SHUT
Bel-Loc Diner: Sadly,
this weekend will be the last for locals to sip piping-hot coffee at
one of the hallowed booths inside the Bel-Loc Diner. We can’t say we
didn’t see it coming. Last summer, a spokesperson for the 53-year-old
Parkville landmark announced that, facing retirement, owner Bill Doxanas
had entered into a deal to sell the vintage spot to Starbucks
Corporation—which planned to raze the building to make way for a coffee
shop with a drive-thru window. From there it was only a waiting game.
Despite a staunch effort from local nonprofit Preservation Maryland, the
current structure will not be able to be maintained when Starbucks
moves in. The Bel-Loc, fittingly named after the Baltimore beltway and
its location in Loch Raven, has long been a gathering place for locals
looking to scarf down pancakes, jam to jukebox oldies, and meet with
neighbors over paper placemats.
1700 E. Joppa Road., 410-668-2525
Cafe Cito: Hampden
locals took to social media earlier this week to lament the loss of
this beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot. “No words can describe our love
for your support over these past three years,” owner Dave Sherman wrote
in a message posted to Facebook. “To my Cito Crew, by far the best crew
I’ve ever worked with, one million thank you’s.” Sherman, who opened
breakfast stall Ground & Griddled inside R. House in Remington last
fall, has yet to disclose the reasons behind the unexpected closure. The
shop, best known for its Spanish-inspired breakfast sandwiches, will
operate its last service on Saturday, March 25.
3500 Chestnut Ave., 443-682-9701