South Baltimore Business Roundup

Grano Pasta Bar Closes

Grano Pasta Bar at 1043 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill has closed. A sign on the front door reads, “For Rent, Fully Equipped.” Before Grano Pasta Bar, the space was formerly home to Gyro Express and Ruben’s Crepes.

Grano Pasta Bar also has a location in Hampden as well as a restaurant, Grano Emporio. Grano Pasta Bar’s Hampden location was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (DDD).

Wild Bills Opens in Ridgely’s Delight

Wild Bills has opened at 612 Washington Blvd. in Ridgely’s Delight. The 2,000 sq. ft. retail space is part of the 613 Portland St. development by Zahlco Development. Wild Bills also has a location in Nottingham.

It sells officially-licensed Orioles, Ravens, Terps, and Blast apparel; MD Pride gear; scrubs; and Doggy Duds, according to its Facebook page. Wild Bills is across the street from Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

 

Cross Street Market Event  

Current vendors at the Cross Street Market are hosting an event this Thursday from 6pm to 7pm called “Last Stand at the Cross Street Market.” A flyer for the event reads, “Show your support for the merchants & employees of the Cross Street Market who are losing EVERYTHING!!!!!!”

Caves Valley Partners (CVP) was selected by the City to redevelop the Cross Street Market. All of the current vendors are on month-to-month leases outside of Nick’s Inner Harbor Seafood which currently in a legal dispute with CVP. The market is expected to close for 8 to 10 months for construction. Once completed, rents for merchants will increase.

Read SouthBMore.com’s coverage of the Cross Street Market redevelopment here.

Baltimore’s AFL Team now the Brigade

Baltimore’s new Arena Football League (AFL) team, which will begin play this spring at Royal Farms Arena, has been named the Baltimore Brigade by owner Monumental Sports & Entertaiment (MSE). From a press release:

The Baltimore Brigade represents the city of Baltimore’s rich military history and symbolizes the strength of the city and the team playing as a unified force on the field.

Featuring a blue, light blue and silver color scheme, the Brigade logo features symbols representative of the Baltimore harbor and Fort McHenry, both treasured sites of the city, and the historic brick walls found throughout Baltimore. The “B” stands tall to represent the strength of the team and the city, with a flowing wave as a reminder of the power and strength of water, and its vitality to a community.

The Brigade uniforms symbolize the team’s motto: One Team. One City. One Brigade. Each of the home and away uniforms will have the Brigade name stitched on the side of the uniform pants, with the alternative gray pant featuring the famous nickname of Baltimore, “Charm City”. The Brigade’s white helmet will feature the flowing wave featured in the primary logo.

Logo Courtesy of Baltimore Brigade

Kevin Plank Joins President Trump’s Manufacturing Jobs Initiative 

Last week Under Armour CEO and Sagamore Development Partner Kevin Plank met with President Trump on the first Monday of his presidency. Now, Plank is part of the President’s Manufacturing Jobs Initiative along with 27 other CEOs. The group will hold a series of meetings.

From The White House office of the Press Secretary:

The President will be meeting with some of the world’s most successful and creative business leaders to share their experiences and gain their insights. President Trump plans to continually seek information and perspectives from a diverse range of business leaders, including those listed below and others, on how best to promote job growth and get Americans back to work again.

Under Armour recently opened UA Lighthouse at City Garage which is described as “the proving grounds for developing new, cutting-edge product and efficient manufacturing processes” and “the guiding light for developing best practices and efficient methods for how all Under Armour product is made.”

Leonard Fournette Signs with Under Armour

LSU star running back Leonard Fournette, who has entered the 2017 NFL Draft, has signed with Under Armour. The deal was announced at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans where Fournette attended. From a press release:

“I am excited to be growing my family to include the team at Under Armour,” said Fournette. “I share Under Armour’s passion, drive and will to be the best.”

Coming out of high school, Fournette was an Under Armour All-American and the number one overall recruit as ranked by leading sports news sources. As a collegiate sophomore, he was a consensus First-Team All-American as he set school records for rushing yardage (1953) and touchdowns (22). Fournette announced his intentions to enter the 2017 NFL Draft shortly after signing with Roc Nation Sports and is considered one of the elite prospects going into next season.

“Leonard is an unbelievable talent and outstanding football player, and we couldn’t be happier to have him join the Under Armour team,” said Ryan Kuehl, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing, Under Armour. “His humility and desire to give back to the community, paired with his tremendous work ethic and preparation makes him the perfect addition to our Under Armour family, and we’re excited for the new paths we’ll be able to create together – both on and off the field.”

As part of the multi-year partnership, the “BUGA 5” is revealed and will be awarded annually to five St. Augustine coaches, administrators and students who exemplify the traits of Fournette’s “Being United Generates Attitude” mantra. Those five people who demonstrate a positive attitude, whatever the circumstances, and rally together to make a positive impact will be awarded Under Armour prize packs and the opportunity to travel to and experience an NFL season game each year.

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via http://southbmore.com/2017/01/30/south-baltimore-business-roundup-123/