South Baltimore Business Roundup

This South Baltimore Business Roundup is brought to you by Federal Hill Main Street’s SoBo a GoGo:

SoBotanical Announces Move to Cross Street

SoBotanical, currently located at 14 E. West St. in Federal Hill, is relocating to 48 E. Cross St. From its Facebook page:

We are SUPER excited to announce that construction has officially begun today on our new Federal Hill Apothecary and Aromatherapy bar! Our new location is on Cross Street in between our good friends at Pixelated & Pandora’s Box.

We are beyond excited about our next phase. We are shooting for a mid / late fall opening! Looking forward to seeing all of your friendly faces soon in what will be our best aromatherapy bar and retail experience since we started! Thanks again for your support and patience!

48 E. Cross St., which has been vacant for more than 10 years, was once an Ethiopian café.

Ali Baba’s Now Zaatar

Ali Baba’s Mediterranean Cuisine at 1019 S. Charles St. has changed its name to Zataar Mediterranean Cuisine (named after the Arabic word for thyme). Co-Owner Nidal SouSou, who is partners with brother Khaled Shakra, told SouthBMore.com that the restaurant will have the same owners, staff, chef, food, and prices, just the name will be different. Zataar will be expanding its menu in the future to add more dishes from different countries around the Mediterranean.

SouSou and Shakra are also owners of the two 7-Elevens in Federal Hill as well as another one on Harford Rd.

Construction at Idle Hour

Construction has reconvened at Idle Hour after a period of delays. Owner Brendan Finnerty told the Baltimore Business Journal that the delay was caused by the city permitting process. Finnerty expects construction to be completed in the next 8-10 weeks.

Hotspot Opens at the Former Stuggy’s

Another hot dog place called Hotspot has opened at the former Stuggy’s location at 17 E. Cross St. Its menu includes hot dogs, hand-cut fries, and rice pudding.

Year-Round Lunch at Little Havana

Little Havana has announced it will now be open for lunch year-round beginning at 11:30 am each day. Little Havana was previously only open for lunch from April 1st to October 1st. Co-owner Marc Gentile told SouthBMore.com that the restaurant also has a private area available for business lunches.

New Signage for No Idea 

No Idea Tavern at 1649 S. Hanover St. has updated the signage on the side of its building with a new mural.

 About SoBo a GoGo

Federal Hill Main Street will present the first ever totally local street festival on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 12-7pm. This event is all about local businesses in South Baltimore and is open to any restaurant, business or artist living or operating in 21230. Discounted fees will be given to locals and booth space is still available. For vendor or volunteer opportunities, please email hill@historicfederalhill.org or call 410-727-4500 for more information. Please see below for more details about the event and visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1466118393692338/ for updates. Thanks!

There are lots of exciting things to see and do at Federal Hill Main Street’s SoBo A GoGo! Join us for a FREE community event featuring your favorite LOCAL BUSINESSES:

FOOD:
Enjoy a delicious variety of fare from your favorite South Baltimore participating restaurants: Mother’s Grille, Liv2Eat, No Way Jose, Banditos, Corfu, SoBo Market, Blue Agave, Harborque,  Cheese Galore, Fenwick Meats, & MORE!

PLUS… delight in refreshing cocktails, Bud Light and Stella Cidre as well as local craft beer from Union Craft Brewery.

ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES:
Peruse local arts & crafts, KIDS ZONE with Moon Bounce, STX lacrosse and more, PLUS enjoy live entertainment from:
– Western Star
– CREEM CIRCUS
– Greasy Hands
– BOSLEY
– Tim Cypers Band
– DJ Joey Janko

Be sure to stop by and visit your furry friends at the BARCS Adoption Waggin’ from 4-7PM, as well as the LIVE cooking demos by local eateries on the NEW food stage!

Local exhibitions by School 33 for the Arts, Mobtown Ballroom, Light Street Cycles, Charm City Yoga & MORE!

*For volunteer or vendor opportunities, email hill@historicalfederalhill.com or call (410) 727-4500.

About the Author: Kevin Lynch

Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.