Retail and restaurant news, specifically openings and closings, is a big part of what we cover at The MoCoShow. In November of 2020 we released a list of restaurant closures that occurred since March 17th of that year, the start of the pandemic.
Our list of closures were not necessarily caused by the pandemic, since there is no way to determine every reason behind a closure, but 17% of restaurants (over 110,000) closed from the time it started until our November article, according to Business Insider.
David Blair, Democratic candidate for Montgomery County Executive, today released his plan to create a thriving business environment for restaurants.
The plan can be seen below:
After announcing his campaign for Montgomery County Executive, Blair convened a Restaurant Roundtable of local restaurant owners and operators to hear their experiences of doing business in Montgomery County. These insights led to the creation of Restaurants Are Better With Blair policies.
“Perhaps no industry was hit harder during the COVID-19 pandemic than restaurants and it troubled me that the county government imposed restrictions without input from restaurant owners and operators,” Blair said. “Many of the restrictions were inconsistent with surrounding jurisdictions and the county whipsawed restaurateurs with last-minute changes that made it difficult – if not impossible – to run a business.”
The full plan is available on the Blair campaign’s website; highlights include:
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Opening up Montgomery County’s Depression-era liquor monopoly to competition, giving restaurateurs choice in where they procure their alcohol.
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Ensuring Montgomery County regulations are comparable to regulations in surrounding jurisdictions and not duplicative of state or federal rules.
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Creating a simplified restaurant inspection process with no room for misinterpretation, guaranteeing turnaround times for licenses and permits and holding inspectors accountable.
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Consolidating Montgomery County’s small-business development programs and expanding opportunities for restaurateurs to secure capital.
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Transforming the County’s Agricultural Reserve into a more viable source of food for restaurants by creating local food processing facilities and expanding opportunities for wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
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Expanding childcare, including pre-K, early childhood education, and afterschool programs, so parents can work with the assurance their children are well cared for and learning.
Recently, the Blair campaign shared these policies with more than 1,100 restaurant owners and operators in Montgomery County
The Democratic Primary for County Executive is set for June 28, 2022 with Early Voting from June 16, 2022 through June 23, 2022.
Current County Executive Marc Elrich has announced that he will run for re-election, County Councilmember Hans Riemer announced his candidacy, and County Council President Tom Hucker formed an exploratory committee ahead of his expected run.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
