South Baltimore Business Roundup

Following business in South Baltimore over the years has certainly been interesting to watch. With businesses constantly coming and going, certain retail spaces sign new leases right away when a tenant leaves, and others sit vacant for years. Recently Forever Yogurt moved into the old Movietime Video, which was vacant for several years; Blue Moon Café took over the space of Opi’s Laundromat, which was vacant for almost two years; and now interior work is underway at 1205 Light St., the former home of Computer Harbor, which has also been vacant for several years. SouthBMore.com will keep an eye on which business may be opening there.

However, no spot in the Federal Hill Business District, at least from our observation, has sat vacant longer than the former home of McCrory Dollar, which closed in 2002 and occupies what is now 1124-1128 Light St. A diner was once eyed for the space many years back, but it fell through.

Light Street Cycles recently relocated to 1124 Light St. in 2009, occupying half of the former McCrory Dollar. And now, 12 years later, the space is fully leased as City Nails & Spa opened this week at 1128 Light St.

Three SoBo Restaurants Featured in The Baltimore Sun’s 50 Best Restaurants List

The Baltimore Sun recently released its list of 50 Best Restaurants in the area for 2014, and three South Baltimore establishments were recognized. South Baltimore’s Blue Grass Tavern came in at #29, Locust Point’s Wine Market Bistro came in at #30, and Federal Hill’s Mr. Rain’s Fun House came in at #42. Also worth noting, Langermann’s on Light’s sister restaurant, Langermann’s (located in Canton), came in at #41.

In the Readers’ Picks, 10 restaurants were selected including SoBo Café at #7 and Abbey Burger Bistro at #8.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Brendali Sets Opening Date

Federal Hill’s first classic Italian restaurant, Brendali Italian Ristorante, plans to open on Monday, April 21. The restaurant is located at 1022 Light St.

Pub Dog Now Serving Lunch

Pub Dog, which has been in Federal Hill since 2001, now has lunch service on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 11 am. Pub Dog started its lunch service for the first time last month.

Cathy’s Unisex Salon at 1020 Light St. has closed. The space is currently listed for rent by Century 21 for $1,000/month.

Facade Improvements on Light Street

Facade improvements, which include woodwork upgrades and a cornice, are underway at 1025 and 1027 Light St. in Federal Hill, the homes of Wok & Roll and Arabian Nights.