AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
For more than two decades a popular local eatery, the former Einstein Bros. Bagels has been closed since October and currently sits lonely and forlorn at the corner of Route 2 and McKinsey Road. The signage is completely gone – presumably consigned to one of the gigantic trash bins in the parking lot.
Fences have sprung up on all sides featuring signs for Morgan-Keller Construction and it appears that a transformation of the site is in the works.
We would learn a bit more about that transformation later. Meanwhile, we reflected on the history of the restaurant. We’d heard, but were unable to confirm, that it was initially constructed as a Roy Rogers restaurant but closed in the 1990’s.
Not long after the Einstein Bros. Bagels chain was born in 1995 as an outgrowth of the Boston Market restaurant corporation, the Severna Park franchise opened its doors. Almost immediately, it became a popular gathering place. Friends would meet for breakfast or lunch there. Local organizations and businesses would hold meetings there. People enjoyed the food and appreciated the friendly service.
Business was good from the late 1990’s through the first decade of the 21st century until the bakery/restaurant temporarily closed due to damage from a fire that occurred on August 2, 2010 – a fire that caused $150,000 worth of damage.
The “rebirth” of the much-missed eatery in the final days of 2010 was exciting. Fans of Einstein Bros. Bagels were thrilled when the shop reopened for business on December 10 following extensive reconstruction.
We noted when visiting that the exterior looked much the same and the interior was bright and cheerful. Einstein’s was bustling with customers during lunch hour on Christmas Eve. Among the longtime patrons who’d returned for one of their favorite meals were Doug and Cindy Schafer.
“We’re happy to be back, we love it,” said Cindy as she munched a chipotle turkey wrap.
Prior to the fire, Donna and Clifford Silbiger frequented Einstein’s often. They echoed the Schafers’ sentiments.
“I’m extremely happy that Einstein’s is open again. I was quite a regular as it’s close to where I live,” said Donna. “I got to know all the staff here and I love their food. I’m ecstatic that they’re back.”
Moving into January of 2011, the shop quickly resumed its role as a favorite spot for impromptu business, political and club meetings. It was even a great place to do an interview. That was the case when we met former homicide detective and author Steve Danko at Einstein’s (where he was a familiar face) to discuss his new book “Tour of Duty”. The memoir recounted the years Danko served with the Baltimore Police Department from 1962 till 1987 and his next quarter of a century as an insurance fraud investigator.
Einstein Bros. Bagels remained much the same happy place until former Governor Larry Hogan’s COVID guidelines were issued in March of 2020 leading to the restaurant chain’s decision to offer only drive-thru service with no in-store seating – a policy that remained in effect after most COVID restrictions had been lifted. The policy was likely a factor in location’s eventual demise.
The business continued to operate with drive-thru only service until last October. A Severna Park Voice Facebook posting on October 22 announced that Einstein Bros. Bagels employees were informed the restaurant would close at 2 pm the following day. Needless to say, the post shocked those who saw it. By October 23, the announcement had drawn 339 comments and 256 shares. The respondents’ comments ranged from “shocked” and “sad” to expressions of astonishment that the employees were let go with no notice and no offer of placement at other branches. Nevertheless, a great many comments were focused on customers’ pleasant memories of their visits to the establishment over the years.
Doing some research on the Einstein Bros. Bagels website, we discovered that there are other franchises relatively near us that remain open. There is one in Silver Spring, several near Washington, D.C. and a few in Baltimore. The closest franchises for Severna Park residents are the Einstsein Bros. Bagels at Soloman’s Island Road and Sommerville Road in Annapolis and the one at Baltimore Washington International Airport – Concourse C off Farm Fuel Road in Glen Burnie. While some of the shops have re-opened their dining rooms, many smaller ones like the location on Sommerville Road have been transitioned to takeout-only.
By now, with ongoing activity at the Severna Park location, people are wondering what sort of business will be replacing the former restaurant. We managed to get in touch with Frederick, Maryland-based Morgan Keller Construction and were told by company representative Rachel Potts that a Chase Bank will be opening on the site. She said the project will be starting soon.
Potts added that she’s been told that local residents have been upset to be losing Einstein’s. We can’t help but wonder if Chase Bank will be as successful in such a competitive financial market as Severna Park.
Jing Ying Institute celebrates Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake with several events
Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi has been celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year. The school first marked the occasion on January 26 with a Chinese Calligraphy Class taught by Wendy Ng.
On January 27, Jing Ying Institute owners Nancy and Billy Greer commemorated the Year of the Snake in a novel way. While making an appearance at Eco Adventures’ Chinese Lunar New Year festivities to perform a Lion Dance, they stood arm-in-arm and allowed an unbelievably long python to be draped across their shoulders. On January 28, the Institute held its traditional Lunar New Year Cleaning Celebration.
Lunar New Year events yet to come include the following:
On Wednesday, February 5th from 4:45 to 5:30 pm – A “free” Introductory Family Kung Fu Class will be held that is suitable for children ages 5 to 10. The class is an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and includes a Lunar New Year craft to take home. A parent/guardian and older siblings are welcome to join the class. Register at: www.JingYing.org.
On Sunday, February 9th from 2 to 3:30 pm Jing Ying Institute is presenting a Tea Tasting with Tea Expert Lynayn, a certified tea specialist of The East West Team Emporium. Attendees will try several delicious teas, learn about their proper preparation, and learn about their health benefits. They’ll also receive a gift to take home. The cost for this enjoyable and informative event is $25. However, the cost increases to $35 after February 2nd. The number of spots is limited, so register soon at www.JingYing.org.
Looking ahead, the school is offering a “free” Valentine’s Day Tai Chi Class on February 14th and a “free” Valentine’s Day Homeschool Kung Fu Class. Register for either or both at www.JingYing.org.
Gallentine’s Day Party at BD Provisions on February 13th
BD Provisions, at 844 Ritchie Highway, is teaming up with Hip Mod Vintage for a Gallentine’s Day Party on February 13th from 6 pm to 8 pm. BD Provisions’ co-owner Debra Saltz hopes you and your friends will join her for sparkling cider, a gift basket raffle, and the chance to shop for jewelry and accessories from Amy Heath’s Hip Mod Vintage and perhaps a few other vendors plus food, decor, cookies and candy.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
