The first two restaurants for the planned Commas food hall in Ellsworth Place have signed leases, according to leasing agent Cana Development.
DMV Empanadas from Bolivian brothers Marco and Nacho Almaraz is one of the two. The company has been offering held-held foods at the Washington/Baltimore-area farmers’ markets for nearly 10 years.
Growing from its storefront in Gaithersburg, the Almaraz brothers have expanded from the original chicken filling recipe to nearly two dozen filling options including arroz and spicy pork, shrimp Old Bay and cheeseburger.
Trini Vybez was launched by Natalia Kalloo as a food truck in 2020, appearing at area food markets and festivals, along with catering private events. Trini Vybez features Trinidadian street food, including traditional cookups, curries and roti that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
“With Commas, we look forward to expanding the dining options in Silver Spring in a unique experience,” CANAdev principal Michael Morris said in a press release. “A diverse sampling of international options will bolster multiple Silver Spring communities while creating a new one.”
Construction is underway in the 13,000 square foot space on the third level of the shopping center. Eventually, 12 food and beverage merchants are expected to participate, with a concentration on international foods from local makers, purveyors, chefs and restaurateurs.
The project was announced in the fall and is expected to open in the spring of this year.
Photo courtesy GBT Realty/Cana Development