Hannah Brookfield, recently opened BotaniGal in Sykesville (above). Photo by Nikola Tzenov.
Check Out Businesses Opening in Carroll County
by Emily Hollwedel & Kym Byrnes
The reopening of businesses that were forced to close during the pandemic is a welcome sight. But it’s also exciting to see new businesses opening their doors, signaling a fresh start, a renewed sense of entrepreneurial spirit, and a growing economy. It’s heartening to see that even after such a challenging period, business owners are still willing to take risks and invest in new ventures. And it’s also exciting to have new and different options right here at home. This list is a sampling of recently opened businesses and some that are slated to open soon. Check with your local chamber, business association, or Main Street organization to find more new businesses. Let’s support and celebrate our local business community!
Eldersburg
Waghouse Dog Daycare
Located in Eldersburg, Waghouse provides an open-play dog daycare to help busy humans manage their active canines. As their owners go about busy work days, local dogs live their best life with play time, new friends and even nap time. Dogs are separated into temperament groups for the safest possible experience, and the center includes a self-service wash station to further pamper the pooch. And if you’re just looking to be entertained, follow Waghouse’s social media to see dogs in action. Waghouse.com
Player’s Fitness & Performance
With a new location opening in Eldersburg, PFP is a fitness and training facility that focuses on physical and mental development for young athletes as well as on “busy moms and dads who want to lose body fat and get strong with pain-free workouts.” PlayersFitnessAndPerformance.com
Goodwill
A new Goodwill location opened in Eldersburg in April. You can find deals on clothes, furniture, household items, books, and more. GIMV.org
Finksburg
Dill Dinkers Pickleball
Finksburg is now home to a facility dedicated to everyone’s favorite new sport — pickleball. According to the website, owners Denise and Will Richards fell in love with the sport after their first lesson and immediately saw the need for an indoor facility. They offer clinics, lessons, tournaments, leagues and membership options. DillDinkers.com
Hampstead
C&R Pub Hampstead
Located just off of Hanover Pike, C&R Pub offers a plethora of delicious dining options as well as a fully stocked bar. Opened at the end of 2022, the Pub offers a “down-home, family-friendly casual dining and bar experience.” Facebook.com/candrpubhampstead
Rocco’s Market & Deli
Whether it’s in the bakery, the deli or the market, Rocco’s is where you’ll find Italian deliciousness in Hampstead. Opened earlier this year, the Main Street shop features desserts and breads, deli sandwiches and prepared food, and an Italian market. RoccosMD.com
Mount Airy
Liquidity Aleworks
Since late 2022, Mt. Airy’s Liquidity Aleworks has been open for beer and good times. According to the website they are “dedicated to great beer, good people and a fun place to enjoy both.” Stop by for unique flavors of lager, rye, winter ale, wheat beer, and cider. Customers can also spend time on the outdoor patio, which is (leashed) dog-friendly. LiquidityAleWorks.com
Sykesville
BotaniGal
This quaint plant nursery in downtown Sykesville makes houseplant care unique and affordable. A “houseplant boutique,” BotaniGal sells pots, decorations, accessories, and plant care resources. Additionally, the business offers certified horticulture therapy, which uses plants and plant-related activities to improve overall health and well-being. BotaniGalPlants.com
The Local Motive
Opened early this year on Main Street in Sykesville, The Local Motive offers “a cozy space featuring craft beer, fine wine, quality cocktails and creative mocktails.” There’s also a snack and sandwich menu to round out the experience. LocalMotiveSykesville.com
Taneytown
Finch Market
Located in the heart of Taneytown, Finch Market offers a fun selection of gourmet groceries, gifts, and curated beer and wine. instagram.com/finch_market_taneytown
Deja Vu Jewels Co.
This Taneytown gem features estate sales, appraisals and fine and antique jewelry. Facebook.com/dejavujewelsco
The Simple Life
This shop offers all the goodies that you buy for gifts but really want for yourself — soaps, candles, books, throws and other eclectic finds. ShopTheSimpleLife.com
Westminster
Sweetbay Farms Nursery and Garden Center
Sweetbay owner Matt Barto managed Bowman’s Home & Garden Center in Westminster until he recently purchased the garden center from the Bowman family and transitioned it into the Sweetbay brand. This spring the Sweetbay Farms Nursery and Garden Center officially opened. Including a greenhouse and outdoor sales area, Sweetbay offers customers a wide array of locally grown plants, vegetable and garden seeds, lawn products like mulches and soils, bird food, and a gift shop. SweetBayFarms Nursery.com
Collision Course
This restaurant, offering a soul food experience, is scheduled to open in late summer or early fall on Main Street in Westminster. Owners Tony and Ashley Gerald have been pleasing local palates for some time with pop-ups at local businesses and brunch at River Downs Golf Course. CollisionCourseMd.com
Raising Cane’s
The fast-food chain Raising Cane’s is quickly going up off of Englar Road in Westminster (where Denny’s used to be). Known for their famous chicken tenders, crinkle fries and Texas toast, Raising Cane’s has locations all over the country.
Akira Ramen & Izakaya
With other locations throughout Maryland, Akira Ramen “specializes in taking the authentic ramen experience to the next level.” The recently opened Westminster location offers their extensive menu in a modern atmosphere. AkiraRamenIzakaya.com
Sprouts Farmers Market
Westminster announced that a Sprouts Farmers Market food store will open next year at Westminster Station on Baltimore Blvd. According to a news release, “Shoppers are welcome with a farmer’s market experience and open layout featuring fresh produce at the center of the store.”
This list is a sampling and does not include all new businesses in Carroll County.
