The Commas food hall at Ellsworth Place is expected to open by the end of this year, according to mall officials.
Construction is underway on the 13,000-square-foot space on the third floor of Ellsworth Place in downtown Silver Spring. A total of 12 food and beverage vendors are expected to participate, with an emphasis on international foods from local producers, purveyors, chefs, and restaurateurs.
“Ellsworth Place expects to introduce Commas to the Silver Spring community before the end of the year,” an Ellsworth Place spokesperson said via email. “Construction is proceeding and our tenant line-up is almost complete. We look forward to announcing soon all the flavors that will make Commas an international delight.”
Exterior signage was installed last month, according to Robert Dyer.
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 planned for downtown Silver Spring; construction of the 11-vendor Solaire Social began earlier this year.
Rendering courtesy GBT Realty/Cana Development