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Columbia Business

Monday, July 16, 2012

CrunchDaddy Releases Four New Flavors, Gets HowChow Nod

'It's hilariously imaginative.' - local food blog HowChow.

  Patch caught up with local gourmet popcorn producer CrunchDaddy about a month ago to learn about his maple bacon popcorn. On Friday, the CrunchDaddy himself, Dan Bazis, of Columbia, released four new flavors to add to his increasingly large stable of unique gourmet popcorns. The new flavors are Maryland Crab Feast Crunch (Old Bay and vinegar), Peanut Butter and Jelly Crunch (peanut butter coating with diced grape jelly beans), Bombay Market Crunch (Indian spices) and Simply Cinnamon Crunch. Would you eat peanut butter and jelly-flavored popcorn? Tell us in comments. Local food blog HowChow recommended the Peanut Butter and Jelly Crunch ("It's hilariously imaginative because I swear that a handful tastes like Wonder Bread, peanut butter …

Brook Hubbard

6:27 pm on Monday, July 23, 2012

I recommend everyone try this company out, especially if you live in Columbia. Certain flavors may not be a match, but I'm pretty sure you'll find something you enjoy. I also like the fact that, unlike the bulk popcorn companies that send out overly-processed product, CrunchDaddy is fresh made and very natural tasting and feeling. Can't wait to try more!   more ›

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Wegmans Answers Readers’ Questions

Wegmans answers your questions about the new Columbia store.

  On Tuesday, Patch asked readers what they wanted to know about the new store opening in Columbia, on Wednesday, Wegmans officials took the time to answer the questions.  Is there a general trend at their stores as to what times are the least busy, or does it vary from store to store? – Julia McCready The stores are very busy on the weekends and on Mondays, said Mike Gorski, Wegman’s Maryland district manager. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the least busy said Gorski. And if you’re worried about the initial rush after opening, it should subside after about four weeks said Wendy Webster, the Columbia store manager. Will the store carry local products? Is there any unusual prepared foods? How did they specialize the Columbia store for …

Val Smith

10:16 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012

Will there be an entertainment venue (jazz, etc.) similar to what's available at the Wegmans in Prince Georges county. So many people would love that - especially the mature singles who have no form of entertainment in Columbia.   more ›

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Down Economy Means Sales Up at Greenberries

The consignment shop is bustling in a new, larger Snowden Center space.

The economic recession that doesn't seem willing to loosen its grip on the nation has been the cause of many businesses closing their doors for good. Not so at Columbia's Greenberries, a consignment shop specializing in clothing, gear and other items for babies, children and expectant mothers. Because of the economy, which has forced consumers to be more frugal with fewer dollars available for non-neccessities, Greenberries is booming, according to owner Rachel Baliff. Originally opened in 2009 in a 500-square-foot retail space, the store recently moved to a 2,200-square-foot space in Snowden Center. The attractive space is filled with both new items like toys, books and accessories and gently used items on consignment. "The economy has …

Monday, March 5, 2012

Readers' Choice: Columbia Gyms/Fitness Centers

Patch readers are asked to choose their favorite Columbia workout place.

Now that March is here, regular gym members are probably breathing a sigh of relief because New Year's resolution newbies have come and gone. Gyms can get a little crowded after the first of the year, when folks are trying to turn over a new fitness leaf. In continuing Patch's Readers' Choice series, we now ask you to vote for your favorite gym or fitness center in Columbia. If you're a regular, let us know about your favorite gym. And if you're one of those resolution newbies and your enthusiasm is waning, get back to work and let us know where you find your favorite motivation. Jazzercise (Rumsey Road) Baltimore Fencing Center Columbia Emilia's Acrobatics Gymnastics and Cheerleading Columbia Gym Columbia Athletic Club The Yoga Center of …

Quinn Woll

12:42 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012

I really LOVE Jazzercise. (I know the poll has ended, but I still want to offer my opinion.) You must see this facility. It's top-notch. And the instructors and managers are so awesom, so friendly, so encouraging... they make working-out something I look forward to. And that's saying something!   more ›

Friday, March 2, 2012

Readers' Choice Winner: Bagel Bin & Deli

Columbia Patch readers declared the Kings Contrivance eatery the town's best breakfast eatery in a closely-contested race.

The votes are in and Columbia has selected its favorite breakfast place. Or at least 89 of you fine and proud Columbians did by casting your votes in Patch's inaugural "Best Of" installment that focused on eateries known for serving the day's most important meal. Columbia is fortunate in that it's a large and bustling city unto itself, with many dining choices from mom-and-pop, one-of-a-kind places to corporate chains. Just a small sampling of breakfast places were included in the poll, and write-in votes were welcome. When the dust settled at 9 a.m. March 2, Bagel Bin and Deli on Guilford Road edged out two other restaurants that ran a tight race for the top three spots. Bagel Bin garnered 27 votes (30 percent), squeaking by Bob Evans (23…

Monday, February 27, 2012

Cast Your Vote: Neighboring 'Best of ' Polls

If your favorite breakfast place is outside of Columbia, cast your vote for best breakfast place in nearby Patches.

  Patch has rolled out its new "Best Of" feature, in which we will invite Patch readers to vote for their favorite places to go.  This week's inaugural poll is for favorite breakfast places. Readers are encouraged to vote in these unscientific polls once per week per Patch. Check out these neighboring Patch best breakfast polls, in case your favorite eatery isn't within Columbia Patch's boundaries: Catonsville     Ellicott City    Elkridge      Laurel        Savage-Guilford      Because this poll is not scientific, it is not the sole consideration in choosing a winner. The winner will be determined by the Patch editor, based on poll results, reviews on Patch Places and in comments on this article.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Footwear Retailer Skechers Coming to Columbia Mall

Shoe store will occupy space in Center Court.

The footwear retailer Skechers is coming to The Mall in Columbia, according to a press release issued today. Scheduled to open in May, Skechers will bring its diverse collection of footwear for men, women and children to a 2,517 square-foot location in the mall's Center Court, according to the statement. “With the announcement of Skechers, we are continuing our longstanding commitment of providing Mall in Columbia customers with a strong mix of national and international retailers,” Michelle Jose, marketing manager of The Mall in Columbia, said in the statement. “With the customer as our main focus, we continually strive to secure a mix of retailers that will go above and beyond their shopping expectations and we are thrilled to welcome …

Friday, February 3, 2012

Dobbin Center Starbucks Relocating, Adding Drive-Through

Coffee shop moving from Dobbin Center Drive to former site of Mango Grove on Dobbin Road.

The Starbucks on Dobbin Center Drive is relocating, and busy Columbians might find the new store a little more convenient. When it opens at its new spot at 6365 Dobbin Road, the coffee shop will offer drive-through service. The new store is slated to open March 23, according to blogger Dennis Lane, author of Tale of Two Cities. Starbucks is moving into half of a new building being constructed on the site formerly occupied by Mango Grove, according to Bill Mackey, division chief of comprehensive and community planning for the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning. The store manager told Lane that the new shop is smaller than the one being vacated. Starbucks will lease Suite A and Radio Shack will occupy Suite B, according to …

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Horizon Foundation Names New Leader

Nicolette Highsmith Vernick succeeds founding President and CEO Richard M. Krieg.

The Horizon Foundation on Monday announced the appointment of Nicolette "Nikki" Highsmith Vernick as the organization's president and chief executive officer, according to a statement from Horizon. Horizon's mission is to improve the health and wellness of people living and working in Howard County. The organization grants money to other organizations and manages its own programs, such as a new initiative to curb childhood obesity in Howard County, according to Board of Trustees chair Shirley Collier. Highsmith Vernick is a nationally recognized expert on publicly financed health care, according to the statement. She succeeds founding President and CEO Richard M. Krieg, who retired after 13 years at the helm of the philanthropic …

Monday, January 23, 2012

Columbia Patient First Building Sells for $2M

California investor buys building developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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