AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Even before Governor Hogan announced the resumption of outdoor dining on May 29, The Big Bean staff was working round-the-clock getting ready for what owners Greg and Christie Coster hoped would be a June 1st reopening.
Their plans came to fruition Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1 as happy customers flocked to the Severna Park coffee shop’s outdoor patio beside the B&A Trail.
Like similar businesses, The Big Bean adapted during the COVID-19 shutdown by instituting hands-off curbside delivery for online orders of coffee drinks, coffee beans, breakfast cookies, and snacks.
“Thanks to wonderful community support through our online sales, we stayed afloat and hired back our staff,” Christie said. “We deep-cleaned, repainted and sanitized the shop and installed a register by the patio door. Outside, Greg spaced 55 chairs and 12 patio tables six feet apart. Customers can also enter the shop through the front entrance for takeout if they’re wearing masks. Servers will wear masks too. ”
The reopening was so successful the staff worked hard to keep up with demand Greg said. Among the patrons on Sunday were Big Bean regulars Sharon and Dan Flagler who were once again enjoying super sized coffee drinks.
“We’ve known Christie and Greg for a long time and original owner Deb Hoffman before them,” Dan said. “We admire how they’re operating from 7 am to 4 pm in a reasonable manner with safety in mind. It’s good to be here .”
Other local businesses reopening, or about to reopen, include Franklin’s Toys, Brian Boru, Park Tavern, La Posta, Vida Taco Bar, Shooters and Garry’s Grill.
At Garry’s Grill, manger Korey Earles was balanced on a ladder. He was hanging a sign over the outdoor dining area owner Eddie Conway created featuring properly distanced tables, plants and festive lighting.
Earles proclaimed the weekend’s reopening quite a success as staff members and patrons caught up with each other. Greeting customers who wholeheartedly supported the restaurant by ordering takeout and groceries through the pandemic was gratifying he said.
Tuesday, June 2 just happened to be the 12th Anniversary of the day Conway bought the restaurant from former owner Garry Anderson. Things were hopping as he happily visited tables accepting longtime patrons’ congratulations . Henceforth, Garry’s Grill will be open daily from 11 am to 8 pm Sunday through Wednesday and 11 am to 9 pm Thursday through Saturday. Breakfast is available starting at 8 am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Picnic tables with pretty umbrellas graced the sidewalk and side lawn at La Posta Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen on B&A Blvd. where pasta, woodfire pizza and vino were being served to outdoor diners by reservation only at 443-905-2840. Judging from the full parking lot, Severna Park patrons were pleased to be back.
Between tables located on the front sidewalk, iron railed terrace and a patch of parking lot, there was ample room at Park Tavern for socially distanced outdoor dining. Managing partner Greg Keating said customers were great in supporting the restaurant during the shutdown. However, the staff was thrilled to be moving forward.
“Seeing our customers again is such a happy feeling,” Keating said.
Franklin’s Toys among first small retailers to open
Toys that one can see and touch were once again at shopper’s fingertips as Franklin’s Toys reopened June 1. The store is observing all state guidelines and regulations with masks required of staff and customers and social distancing. The popular Park Plaza store will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm. (Franklin’s Annapolis location will be open too. )
SPHS Grad Bags
Pastor Dave Brown of Severna Park Baptist Church felt the COVID pandemic caused a lot of heartache for the community including students who missed out on a lot. He wanted to do something especially kind and caring for Severna Park High School graduating seniors, some of whom attend his church. With schools closed and gatherings prohibited, the seniors were forced to give up rituals they hold dear including proms and graduation. Many SPHS seniors who were Rock ‘N Roll Revival XXXI cast members were dismayed when their show was cancelled just before opening night.
With an assist from Brooke Atkinson of the Christian youth group Campus Life, Pastor Brown asked the neighboring congregations of Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Severna Park United Methodist Church and Trinity Bible Church to help put together gift bags for SPHS graduates to express love and encouragement and show them how much they mean to us.
Pooling their efforts, the churches found some very nice items for the Grad Bags
“We purchased $10 gift certificates from Chick-fil-A and added generously donated gift cards from Donut Shack and Steak and Shake,” Pastor Brown said. “We included personalized items like journals and Severna Park High lanyards plus personal letters of congratulation for each senior written by members of the four congregations.”
The churches coordinated the SPHS Grad Bag giveaways and timed them to take place June 1, 2 and 3 at Severna Park Baptist Church……mirroring the times seniors were invited to pick up their diplomas at Severna Park High.
Atkinson, a representative for Campus Life, is working to set up a branch at Severna Park High. She said she was surprised the Grad Bags were picked up so quickly by appreciative graduates – 30 Grad Bags the first day.
