Thursday, May 4, 2023

St. Ignatius Loyola Academy Pays Tribute to Fabian Sanchez-Gonzalez, GoFundMe Launched

Fabian Sanchez-Gonzalez was a 2014 graduate Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy in Federal Hill. From the school’s Facebook page:

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Fabian Sanchez-Gonzalez ’14. While working on Sunday, April 30th at the T-Mobile store in Canton, Fabian was shot during a robbery. The following day, Fabian succumbed to his injuries. At just 23 years of age, he had so much life left to live. We hope you will join us in remembering Fabian, his family, and his Academy brothers in your prayers. Additionally, we ask everyone to remember that every victim of senseless violence is a fellow human with a name, a family, and a life that should be honored and cherished. #brotherhood #stoptheviolence #menandwomenforandwithothers

A GoFundMe has been started to support to Sanchez-Gonzalez family. From the fundraiser page:

On Monday, May 1st, 23-year old Fabian Alberto Sanchez-Gonzalez, was taken from us. The beloved brother of Carlos Sanchez-Gonzalez– who so many of you have worked alongside to make our communities healthier and safer places,–was struck by gunfire on Sunday afternoon while at work at a T-Mobile store in Canton.

As most of you did not have the joy of knowing Fabian, Carlos wants you all to know this:
“He cared so much and was always peaceful. He would work and come back home relax and play games. His goal was to get his family forward. He was selfless and would spend all his money on us and even go some days without eating because he made sure his family was maintained first. He cared and he showed it in his way. He was full of life and he always smiled and joked around with us and kept us filled with joy. He was the definition of being a brother, a son, and a friend. He had a big heart, a heart of gold.”

The Sanchez-Gonzalez family is seeking support in funeral preparations for their loved one. We set up this gofundme page for you to be able to support the family during this time of loss and need.

Photos from the Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy Facebook post: 

Photo from the GoFundMe page

The post St. Ignatius Loyola Academy Pays Tribute to Fabian Sanchez-Gonzalez, GoFundMe Launched first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2023/05/04/st-ignatius-loyola-academy-pays-tribute-to-fabian-sanchez-gonzalez-gofundme-launched/

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

South Baltimore Crime Updates

From Baltimore Police Department (BPD):

On 4/30/23 at 0546hrs officers responded to a call for service for a robbery. Victim advised he was in the 600 block of Washington Blvd when a moped approached with two individuals riding it. One of the suspects got off the moped and approached victim holding his left side waistband area. Victim believing the suspect was armed took off his bookbag and gave it to the suspect. Suspect emptied the contents of the bookbag and took tools from the ground. Suspect fled the area. Area canvass was conducted. District Detectives assumed investigation.

From BPD:

On 4.29.2023 this Officer responded to 1200 S. Hanover St in reference to an Armed Robbery. Complainant stated that he was standing behind the register when an individual walked into the store with his hands inside his pockets and told him to open up the register and give up the money. The suspect proceeded to take the money from the register and take off on foot. Suspect was wearing all black clothing with a black mask. Citywide robbery responded and assumed investigation. Complainant was provided with witness/Victim information.

According to the BPD  Crime Map, the following crimes were from 4/19/23 to 4/25/23.

Ridgely’s Delight

AUTO THEFT, 600 S PACA ST, WEDNESDAY, 419/23, 21:00

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, THURSDAY, 4/20/23, 17:00

Otterbein

AUTO THEFT, 100 WELCOME ALY, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 14:00

LARCENY, 600 S CHARLES ST, TUESDAY, 4/25/23, 13:00

Sharp-Leadenhall

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 100 W OSTEND ST, THURSDAY, 4/20/23, 20:00

AUTO THEFT, 1100 S HANOVER ST, FRIDAY, 4/21/23, 15:00

ROBBERY – COMMERCIAL, 1200 S HANOVER ST, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 21:00

From BPD:

On 24 April 2023 at approximately 2107, this officer responded to 1200 S. Hanover for a report of a robbery. Upon my arrival, I met with complainant who advised an unknown Black Male wearing a black/ red hoodie with black pants, dark colored sneakers and a black ski mask tried to rob the store. The Suspect said “Give me all the money, Open the register” while pointing a firearm with a gold top and black bottom at complainant. Complainant was unable to provide the suspect with any money. The Suspect fled the location on foot heading Southbound on S. Hanover. City wide robbery assumed the investigation.

Federal Hill

LARCENY, 1100 S CHARLES ST, THURSDAY, 4/20/23, 12:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1000 S CHARLES ST, SATURDAY, 4/22/23, 1:00

AUTO THEFT, 700 BATTERY AVE, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 19:00

LARCENY, 1000 S CHARLES ST, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 20:00

LARCENY, 1000 S CHARLES ST, TUESDAY, 4/25/23, 11:00

Federal Hill South/Riverside

AUTO THEFT, 1800 JACKSON ST, FRIDAY, 4/21/23, 23:00

ROBBERY, 1900 LIGHT ST, FRIDAY, 4/21/23, 23:00

Victim stated that on 21 April 2023 at approximately 2355hrs, he was leaving the Papi’s Cuisine located on 2 East Wells St #116, Baltimore, MD 21230 and walking southbound towards their vehicle, a 2020 Cadillac XT5 Dark Gray parked in the 1900 block of Light Street. Victim stated that an unknown black male walked up to him from behind and produced an unknown caliber handgun. Victim stated that the male put the handgun to his side and ordered him to get into the rear driver side passenger door. Victim stated that the male ordered him to hand over his property. Victim stated that once he gave over his property, the unknown male exited the vehicle at this time and fled on foot northbound along 1900 Light Street. Southern District Detective Unit assume control of the incident. Officer conducted an area canvass for suspects and witnesses. Officer provided victim/witness assistance information.

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY, 1800 S HANOVER ST, FRIDAY, 4/21, 23, 2:00

AUTO THEFT, 1300 S HANOVER ST, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 6:00

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 4/21/23, 11:00

LARCENY, 600 E PRATT ST, SATURDAY, 4/22/23, 13:00

LARCENY, 600 E PRATT ST, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 13:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 14:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 16:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 19:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 21:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 4/25/23, 9:00

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

AUTO THEFT, 1800 WHETSTONE WAY, WEDNESDAY, 4/19/23, 16:00

LARCENY, 1300 COOKSIE ST, THURSDAY, 4/20/23, 23:00

LARCENY, 2000 E MCCOMAS ST, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 0:00

LARCEY FROM AUTO, 1400 HULL ST, MONDAY, 4/24/23, 14:00

Pigtown

ROBBERY (no info due to a technical error on the map)

BURGLARY, 900 S CAREY ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/19/23, 15:00

BURGLARY, 900 S CAREY ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/19/23, 15:00

AUTO THEFT, 300 SCOTT ST, SATURDAY, 4/22/23, 11:00

AUTO THEFT, 300 SCOTT ST, SATURDAY, 4/22/23, 20:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 200 PARKIN ST, SATURDAY, 4/22/23, 2:00

AUTO THEFT, W PRATT ST & PARKIN ST, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 2:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1300 JAMES ST, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 22:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1200 GLYNDON AVE, TUESDAY, 4/25/23, 4:00

LARCENY, 1300 CARROLL ST, TUESDAY, 4/25/23, 16:00

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 22:00

Hollins Market

BURGLARY, 1000 W LOMBARD ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/19/23, 12:00

LARCENY, 900 W LOMBARD ST, THURSDAY, 4/20/23, 15:00

AUTO THEFT, 1200 W PRATT ST, THURSDAY, 4/20/23, 22:00

AUTO THEFT, 1000 W PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 4/21/23, 14:00

ROBBERY – CARJACKING, S CAREY ST & BOYD ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/29/23, 1:00

ROBBERY (no info due to a technical error on the map)

Union Square

ROBBERY – CARJACKING, S MOUNT ST & W LOMBARD ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/19/23, 13:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1300 W LOMBARD ST, SUNDAY, 4/23/23, 9:00

The post South Baltimore Crime Updates first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2023/05/02/south-baltimore-crime-updates-267/

Friday, April 28, 2023

Featured Listing: Harborview Condo with Stunning Inner Harbor Views

Sponsored Post from Vincent DeLorenzo of The DeLorenzo Group:

100 Harborview Drive #1001
Harborview – Federal Hill 
Price: $585,000
1,653 sq. ft.
2BD/2BA
Off Street Parking: Yes – 2 garage spaces

Must see! Million dollar view and luxury Inner Harbor lifestyle. Rarely available corner Harborview condo with large balcony and panoramic views of the entire harbor. Truly an entertainer’s dream. Perfect location on the tenth floor to feel immersed in the waterfront and still have sweeping harbor views. Wake up to spectacular sunrises and sunsets everyday. Front row seats for the fireworks and boat parades. Newly remodeled dreamy kitchen built to cook, entertain and be mesmerized by the view at the same time. Extremely high end Dacor appliances with induction cooktop, huge island that seats more than six, made with gorgeous hand picked custom high end leathered quartzite, includes a wine and beer beverage center, and LED lighting. The spa-like master bath features a WiFi enabled commercial grade steam shower and high end Kohler DTV electronic control valve. Plenty of other updates including LED lighting, also ample closet space and extra storage unit. One of The Harborview Towers many amenities is the rentable guest suites, which certainly come in handy when entertaining. Amazing location, cafes, deli, waterfront promenade, museums, water taxi, restaurants, transportation, i95, gyms, grocery, pools, dog parks, marinas at your convenience. The condo building has a 24 hour front desk, 24 hour security, multiple gyms & pools, dog park, garaged parking, meeting rooms, library, waterfront lifestyle and a lot more.

Virtual video tour and Matterport walk through.

Open House Sunday 4/30/23 from 12pm-1pm

Vincent DeLorenzo
The DeLorenzo Group
443-345-0033
vincent@innerharborhomes.com

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via https://www.southbmore.com/2023/04/28/featured-listing-harborview-condo-with-stunning-inner-harbor-views/

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

South Baltimore Crime Updates

From Baltimore Police Department (BPD):

On 24 April 2023 at approximately 2107, this officer responded to 1200 S. Hanover for a report of a robbery. Upon my arrival, I met with complainant who advised an unknown Black Male wearing a black/ red hoodie with black pants, dark colored sneakers and a black ski mask tried to rob the store. The Suspect said “Give me all the money, Open the register” while pointing a firearm with a gold top and black bottom at complainant. Complainant was unable to provide the suspect with any money. The Suspect fled the location on foot heading Southbound on S. Hanover. City wide robbery assumed the investigation.

From Baltimore Police Department (BPD):

Victim stated that on 21 April 2023 at approximately 2355hrs, he was leaving the Papi’s Cuisine located on 2 East Wells St #116, Baltimore, MD 21230 and walking southbound towards their vehicle, a 2020 Cadillac XT5 Dark Gray parked in the 1900 block of Light Street. Victim stated that an unknown black male walked up to him from behind and produced an unknown caliber handgun. Victim stated that the male put the handgun to his side and ordered him to get into the rear driver side passenger door. Victim stated that the male ordered him to hand over his property. Victim stated that once he gave over his property, the unknown male exited the vehicle at this time and fled on foot northbound along 1900 Light Street. Southern District Detective Unit assume control of the incident. Officer conducted an area canvass for suspects and witnesses. Officer provided victim/witness assistance information.

According to the BPD  Crime Map, the following crimes were from 4/12/23 to 4/18/23.

Ridgely’s Delight

LARCENY, 200 PENN ST, TUESDAY, 4/18/23, 15:00

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, THURSDAY, 4/13/23, 2:00

LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, THURSDAY, 4/13/23, 19:00

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

AUTO THEFT, 1100 RACE ST, THURSDAY, 4/13/23, 11:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1100 S HANOVER ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 1:00

From BPD:

On April 16, 2023, at approximately 1:13 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of S. Charles Street for discharging.

Upon arrival, officers canvassed the area and located an 18-year-old male who was suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg, in the 1100 block of S. Hanover Street.

The victim was transported to an area hospital and was treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

Southern District shooting detectives are investigating this incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 410-396-2499 or call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Federal Hill

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1100 LIGHT ST, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 2:00

From BPD:

I was later called back to respond to Digital Harbor High school where the victims were receiving treatment from the incident that took place at 1100 Light Street. Both victims were maced. One of the suspects are known to the victims and two others are unknown. Southern District Detective Unit assumed the investigation. Victim assistance form provided.

Federal Hill South/Riverside

BURGLARY, 1100 E FORT AVE, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 5:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1100 COVINGTON ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 15:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 100 E FORT AVE, MONDAY, 4/17/23, 17:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 100 E FORT AVE, MONDAY, 4/17/23, 17:00

AUTO THEFT, 600 HYSON ST, TUESDAY, 4/18/23, 18:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 100 E FORT AVE, TUESDAY, 4/18/23, 20:00

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 400 LIGHT ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/12/23, 21:00

From BPD:

On 12 April 2023 at 2115 hours Office while on routine uniformed patrol in the 300 block of Light St. was flagged down by a citizen who stated 2 people just got assaulted in front of RITAS in the 400 Light St. and were injured. I located the 2 victims sitting on a bench in front of the visitor center. They advised me of the following incident. Victims stated that they were walking down the promenade at 2105 hours when the 3 unknown suspects approached the victims from the front and passed them. As the 2 groups passed by the 3 suspects instantly turned around and began their attack on both victims. Both victims were assaulted. While still on the ground suspects struck victim in the face and the suspects then went through his pockets and took his cell phone, car key and shoes. The suspects then fled the scene out of the harbor onto Light St. and out of sight. An area canvass was conducted with negative results. District Defective Unit assumed investigation. Victim assistance information provide.

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, THURSDAY, 4/13/23, 8:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 4/14/23, 89:00

LARCENY, 200 E PRATT ST, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 6:00

LARCENY, 600 E PRATT ST, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 13:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 11:00

LARCENY, 100 E PRATT ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 13:00

LARCENY, 100 E PRATT ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 14:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, MONDAY, 4/17/23, 16:00

LARCENY, 600 E PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 4/18/23, 15:00

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 800 W BARRE ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/12/23, 1:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 500 WYETH ST, THURSDAY, 4/13/23, 17:00

LARCENY, 700 W CROSS ST, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 12:00

LARCENY, 700 W CROSS ST, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 12:00

LARCENY, 700 W CROSS ST, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 12:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 700 W CROSS ST, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 12:00

LARCENY, 1200 SARGEANT ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 5:00

LARCENY, 1100 WICOMICO ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 11:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1000 S PACA ST, TUESDAY, 4/18/23, 19:00

ROBBERY (no info due to a technical error on the map)

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY, 1400 RIDGELY ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/12/23, 12:00

LARCENY, 1800 ANNAPOLIS RD, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 13:00

LARCENY, 1800 ANNAPOLIS RD, SATURDAY, 4/15/23, 13:00

Hollins Market

LARCENY, 1100 W LOMBARD ST, SUNDAY, 4/16/23, 2:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 0 S SCHROEDER ST, TUESDAY, 4/18/23, 8:00

Union Square

AUTO THEFT, 1600 LEMMON ST, WEDNESDAY, 4/12,23, 22:00

LARCENY, 1700 W PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 4/14/23, 15:00

The post South Baltimore Crime Updates first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2023/04/26/south-baltimore-crime-updates-266/

Friday, April 21, 2023

Federal Hill Mortgage Buys Key Highway Building for New Office

Federal Hill Mortgage purchased the 10,000 sq. ft. office building at 1240 Key Hwy. and relocated its office from 904 Light St. to its new building. The company purchased the building in February for $2.3 million.

The one-story building was previously home to an architecture firm. It has eight indoor parking spaces; eight outdoor parking spaces; a billboard; two office suites, including an 1,000 sq. ft. space leased by the Port of Baltimore; and an unfinished space.

Federal Hill Mortgage completed a $200,000 renovation of its office space. This included adding new floors, new ceilings, and “high-end” finishes.

Federal Hill Mortgage’s office space has 10 individual offices, a kitchen, a reception area, and a conference room. Federal Hill Mortgage co-owner Tammy Saul said in the future the 2,ooo sq. ft. unfinished space will be turned into a realtor and client lounge with a media center, a golf center, and gathering spaces. They are also planning to paint the exterior of the building and add a new sign with raised lettering.

Tammy Saul, who owns the company with husband Ryan Saul, said, “It’s the absolute perfect layout and size. It has significant space for our staff and gives us space to grow.”

Federal Hill Mortgage now has a team of 20 including four new employees.

The Sauls started the company out of their home 17 years ago and moved to Light St. in 2014.

Tammy Saul said they were looking for a new office for a few years after outgrowing their 2,000 sq. ft. space on Light St. The Sauls began negotiating a lease at 1240 Key Hwy. in early 2022, but the deal fell through when the property went under contract with an apartment developer.

“I was absolutely crushed,” she said. However that deal fell through and the property went back on the market in August 2022. Tammy Saul said her and Ryan Saul decided to take a “huge leap of faith” and try to buy the building themselves. After two months of negotiation, they got the building under contract.

Tammy Saul said 2022 was a difficult year for the mortgage industry and that the fourth quarter of last year was the toughest quarter since 2009. “It was a scary time in the industry, but I knew it was a temporary hump to get over.”

She said things are now on the upswing and she projects 2023 will be a stronger year than 2021 when Federal Hill Mortgage closed $312 million in loans. She believes interest rates will go down one to one-and-a-half percent by the end of the year.

The post Federal Hill Mortgage Buys Key Highway Building for New Office first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2023/04/21/federal-hill-mortgage-buys-key-highway-building-for-new-office/

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Weekend Events Around Baltimore

420 at Pickett Brewing Company: Thursday from 4pm-9pm

Are You Smarter Than A BCP Student? at Baltimore Museum of Industry: Thursday  from 530pm-930pm

Salvage Arc’s Magnet Fishing Meetup at 1629 Thames St.: Thursday from 6pm-8pm

Trek Federal Hill Bikes and Beer at Wico Street Beer Co.: Thursday from 6pm-9pm

420 WEEKEND at Nepenthe Brewing Co.: Thursday – Sunday 

15th Annual Baltimore Tattoo Arts Festival at Baltimore Convention Center: Friday – Sunday 

Sagamore Spirit Distillery 6-Year Anniversary Celebration: Friday from 5pm-8pm

Night Market at Mount Royal Soup Co.: Friday from 5pm-9pm

MLB – Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards: Thursday at 7pm, Saturday at 7pm (Early Bird Saturday), Sunday at 130pm (MLB Network Cap)

Adam Sandler Live with Special Guest at CFG Bank Arena: Friday at 730pm

Chicago at Pier Six Pavilion: Friday at 8pm

Trivia Exhibit Crawl at Maryland Science Center: Friday from 8pm-10pm

Annual Garden Party at Federal Hill Ace Hardware: Saturday from 8am-8pm

Earth Day Extravaganza at Patterson Park: Saturday from 9am-12pm

The New Lexington Market & Exploring the Neighborhood Around It: Saturday from 1030am-1130am

Rally In The Alley: Spring Edition at Power Plant Live!: Saturday from 11am-4pm

2nd Annual Cyclovia and Move well Fest at Carroll Park: Saturday from 12pm-4pm

Greenerfest at Diamondback Brewing Co.: Saturday from 12pm-9pm

Mr. Trash Wheel’s Earth Day Birthday at Pierce’s Park: Saturday from 3pm-6pm

Monthly Wine Tasting – New Zealand Wines at SoBo Market: Saturday at 5pm

Soul Marathon featuring The Manhattans ft. Gerald Alston, Bloodstone, The Intruders, Eddie Holman, The Softones, Temprees, and J’Kar. Also featuring DJ Mike Jones and Ms. Maybelle at Lyric Baltimore: Saturday at 7pm

New Edition: Legacy Tour with Keith Sweat, Guy and special guest Tank at CFG Bank Arena: Saturday at 730pm

Monumental Comedy at Monument City Brewing: Saturday from 730pm-10pm

CANCELLED: 97 Underground.com presents Rock from the Heart feat Night Ranger at Hippodrome: Saturday at 8pm

Area 19 Parking Pass Pick Up at Henry Street Park: Sunday from 11am-3pm

BOTTOMS UP! a Vintage Mini Market at The Charmers Club: Sunday from 12pm-4pm

Baltibrew Homebrew Club Presents BRÜBAKES IV 2023 (Homebrew & Baking Competition) at UNION Craft Brewing: Sunday from 2pm-4pm

Free Outdoor Fitness

November Project at Patterson Park: Friday at 630am

Weekly Farmers’ Markets

32nd Street Farmers’ Market in Waverly:  Saturday from 7am-12pm

Fell’s Point Farmers Market at Broadway Square: Saturday from 9am-1230pm

Baltimore Farmers’ Market: Sunday from 7am-12pm

Have a GREAT weekend!

The post Weekend Events Around Baltimore first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2023/04/20/weekend-events-around-baltimore-168/

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen Closing on May 14th

Riverside-staple Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen at 745 E. Fort Ave. will be closing on Sunday, May 14th after more than 14 years of being in business. Owner Farid Salloum posted the following on Facebook:

Hi Everyone-

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I announce that Baba’s will be closing for good on Sunday, May 14. The business changes in a post-Covid world have given us little choice.

For Billy, Ryan and I, as well as the rest of my staff, it has been a pure joy providing to the Baltimore community. I love that so many have cared so much for our food and for Baba’s the past 14-1/2 years. That I have had a team so skilled and so passionate about what they have made for our patrons has been a life-changing bonus. You, and they, made me look forward to coming to work every day, and there are no words to express how appreciative I am for that. That said, I will miss having Baba’s food to eat. I love this food.

Chefs Ryan and Billy will be moving on to their next culinary chapters: Ryan at Cafe Campli @cafecampli www.cafecampli.com (by Paul & Sam) in Hamilton and Billy at EAT. eggrollsandtacos.com (Mike and Spike) in Locust Point. I’d appreciate your supporting these two places. They’re both locally owned and operated, startups, and delicious food venues!

My siblings will be in town on our last day on May 14 and for us it’s fitting that it will be Mother’s Day, as our mother was a huge inspiration and helped make Baba’s happen in so many ways.

I’ll soon be announcing any farewell plans for our final few weeks, including the availability of a Baba’s Cookbook 😊. To everyone that supported Baba’s Kitchen, those walking through our doors as well as those on staff: THANK YOU. It can never be overstated that I didn’t make Baba’s Kitchen happen… each of you did.

With heartfelt sincerity,

Farid

Chief Falafel Officer, Baba’s Kitchen

In the three years SouthBMore.com ran the SouthBMore’s Best online competition, Baba’s won Best BYOB  all three times and Best Carryout all three times.

Salloum told SouthBMore.com that his costs have risen 15 to 20 percent in the past year, there has been increased competition in the local market, and more people are seemingly cooking more at home than they used to.

“It’s a challenging period for restaurants,” he said.

Salloum said the Baba’s cookbook, which is being self-published on Amazon with the design help of Kin West, will be available in the next couple of weeks. It will have recipes from Salloum and Chefs Ryan Scalfari and Billy Bryan Jr., family stories, and pictures of patrons showing Baba’s businesses cards in different locations around the world.

“I don’t expect to make any money on the cookbook, but wanted a keepsake for the staff and patrons,” said Salloum.

Salloum, who’s now 62, said he’s not sure what’s next for him. He lives in Riverside and was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. His family comes from Palestine, which heavily influenced the menu at Baba’s.

Salloum is excited to see Chefs Scalfari and Bryan, who helped run Baba’s according to Salloum, expand and grow their skills at Café Campli and EAT, respectively.

In closing, Salloum wanted to reiterate his appreciation to the patrons and staff of Baba’s. “I love that we have been so embraced in this neighborhood,” he said.

Photos from Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen

The post Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen Closing on May 14th first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2023/04/19/babas-mediterranean-kitchen-closing-on-may-14th/