Kefa to Leave Library Location, Bump ’n Grind to Take Over

Kefa Café will leave its location in the Silver Spring Library and open a café in the new Wheaton Library, while Bump ’n Grind will take over the Silver Spring spot. “We have been honored for the past five years to operate the coffee shop located on the grounds of the Silver Spring Library,” said Kefa’s co-owner Lene Tsegay in a statement, “and we are proud to have established a precedent for creating a welcoming and supportive community space for library customers.”

Locavino Honored with Award from Wine Spectator Magazine

Locavino, the wine café that overlooks Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, has been recognized with a 2020 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine. The award “recognizes thoughtfully chosen wine lists that offer quality and diversity, as well as compatibility with the restaurant’s style and menu,” according to the announcement.

Two Businesses Sign Leases for Central Apartments Locations

Two businesses have signed leases for space on the street level of Central apartments, located on the corner of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. The new tenants are local &Pizza and Lifestyles Nail Bar, Inc., according to Julie Chase, a representative of developer Grosvenor Americas.

Takoma Park Avenue to Close for Outdoor Dining, Public Use

Northbound Laurel Avenue in Takoma Park will be closed beginning today (June 12) to allow for outdoor seating, dining, sales and customer pick-ups, according to a city announcement. Traffic will be rerouted around the Seventh Day Adventist church, while southbound Laurel Avenue will remain open to vehicles.

Part of Georgia Avenue Will Close Temporarily to Allow Outdoor Dining

A portion of Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring will be temporarily closed as of 5 p.m. June 12 to allow restaurants additional space to provide customers outdoor dining. The right lanes of Georgia will be shut down between Silver Spring and Thayer avenues in a pilot project that will run through at least June 21. The pilot, known as Streetdine, is the result of a collaboration between the State Highway Administration, the Silver Spring Urban District, County Council Vice President Tom Hucker (D-District 5) and local business owners.

County to Ease COVID-19 Restrictions Beginning Monday

The county will ease the COVID-19 emergency restrictions imposed earlier this year beginning on Monday, June 1, County Executive Marc Elrich announced. In a press conference marred by boos, insults and profanities from the audience, Elrich said the gradual Phase 1 reopening of businesses and activities, under specific guidelines, would be in effect as of 6 a.m. Monday.