaping awards. The company is well known for their motto: “Because Life Should Be Beautiful.”
They offer the area’s most extensive array of landscape plants as well as several thousand square feet of retail space for home décor items — everything from patio sets to place settings and pillows.
In 2011, the company opened a second location in Severna Park on Route 2.
In 2014, Homestead will premiere Homestead Farm and Pet, a new division that will showcase premium pet foods for both farm animals and household pets, as well as toys, accessories and grooming supplies. The barnyard will re-open in late spring with backyard chickens, geese, turkey, miniature donkeys and the now-famous Homestead llamas.
Homestead offers winter workshops during January and February that are often free. Visit their website to learn more.
Giolitti Delicatessen
2068 Somerville Road, Annapolis
Giolitti Delicatessen is a unique sort of place. Opened in 1992, when Annapolis had few outlets for specialty foods, Giolitti’s has always been a classy deli with a twist.
While customers can purchase a variety of artisan cold cuts, many imported, the deli also offers eat-in lunch, a retail shop with hard-to-find Mediterranean specialties and an entire wall of wine.
Over time, the business had grown to include an expanded menu, freezer cases full of lasagnas, sauces and desserts, and more tables for lunch service.
Mary Giolitti attributes the success of her restaurant to consistent quality. “People count on us,” she says. “And we don’t let them down. We do everything we can to make people feel welcome and excited about coming back.”
Although there were rumors of Mary closing shop after 20 years, they are not true. She’s here to stay.
In 2014, she looks forward to introducing new Italian specialties and other Milanese treats to catering services.
Echoes Accents
224 Chinquapin Round Road, Annapolis
Barbara Rasin Price and Leah Deane opened Echoes Accents, an upscale consignment store off Chinquapin Round Road, in 1987. The sisters’ original mission hasn’t changed: They want to help customers find affordable home furnishings that are stylish and beautiful.
“We’re so lucky here in Annapolis. Just as people are downsizing in retirement, other families are building new or larger homes. They come to us for unique decorating solutions,” Barbara says.
Echoes Accents has enjoyed more than 30 years of success not only because they curate a diverse selection of excellent quality décor, but especially because they offer an inviting, no-pressure atmosphere. Customers can snack on cookies or enjoy coffee while they browse.
“We really try to help our customers consider the possibilities of our products,” Barbara says.
The store has an excellent reputation for taking care of customers’ goods.
“The best part of this business is our collaboration — our partnership — with our customers. We are happy to take good care of people’s items and to find new, wonderful homes for them.”
In 2014, Barbara and Leah are looking forward to more and better of the same. The shop has won local awards for Best Furniture Store and Best Consignment Store. They are constantly receiving referrals, and the sisters are excited about meeting new friends and clients.
“It’s a joyous life,” says Barbara, “and we are looking forward to more of it.”
THE NEW KIDS
Wrabyn
12 Annapolis St., Annapolis
Wendy Rabyn describes Wrabyn as the brainchild of a stay-at-home mom with a deep need to create. Wendy co-owned Sitting Pretty on Maryland Avenue for several years before taking time off to start a family.
Her new concept should appeal to any woman who wants to look good, feel good and invest in pieces that have timeless appeal. Wendy’s goal is to work with unique American designers to find items that can transition from work to dinner, weekends and events.
“Annapolis is a wonderful small town. I source clothing that is beautifully made and that you won’t see on every gal in town. You won’t find it at Nordstrom.”
Wendy is working especially hard to source clothing from designers like Nanette LePore and Catherine Malandrino, whose designs are made in the United States rather than overseas.
“It’s hard to find designer goods that are not sold in China,” she says. “But about 40 percent of our offering is apparel made in the U.S., and we are very proud of that.”
In 2014, Wendy is looking forward to more individualized client styling. She’s launching in-home, private consultations to not only help women make the most of their current wardrobe, but also to help them expand their choices with pieces that are flexible and have longevity.
“Our clothes are an investment in beauty, and we are excited about helping people feel good about themselves and their appearance.”
Cariloha
181 Main St., Annapolis
Cariloha debuted on Main Street in downtown Annapolis in April. The Utah-based franchise, locally owned by a family from Potomac, is well-known amongst sailors, runners and now happy sleepers for clothing, towels and bedding made from bamboo.
Bamboo production requires less water than cotton, and because the plant naturally repels insects, pesticides aren’t necessary. Since bamboo is so grass-like and prolific, it’s a very renewable resource.
The best selling items at Cariloha are bamboo sheets. While ultra-soft and luxurious, the fabric is also innately hypo-allergenic, antimicrobial and self-regulating. Fibers in the bamboo naturally respond to heat, opening and closing to raise or lower temperature, making a comfortable night’s rest attainable year-round.
Cariloha is a new concept for Annapolis. Business was slow until a few locals bought products or received gifts and began to spread the word. In 2014, Cariloha looks forward to adding new items to the assortment, including more colors of sheets and new sportswear.
Cupcake Blvd
1117 Route 3 N #104, Gambrills
Cupcake Blvd has grown progressively since Angelette Aviles opened her Crofton shop in 2012. She started the business from her home, expanding first into a food truck and quickly thereafter into a storefront.
“The shop has far exceeded all of my projections and expectations,” says Angelette. “Growing progressively has really allowed us to respond to our customers while making sure our plans were sound.”
The store offers several flavors of handmade cupcakes and truffle cake pops — cakes enrobed in chocolate then garnished with even more deliciousness.
In 2014, Cupcake Blvd is excited about expanding their product line and classes. The truffle cake pops have become so popular that Angelette plans to debut several new flavors each season. She’s also had a remarkable number of requests for specialty cakes and is looking forward to combining her staff’s talent and creativity for more birthday, wedding and special occasion confections.
This spring she hopes to add more ovens to the kitchen, which will enable her to sell other fun treats. She has pie-cakes in mind — a pie baked inside a cake.
Pure Barre
2484 Solomons Island Road, Annapolis
Susan Singleton and Anne Fava opened Pure Barre at the Annapolis Harbour Center just one month ago. Already, they are astonished at the warm welcome they have received from local fans of barre.
“Right now is just such a busy time for everybody, so we are astounded by the number of women who come in, some at 6 in the morning, to take care of themselves,” Susan says.
Pure Barre, a national franchise that coaches a trademarked style of barre, is a fusion of Pilates, ballet and yoga. Susan notes that barre is a no-impact yet athletic approach to all three forms of exercise.
Every major muscle is worked in each class through small isometric movements that work the muscle to fatigue, strengthening then lengthening to create long, lean tone. Susan says students who attend classes three or more times a week should see a difference in tone within just a few weeks.
The Pure Barre studio can accommodate up to 25 people, so while walk-ins are welcome, reservations are preferred. Reservations can be made online or over the phone.
In 2014, Pure Barre is looking forward to partnering with local athletic groups. They’ve hosted the Annapolis Triathlon Club and are working with Lululemon to offer free classes to customers.
“We offer 55 minutes to focus solely on yourself. You will leave feeling lighter and brighter and ready to face anything that comes your way,” says Susan. “We look forward to offering that healthy feeling to even more clients.”
COMING SOON
Dry 85
193B Main St., Annapolis
Dry 85, an industrial take on the Prohibition-era speakeasy, is set open on Main Street in downtown Annapolis in January.
The Bolter family, also owners of Red Red Wine Bar, says Dry 85 will be a place to go for bourbon, beer and gourmet comfort food. The bar will feature more than 100 whiskeys with special emphasis on bourbon. There will be 12 craft beers on tap, along with a smattering of domestic bottles.
The menu will offer gourmet burgers, slow-roasted ribs, oyster po’ boy sliders and decadent truffle fries paired with Veuve Clicquot. Very exciting will be the Bacon Brunch, a showcase of all things bacon, perfect for a lazy Sunday morning followed by a walk through downtown.
HomeGoods
Jennifer Road, Annapolis
A sister company to Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods offers heavily discounted décor items sourced from department stores and locations around the world.
There are 471 HomeGoods stores throughout the United States, and the Annapolis location will be opening next to Marshalls in Annapolis Plaza off Jennifer Road. The new store will encompass more than 25,000 square feet, will employ about 60 full- and part-time employees, and will feature more than 30,000 items.
HomeGoods buyers travel the world to find interesting and special items you may not find anywhere else. Think of decorative bird cages sourced in India, statues from Africa, furniture from North Carolina and cookware from Italy or France. All items are first-quality — none are used or refurbished.
The new store is slated to open in March. Managers look forward to providing Annapolis with a new forum for decorative items and furniture.
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