Park Bench Undergoes Ownership Change
Riverside’s Park Bench will be undergoing an ownership change as current owner Steve Gronowski, who also helped to open No Idea Tavern and managed Don’t Know Tavern, plans to leave the tavern to spend more time with his family. Under Gronowski, Park Bench has experienced some really great renovations. The new owner will be Richard Chung who was one of the original owners of Nichiban. He also started the sushi menu at MaGerks and just sold a successful restaurant in New York City. Best of luck to both who have both been really great assets to the bar and restaurant scene in South Baltimore!
Posh Retro Opens
Amber Ivey opened Posh Metro this month at 1003 Light St. BMore Media did a feature on the new retro clothing store – here is snippet:
It is open to the public on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rest of the week, customers can call and schedule “lifestyle parties” for 15-30 guests ranging from shopping parties to business lunches.
Posh Retro’s new-and-used clothing caters male and female customers ages 21-mid 30s/early 40s. Items average around $39. While Ivey currently has three employees and is looking to hire about five women ages 22-26 to work as brand representatives. She has a goal to expand in 18 months with locations in Washington, D.C., and Boston.
McDonald’s Undergoes Renovation
Many McDonald’s throughout the country have undergone nice exterior renovations and it appears the McDonald’s on Fort Ave. at Southside Marketplace is currently up to bat. This is a nice renovation for the area, which has just seen a renovation of the entire shopping center as well as the recent additions of Chipotle and Starbucks.
Kirby’s Szechuan Closes, Space Now Available
Federal Hill has lost its second Asian restaurant and long-time neighbor in the last two months. Joining Nichiban, Kirby’s Szechuan at 1125 South Charles St. has closed its doors. The space is now currently available for lease. Kirby’s is located just steps away from C&R Pub and Mothers Federal Hill Grille and has a 7-day beer and wine license.
M&T Bank Stadium Voted the NFL’s Toughest Venue
Take a bow Ravens fans and pat yourself on the back! Finally Baltimore sports fans and M&T Bank Stadium has been officially recognized for what it is – the BEST home field advantage in the NFL. The Ravens now have a 15-game home winning streak and have won 23 of their last 24 at M&T Bank Stadium. From the ESPN.com article:
Oh, and those message-board prompts for fans to get louder, the rising thermometer graphics for decibels?
“Our fans are too sophisticated for that,” Byrne said. “We think that’s demeaning. They know when to get loud. I’ll tell you how good our fans are: We practice to loud music — the week leading up to home games.
“Ray Lewis will tell you he’d almost rather play away from home, because at least on the road he can talk to his teammates on the field.”
