Mel Tull, who works the economic development scene for the Silver Spring Regional Center, is a straight shooter. Ask him what’s up, and he’ll tell you what’s up.
So here’s what’s up.
Coming soon
The Fractured Prune Donut Shoppe will snag the space once occupied by Moto Photo at the Whole Foods Market shopping center. The Ocean City-based company serves custom-made donuts and takes its name from a spinster who used to beat the crap out of guys half her age.
“Do you know how good the donuts are at The Fractured Prune? Good enough that I’ve already reserved a place in line for opening day,” Tull warned. “Get in line behind me!”
Coming sooner than we thought
New York and Company, a moderately priced women’s clothier, is set to open shop on Ellsworth Drive at Georgia Avenue in April, according to the Washington Business Journal.
One anonymously posted comment on the blog Silver Spring, Singular describes New York and Company as “where the big girls shop”. Given the store’s proximity to CakeLove and the arrival of The Fractured Prune, forgiving fashions may not be such a bad thing.
Coming at some point
Two restaurants are slated to open on Colesville Road, between Ray’s the Classic and Abol Ethiopian Cuisine. However, progress has been slow because both restaurants have contracted the same construction company. On top of that, the restaurants’ historic facades demand a lighter touch with the sledge hammer and drill, Tull told The Penguin in January.
However, “they are still working at it,” Tull wrote in his recent email. “Every time I look in, they have more equipment delivered.”
Already open
The International Wesenyelesh Market (901 Silver Spring Ave) rolled out Ethiopian groceries three months ago, according to the lady behind the counter. The specialty food shop and meat market sits right around the corner from Highland Origin Coffee.
Photos: (above) Mmmm … donuts, courtesy of Flickr user Soprano for Now; (thumbnail) a chocolate-covered cherry donut, courtesy of The Fractured Prune Donut Shoppe.
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According to the their website, New York & Company stocks clothing in sizes 2-18. Unless the anonymous commenter meant adult women when referring to the “big girls,” this statement seems inaccurate.
They already have stores in Wheaton and Bethesda, however – is a Silver Spring location really necessary? And while we’re talking about ladies’ fashion, has anybody been to the Steve & Barry’s in City Place?
Good going, Penguin. You broke the story of the mystery replacement at MotoPhoto. Does anyone know anything about this Fractured Prune outfit?
Now, if only “they” would get rid of the horrible Hollywood Video and replace it with a high quality joint (or even a CVS), we’d really make some progress in that plaza.
Can’t believe Netflix hasn’t put Hollywood Video out of business yet!
Editor’s note: Hollywood Video isn’t going out of business, but it is closing a few stores. Say goodbye to the store at 13424 New Hampshire Ave in Colesville. On the flip side, Netflix will offer downloadable movies for people who just can’t make it to the mailbox. — JD (Feb 19, 2008)
Jerry,
I agree. I switched from Hollywood Video to Netflix several years ago, and it’s been great. The service is excellent (no surly, indifferent clerks, great selection, respect for the English alphabetical order, etc.). I haven’t see foot in any video stores since then, and I don’t miss them at all.
“On top of that, the restaurants’ historic facades demand a lighter touch with the sledge hammer and drill, Tull told The Penguin in January.”
Historic facades? If they are so historic, how come the business owners are allowed to put up those tacky vinyl canopies? Just a few months ago, T-Mobile got to put up their can’t-be-missed neon pink canopy on the corner of Fenton & Colesville. Tacky, tacky, tacky.
Editor’s note: Good question, Woodsider. Hey, Jerry McCoy, can you help us out with this one? — JD (Feb 19, 2008)
Did Mr Tull mention any progress at the old fire station? I noticed the banner isn’t there anymore.
Editor’s note: I was inside the old firehouse for a meeting late last month, and it didn’t look like any progress had been made. However, I believe Hook and Ladder is still slated to set up shop there. The owners were at the same function, handing out smooth, frosty samples of their product. The company also has an office on Fenton Street near Sligo Avenue. — JD (Feb 20, 2008)
Jennifer,
You are the go to person for the latest on SS. Thanks.
Editor’s note: Glad to be of service, SoCo. — JD (Feb 20, 2008)
Not only is Jennifer the go-to for SS news, she is A Parent in Silver Spring’s Woman of the Week. Before you give her a hard time about this, please know that this was my idea and she was incredibly nice about the whole thing….
http://www.aparentinsilverspring.com/
first rule of blogging – don’t mistype your URL…
LOVE Fractured Prune! Often thought Downtown SS would be an ideal location. Was a regular customer in the summer at the beach. Started visiting the one on New Hampshire in cloverly . I’ll look forward to the convenience of a downtown SS location but not the extra pounds.
I’ve been to Steve & Barry shortly after it opened and will be back many more times.
Looking forward to Fractured Prune – one donut is a meal. There is an FP in the new Rockville center as well.
What I’d really like to know is what is replacing the Bombay Co.
Hi -
Don’t be dismayed when you see a halloween store arrive in the old Bombay space …
I’m working with Pyramid Atlantic in Silver Spring and we’ve had our Community Arts Store in the Bombay space for a couple months. We’re moving temporarily to the Moto Photo space, and will be back at the Bombay space in Nov.
Editor’s note: Confirmation of this claim is pending. — JD (Aug 20, 2008)
From Sarah Levine, with Pyramid Atlantic: