Our top stories of 2023 center around Dominique Dawes and the opening and closing of local businesses.
Since our launch in October 2016, posts about local businesses have been the most popular on Source of the Spring.
This year also followed the trend of our top articles focusing on Silver Spring and Takoma Park businesses, although the news was not always positive. Here are the articles:
Dominique Dawes Inducted Into Athletic Hall of Fame: Silver Spring native Dominique Dawes made history for the second time by becoming the first gymnast to be inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame (video below).
Willie T’s Seafood Shack to Open on Monday, March 27: Willie T’s Seafood Shack opened in late March of this year, closed in September, and was replaced by Milk & Honey.
Winning Lottery Tickets Sold in Silver Spring, Takoma Park; Both Unclaimed: Winning lottery tickets were sold in Silver Spring and Takoma Park but were not claimed.
DoubleTree Drops Hilton Branding, Converts to Hotel Silver Spring: The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at 8727 Colesville Rd. in downtown Silver Spring changed its name to Hotel Silver Spring and dropped its Hilton branding.
Silver Spring Apartment Complex Sold for $20 Million: An 87-unit Parkside Terrace garden apartment complex in East Silver Spring was sold for $20 million.
Downtown Silver Spring Opening, Construction Updates: Several businesses were in various stages of opening and construction in downtown Silver Spring.
Mark’s Kitchen in Takoma Park is Closing After 32 Years: Mark’s Kitchen closed after 32 years of business in Takoma Park; Vietnamese food truck Muối Tiêu is taking over the space.
Tastee Diner to Close Downtown Silver Spring Location: Tastee Diner closed suddenly when owner Gene Wilkes sold the restaurant to D.C.-based developer Roadside Development.
Police: Man Shot During Attempted Robbery: A man was shot during an attempted robbery in downtown Silver Spring.
The Eleanor Silver Spring Has Permanently Closed: The Eleanor permanently closed its location in Downtown Silver Spring; the bowling lanes were sold at auction with a winning bid of $15,500.
Tastee Diner Sold to Roadside Development for $3.1 Million: Report: Tastee Diner’s owner, Gene Wilkes, has sold the restaurant to D.C.-based developer Roadside Development LLC for $3.1 million. Roadside later unveiled plans to build a 500-unit mixed-use building on the site of Tastee Diner and the adjacent Capital One Bank property.
One Dead, 15 Injured in Fire at Arrive Silver Spring Apartment Complex; Over 400 Displaced: A fire at the Arrive Silver Spring apartment complex in downtown Silver Spring caused one woman to die and at least 15 others to be hospitalized.
Recreation & Aquatic Center to Open in Early 2024: The county’s Recreation Department shared a progress update on the Silver Spring Recreation & Aquatic Center, anticipated to open in the new year. Sign up for a free RecFit pass before the facility opens.
Silver Spring Ranks Third on Fortune’s “Best Places to Live for Families” List: Fortune Magazine placed Silver Spring at #3 on its list of the 50 Best Places to Live for Families this year. The ranking was based on factors such as healthcare quality, aging resources, education, and community connectedness.
$15k Winning Lottery Ticket Sold; Mega Millions Jackpot Tops $1 Billion: The Maryland Lottery announced that a winning ticket worth more than $15,000 was sold in downtown Silver Spring.
Taco Loco Now Open in Downtown Silver Spring: Taco Loco opened in January at 8417 Georgia Ave. in downtown Silver Spring, which was previously occupied by Guavaberry Dominican Restaurant.
Royal Farms Planned for Sunoco Gas Station Site: A Royal Farms store is set to replace the Sunoco gas station at 9475 Georgia Ave. in Montgomery Hills. The county’s Department of Permitting Services has received the necessary applications for the development.
“Insanely Soft Opening” Underway at Citizens & Culture; Opening Date TBD: Citizens & Culture had a low-key opening before its grand opening in June. Third Hill Brewing also opened on the same day.
Police: Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of Stolen Semi-Automatic Rifle: 28-year-old Humberto Guerra, Jr. of Silver Spring was arrested by Montgomery County Police for two outstanding criminal warrants following a traffic stop on February 17th.
The Big Greek Café Gyro Named Best in Maryland: The Big Greek Café’s Famous Gyro, priced at $6 on Wednesdays, has been recognized as the best in Maryland in Tasting Table’s feature “The Best Gyros You Can Find In Every State.”
Source of the Spring is grateful for your support during a year of change and significant growth. We look forward to an even better 2024!
Graphic: “Happy New Year png illustration” is marked with CC0 1.0.