The Commas food hall is expected to open later this year at or near full occupancy, according to an Ellsworth Place spokesperson.
Construction is underway in the 13,000-square-foot space on the third level of Ellsworth Place in downtown Silver Spring, with leasing extremely active, the spokesperson said in an email to the Source. Eventually, 12 food and beverage merchants are expected to participate, with a concentration on international foods from local makers, purveyors, chefs, and restaurateurs.
The first four vendors to sign leases at Commas were announced last year:
DMV Empanadas comes from Bolivian brothers Marco and Nacho Almaraz. 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 cook-ups, curries, and roti which includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Tokoa was created after friends and long-time restaurant workers Evelyn Cruz and Delmy Hernandez “decided to combine their knowledge and experience to create their versions of their favorite foods.” The menu focuses on cheesesteaks and burgers, both classic and innovative, from the traditional Philly Cheesesteak to a spicy cheesesteak to cheese-stuffed burgers.
J&J Mex-Taqueria is a family-owned and -operated business that has served the DC community since 2015. José and José Tovar are a father-son duo committed to sharing authentic Mexican recipes, flavors, and sauces passed down from generation to generation, as well as creating connections with the people they serve.
Commas is the second food hall to be announced for downtown Silver Spring; construction recently began on the 11-vendor Solaire Social at the Solaire 8200 Dixon apartment building.
Photo courtesy GBT Realty/Cana Development