City Releases First Comprehensive Retail Report

The City of Frederick recently released "The City of Frederick Retail Report." The report was completed in April 2016 by a retail consultant and is the first comprehensive retail study to be completed by The City. It will assist the Department of Economic Development in identifying best practices and retail brands that are currently missing in Frederick. The report can be used as a valuable tool for both existing retailers in Frederick and for businesses considering the Frederick area.
 
Retail is an important community attribute for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Retailers and restaurants contribute to Frederick's quality of life, tax base, and provide employment opportunities for residents. 

"Frederick is home to local and national brands canvassing the entire City, from the western edge of the Golden Mile, through Historic Downtown Frederick, and along the East Street Corridor," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.

Despite a strong existing demand for retail and restaurants in Frederick, opportunities remain to attract missing brands and to better understand changing trends in consumer habits.

The report contains relevant demographic, spending, and economic data and can be used by businesses seeking to prepare or update a business plan, for property owners seeking new tenants, and for existing retailers interested in learning more about the changing trends in the retail market.  

Download - The City of Frederick Retail Report - The Riddle Company (PDF)

7 Farmers Markets in the City of Frederick

Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmers Market

Frederick is fortunate to be surrounded by bountiful farmland.  Farmers Markets in the area help those who live and work access locally grown and harvested items nearly every day of the week.  Some locations provide weekday convenience to those working in Downtown Frederick or at Fort Detrick.  

7 Farmers Markets Located in the City of Frederick, Maryland (2015)

Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmers Market
Church and East Streets

Through October 29

Thursdays, 3pm – 6pm

West Frederick Farmers Market

United HealthCare Parking Lot

800 Oak Street
Through November 21

Saturdays, 10am-1pm

Frederick City Market
331 N. Market Street

Through October 25

Sundays, 9am – 1pm

Grace Farmers Market

9380 Butterfly Lane

Through Mid November

Fridays, 3pm – 6pm

Great Frederick Fair Farmers Market
Frederick Fairgrounds – East Patrick Street

Open Year Round

Saturdays, 8:00am – 2:00pm 

Farmers Markets at NCI- Frederick

NCI-Frederick located on Fort Detrick - Open to Public

Outdoor Market space is located in the parking lot in front of the NCI Cafe/Scientific Library (Building 549) 

Through October

Tuesdays, 11am – 1:30pm

YMCA of Frederick Farmers Market
1000 N. Market Street

Through October 6

Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm

Learn more about other Farmers Markets in Frederick County. 

Updated: August 4, 2015

How Dublin Roasters Makes "The Most Excellent Beans"

Made in Frederick: Dublin Roasters Coffee

Story by Nick Masucci, Intern, Hood College

When walking into Dublin Roasters Coffee for the first time, there is an open atmosphere that makes customers feel welcome. This was owner Serina Roy’s goal when she moved her coffee roasting business to Frederick, Maryland.

Roy began roasting coffee 15 years ago as a hobby for small coffee companies in Frederick and Westminster when she wasn’t working as a police officer for The City of Frederick. As she started delivering coffee to more coffee shops, Roy also started demonstrating her coffee-roasting techniques and speaking to customers at different events in the area. Her business grew after more customers tried her coffee and saw how she crafted it.

Roy originally started roasting coffee in her garage before moving into a shop in New Market, Maryland. Her business was located in New Market for three years before moving her shop to Frederick in 2010.

Today, Dublin Roasters creates a variety of roasted coffee beans in their shop, which is located on 1780 N. Market Street in Frederick. In her shop, she sells coffee by the cup, specialty drinks, baked goods, and locally-made products.  Dublin Roasters can also create custom coffee blends for customers for special occasions, such as weddings. All of their beans are locally roasted in Frederick.

In addition to roasting coffee beans, Dublin Roasters offers fresh coffee by the cup, specialty coffees, their special roasts by the bag, baked goods, locally produced foods and handmade items.

According to Roy, starting with a quality product is the secret to crafting a great cup of coffee. “We only buy the most excellent beans,” she said.  Her beans come from small family farms, and she personally knows the farmers.

When roasting her coffee, Roy said that “every single bean reacts differently to the heat and to the environment.” The beans tell you how to roast them and that each bean tells its own tale. This is one of the things that Roy enjoys most about her business.

“The coffee is freshly roasted; we only roast when a customer orders it or when we’re out of coffee,” said Roy. Roy said that Dublin Roasters prides itself on making fresh coffee for its customers, making sure their coffee is not acidic or bitter.

Bean roasting process step-by-step.

Frederick offers a great community of people who support local businesses, she said. “People here want to put their money into homegrown things,” said Roy. The community goes out of its way to support local businesses and locally made products.

Roy considers Dublin Roasters a community center for the people of Frederick and for people who are passionate about coffee.  The shop’s open space allows different groups of people in the community to come together and meet.

At Dublin Roasters, “We want to talk to you; we don’t want to just serve you,” said Roy.

Learn more about Dublin Roasters

www.dublinroasterscoffee.com

About Made in Frederick -  Made in Frederick posts will feature items that are locally manufactured or produced within The City of Frederick. If you have a suggestion for a Made in Frederick feature, contact us. 

Experience Authentic International Cuisine Along the Golden Mile

Fajita Grande restaurant on the Golden Mile is a local favorite with colorful decorations and daily specials.

Experience Authentic International Cuisine Along the Golden Mile

By Michelle Kershner, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development

Originally printed in the Winter 2015 Frederick County Guide

Stretching towards the mountains, the Golden Mile is a major retail district in Frederick. Representing a portion of the historic National Road, it naturally connects Downtown Frederick with points westward, such as Braddock Heights and Middletown.

  

Winter 2015 Frederick County Guide

Locals flock to this corridor, also known as Route 40, for retail stores and services. But insiders know that tucked inside the shopping centers, diners can find some of the most delicious and authentic international cuisine in the region.

“Nearly half of all establishments along the Golden Mile are associated with retail trade,” said Economic Development Manager Bobby Baumler.  “Additionally, accommodation and food services represent nearly a third of all employment in this area, a strong indication that people are heading to the Golden Mile to dine.” 

Amid the numerous strip-style shopping centers, standalone specialty stores and authentic international cuisine can be found.  From freshly baked breads and sweets at La Colmenita Bakery to international grocery stores, flavors from across the globe can be found along the Golden Mile. Diners can try Pho TNT’s banh mi, a crusty Vietnamese-style sandwich, Peruvian-style chicken at Sardis Pollo a La Brasa, warm naan bread and butter chicken at Clay Oven, or gyoza and sushi at Roppongi. 

Established in 1987, Casa Rico has been an anchor on the western end of the corridor for decades with gourmet tacos, tequila, and traditional Mexican favorites like chile rellenos. Fajita Grande offers up fresh salsa with their sizzling platters, and Santa Rosa restaurant and Ana's Papuseria serve pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, handmade corn tortillas.  On select summer nights, a taco truck parks at Dutrow’s Sales & Service at the end of the Golden Mile, and dishes up favorites like tongue tacos and tamales.

The Golden Mile could very well be dubbed the “International Mile” for the corridor’s concentration of global flavors and offerings. 

La Colmenita Bakery is tucked in a storefront at the Willow Tree Shopping Center and offers freshly baked breads and sweets.

“The authentic international food scene on The Golden Mile is exploding,” said Justin Kiska, president of the Golden Mile Alliance and owner of Way Off Broadway. “These gems are tucked into traditional shopping centers, and new places are opening all the time. We recently welcomed Modern Asia Bar & Restaurant to our dining scene.”

Traditional favorites also have flourished on the Golden Mile over the years. The Barbara Fritchie Restaurant has been serving home-cooked meals since 1910.  This retro diner features comfort foods and freshly baked desserts.  Nearby, Il Forno Pizzeria has served their famed wood-fired pizza for over 18 years. 

For over six decades, Red Horse Steak House has been considered a family dining tradition for their open-flamed grilled steaks and seafood.   Doc Geiser’s Carryout & Catering is home to Watson’s famous fried chicken, and Mountainview Diner is a local favorite as well. 

“There is this perception that the Golden Mile is mainly a big-box destination, but small and family businesses, like these restaurants, also thrive alongside the larger retailers and chains,” explains Baumler.  

In the City of Frederick, 95% of all businesses are small businesses, and the Golden Mile is no exception.   Thanks to business investment, planning, and community involvement, this traditional retail corridor’s future is bright.  The Golden Mile, along with portions of Downtown Frederick, was recently accepted into Maryland’s Sustainable Communities program, which will open up additional resources. The Golden Mile Alliance, a non-profit organization comprised of business owners, property owners, and residents, also is working to strengthen the thoroughfare. 

The Golden Mile Alliance is reviving Pangaea, a festival celebrating heritage and diversity, with the next celebration slated for Oct. 4, 2015.

“We are looking forward to bringing back this cultural event,” Kiska said, with international cuisine featured prominently.  “Food brings communities together, and it will be a great time to celebrate all that Frederick’s Golden Mile has to offer in this area and others."

To learn more about the Golden Mile and business in Frederick, visit www.businessinfrederick.com.

Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?

New code changes could position Frederick to benefit from surge in growing craft spirit industry.

Craft spirits is a $10.2 billion market and growing at a rapid rate. On December 18, 2014, the City of Frederick, Maryland’s Board of Aldermen amended city code to allow small wineries, breweries and distilleries in the downtown area, paving the way for this growing industry to boom locally. This newest legislation expanded the area where these businesses could operate.  

According to the American Craft Spirits Association, there are at least 350 craft distilleries in the United States today – a figure projected to pass 500 in 2015. 

“We have all of the right ingredients for this industry to thrive,” said Economic Development Director for the city, Richard Griffin. “We have a thriving downtown, robust tourism industry, and the county has a concentration of wineries and breweries. More importantly, the codes are now in place to welcome this growing industry to Frederick,” Griffin added.

While many state and local governments across the country have restrictive legislation that limits this type of industry, the recent code change positions Frederick to be at the forefront of this industry’s growth. 

“Frederick is ready to embrace this industry,” said Griffin.  With a variety of available spaces, from flex to historic buildings, there are a number of locations that can accommodate the booming craft distillery, winery, and brewery business.

For information on opening a business in Frederick or for business assistance, contact the City of Frederick’s Department of  Economic Development. 

4 Offers and Ideas from Clustered Spires Golf Course

For some industries, golf and business go hand-in-hand.  An article in The Economist (Why golfers get ahead, November 21, 2011), emphasizes that, “As a form of corporate entertainment, golf's first virtue is that people of any age can play it.” It is the preferred sport for many looking to connect with clients and coworkers outside of the office. 

Clustered Spires Golf Club was established in 1991 as the first public golf course in Frederick County, and is owned and operated by the City of Frederick. The 185 acre course was formally a working dairy farm and the Monocacy River surrounds the golf course on 3 sides, creating a beautiful setting while providing a natural barrier from outside distractions. 

Looking towards 2015, here are some current offers and ideas from Clustered Spires Golf Club that may be right on par for your favorite golf-loving colleague, client, or for your own company: 

1. Book Your Outing or Event – Clustered Spires Golf Course successfully runs over 110 outings per year, and its PGA Professional staff has collectively over 51 years of management of charity golf events. Learn more about booking an event.
2. Annual Golf Membership – Find yourself on the links a lot? Play unlimited golf anytime for a year with an annual Golf Membership. Learn more about membership online or call for details: 301-600-1295. (Price: Adults - $1,200; Juniors - $300)
3. Dress for the New Year- Happening Now: 25% Off all in-stock men’s and women’s golf shirts.
4. Golf Lessons & Personal Club Fitting With a PGA Professional – Clustered Spires’ Don Frost was named Golf Digest Top Teacher of 2013. Frost was ranked as one of the best teachers in the state of MD and top 500 in the country. He is the Director of Golf and General Manager of Clustered Spires Golf Club. Learn more about lessons.

Learn more about the amenities and offerings at Clustered Spires Golf Club. 

3 Local Holiday Shopping Ideas

Carroll Creek Park, Downtown Frederick, Maryland

Frederick is an ideal spot to show your shop local spirit this holiday season. Frederick was recently named in Yelp's Top 20 Cities to Shop Local for the holidays. In the City of Frederick, 95% of businesses are small businesses, which means they have 50 or fewer employees. Based on recent InfoUSA data, 88% of City businesses have fewer than 25 employees. 

For those in or around Frederick, shopping small is a source of pride for many, and the options are endless. 


Here are three tips for shopping local this holiday season:

1. Visit the Golden Mile - While many think about the Golden Mile for services and larger retail stores, tucked into the many shopping centers are small, locally owned businesses. International bakeries, grocery stores, and more will help you serve up traditional tastes and new flavors for the holidays.
   
   
   
2. Gift a Local Taste of Frederick- For the person who has everything, give the gift of local sweets and treats. From Monocacy Brewing Company to McCutcheon's Factory Store, Frederick is a mecca for locally produced food and drink. Artisan chocolates, locally produced beer and wine,freshly baked sweets, and preserved and jellies can all be found here.
   
3. Get it in Downtown Frederick - Recently named in Yelp's Top 20 Cities to Shop Local for the holidays, the 40-block historic district offers charm, locally-crafted gifts, and many small boutiques and specialty shops. Learn more on the Downtown Frederick website.
   
   
   
   

3 Ways to Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Frederick

In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to encourage people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before. The big day is November 29, 2014, and Frederick is an ideal spot to show your shop local spirit. Frederick was recently named in Yelp's Top 20 Cities to Shop Local for the holidays.
  
Here are 3 ways you can show some local love and celebrate Small Business Saturday in Frederick:

1. Get Up Early to Get a Downtown Doorbuster Bag - Show up early in Downtown Frederick to be one of the first 200 people to receive a "Downtown Doorbuster Bag Giveaway." From 10-Noon, the first 200 attendees will receive a FREE custom-designed, reusable Downtown Frederick shopping bag with deals at 40+ shops and restaurants.  Learn more: http://bit.ly/1tf21o5  
2. Receive up to $30 back with your American Express Card - If you have an American Express card, visit http://amex.co/1AeJ1h4 to register your card and receive up to $30 back for shopping in registered small businesses. Visit the Shop Small Map to see locations city-wide. 
3. Share How You Shop Small - In addition to using #ShopSmall on November 29, use #ShopSmallFredco to share how you shop small in Frederick.  We are partnering with the Frederick County Department of Business Development and Retention to feature photos capturing the spirit of #ShopSmall and tagged with #ShopSmallFredco via Facebook and Twitter. The photo could be you dining at a restaurant, picking up bread at a local bakery, a favorite shop or business, or just getting a jump start on your shopping.  

In the City of Frederick, 95% of our businesses are small businesses, which means they have 50 or fewer employees. Based on recent InfoUSA data, 88% of City businesses have fewer than 25 employees. 

If you live in or around Frederick, you know shopping small is a source of pride for many, and the options are endless.

Director of Economic Development Richard Griffin getting ready to shop small this season in Downtown Frederick.

"Park and Shop" Program - Validated Parking Tickets Available at Downtown Businesses

The City of Frederick Parking Department wants Downtown Frederick business owners as well as any residents and visitors that come shop downtown to know about the "Park and Shop" program.

If you are a Downtown Frederick business owner, you can contact the City's Parking Department at 301-600-1429 or visit the Parking Staff at the Court Street parking garage to learn more and sign up for the program, which allows you to offer your customers validated parking passes in various dollar amounts.

Clyde Hicks, owner of The Trail House on S. Market Street shares this about the program,

"We have been using the Park and Shop program for years and our customer's seem

to really appreciate it. We encourage our staff to promote the program to our customers and

 over the years, more and more people are taking advantage of it. To us, its seems like a

win-win for our business and our customers." 

Jeff Horowitz with Colonial Jewelers is a supporter of the program as well.

"The Park and Shop program provides a great service to our customers.   Downtown businesses are at a disadvantage compared to mall and free-standing stores, which have convenient, free parking.  This program allows downtown merchants to counteract at least the cost of parking in the decks to shop downtown, where there is limited on-street  parking near their stores (which is not free)."

 

Small Business Saturday Promotes Local Businesses

Saturday, November 26th marks “Small Business Saturday”, a day established to help support local merchants and the economy on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. “The Small Business Saturday” movement started nationally last year to counter the big box store sales on Black Friday.  Mayor Randy McClement is encouraging people in the City of Frederick to take part and shop locally.

“Shopping locally is about personal service, that personal touch, remembering your name, having a sample for you to taste or remembering your favorite color.  It’s about seeing people you know on the streets, in the stores and at the restaurants and supporting our local economy here in Frederick.’  said Mayor McClement.

Whether it’s Under the Sun and Chanticleer Shoes on the Golden Mile or one of the many unique specialty retail shops in historic Downtown, you’re sure to find that perfect gift for the holidays at one of Frederick’s many small, independently owned stores.

The City and the Department of Economic Development encourage you to ‘shop small’ and locally; help fuel the economy. Also, “Like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook!