First Restaurants Announced for Upcoming Food Hall

Cana Development and GBT Realty Corporation (GBT) have announced DMV Empanadas and Trini Vybez as the first two restaurants for Commas, a new 13,000 square foot food hall coming later this year to the 3rd level of Ellsworth Place (8661 Colesville Rd) in Downtown Silver Spring. Commas is described as a “global collection for curious eaters” that “goes beyond the average food hall to bring the neighborhood a unique culinary experience reflective of its diverse international community.” Additional information, per Commas, below:

DMV Empanadas: From Bolivian brothers Marco and Nacho Almaraz, DMV Empanadas has been a popular hand-held bite at DC/Baltimore-area farmers’ markets for nearly 10 years. Growing from its storefront in Gaithersburg, MD, DMV Empanadas serves authentic empanadas using local ingredients and family recipes. Inspired by their mother, a passionate home cook, the Almaraz brothers have expanded from the original chicken filling recipe to nearly two dozen inspiring and creative filling options including Arroz and Spicy Pork, Shrimp Old Bay and Cheeseburger.

Trini Vybez: Natalia Kalloo launched Trini Vybez as a food truck in 2020, quickly building an avid fan base at area farmers’ markets and festivals, as well as private catered events. Kalloo’s all-natural spices and seasonings are staples in the restaurateur’s popular Trinidadian street food. A menu of traditional cookups, curries and roti that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, is planned. Says Kalloo, “Trini Vybez is what happens when passionate Trinis come together and decide to share their talents with the world.”

“With Commas, we look forward to expanding the dining options in Silver Spring in a unique experience,” said CANAdev Principal Michael Morris. “A diverse sampling of international options will bolster multiple Silver Spring communities while creating a new one.”

Construction is currently underway to transform the 13,000-sq. ft. space into Commas, a collection of 12 food and beverage merchants representing a range of international cuisines from local makers, purveyors, chefs and restaurateurs. The food hall, designed with cosmopolitan architectural and stylistic influences, is named for the written symbol used to separate items in a list, symbolizing the myriad of ways to dine and get together. Commas expects to create a bustling community of bites from Ethiopia to Korea, Malaysia to El Salvador, and beyond. Hungry diners can savor a new experience each time – linger over lunch, sneak in a pre-theater bite, take a midday coffee break, corral colleagues for happy hour, or enjoy a night out with friends.

The CANAdev leasing team specializes in identifying the needs of the community and bringing in eclectic, authentic and locally based merchants. With strong connections and deep roots in local retail, CANAdev has driven some of the most popular hospitality developments and destinations in DC and Baltimore, including Foggy Bottom’s Western Market and The Bevy, a food hall opening at Bryant Street NE, and has represented hospitality clients such as Ceremony Coffee, Bun’d Up and Cava Mezze.

Interested operators can inquire about opportunities via [email protected].

ABOUT ­­COMMAS
A global collection for curious eaters, Commas goes beyond your average food hall as a never-ending emporium of flavors from around the world. With a community of local restaurateurs and a long list of activities in one spot, Commas is your new favorite Silver Spring destination. hellocommas.com