Charlie Priola, the owner of Maria's Sicilian Ristorante & Cafe, said he's on the verge of closing his little City Dock eatery because of how difficult it is to run a business under the auspices of the city government.
"I couldn't get people in here if I put a sign out front saying, 'free food,' " he said. "That's how bad it is."
Whether it's the arduous permitting and licensing process or the rancors of downtown parking, several business owners, such as Priola, said recently they are hoping a new mayor can instigate changes to provide Annapolis with a more hospitable business environment.
Mayor Josh Cohen has said he agrees that under previous administrations some of the processes for regulating the business community have been stifling. He has promised that streamlining the permits and licensing process as well as resolving the Market House dilemma are top priorities.
Privatizing the city's economic development agency also may grease some wheels, the mayor said.
"I think a lot of this is a general issue of attitude," Cohen said. "There's this sense of downtown not nearly being as welcoming as it should be."
Priola said he believes "new blood" and fresh ideas are exactly what will restore downtown to a version of its former self, when his parents first opened a pizzeria on Market Space, and when Main Street and City Dock were considered the "golden goose egg" of Annapolis.
After examining his books, Priola gave an example of how his business is suffering: He made a total of $785 for the whole day last Monday.
"And you know, like, $480 of it is (going toward) payroll (expenses)," he said.
Priola said just to turn the key each day for business costs him about $3,500.
With rising rent and vendor fees, the city hasn't made things easier, several business owners said.
Profits have plunged considerably for many downtown business owners over the past couple years, and some owners have said this isn't strictly a recession phenomenon.
Ouhanes "John" Baghdadlian, owner of La Belle Cezanne Jewelers on Main Street, said the proof is in the parking lots.
"If it was just a recession, why is Parole hopping?" he said, referring to the less than two-year-old Annapolis Towne Centre. "Their parking lot is packed. Customers are going down there because parking is free, it's easier to get in and out, and they have a lot of the same types of businesses there that you have downtown. Even I go there."
Baghdadlian's business figures are down about 50 percent to 60 percent from what they were when times were good about two years ago, he said. On Tuesday, two store employees idly waited behind a sparkling counter of fine jewelry with no customers to tend.
Baghdadlian said it's not that customers today aren't spending any money - it's that they're choosing other more accessible retail areas to patronize. And that is an outcome he just can't wrap his brain around.
"At what other location do you have a state capital, waterfront and a historic district?" he asked, noting that even with the General Assembly in session, lunch venues are typically empty. "This area has everything going for it. There's no reason why it should be this way."
To some, the city's issuance and fee schedule of permits and licenses feel arbitrary.
Priola has a cafe license for his sidewalk tables, which means he has to quit serving customers outside at 11 p.m., while the rest of his restaurant continues to serve inside customers until midnight.
Meanwhile, a neighboring business at City Dock with a bar license can continue serving customers until 2 a.m. Yet Priola's restaurant also has a bar.
"Why can't I?" he asked. "And you know, the new businesses on inner West Street can do just about whatever they want. The city will give them pretty much anything they ask for."
The 'new blood'
But Baghdadlian, who said Cohen recently came into his store to introduce himself, is optimistic about what the new mayor could bring to the table.
During Cohen's city budget presentation last week, he announced his plan to privatize the Department of Economic Affairs as an independent agency with economic development professionals to head it up.
Cohen said his staff is on a fact-finding mission to learn best practices from the Alexandria, Va., private economic development agency.
He has set aside in his budget a one-time $400,000 allocation to start up the agency, he said.
And removing the political red tape will begin with a physical consolidation of offices that cater to construction and business, he said. Currently, the Department of Planning and Zoning is housed at the city's Gorman Street building while the Department of Neighborhood and Environmental Programs offices, which include inspections and permits, are located in City Hall on Main Street.
The mayor wants to move the city's Office of Law out of the Gorman Street building and over to City Hall, and replace it with the Department of Neighborhood and Environmental Programs.
"It starts by putting it all under one roof," Cohen said. "That'll make it a new, one-stop counter on the third floor and help with coordination between the departments."
As for some of the concerns with the permits and licensing, Cohen said it's true that inner West Street businesses may have more flexibility than other downtown businesses because of their MX zoning, which was a district created recently in an attempt to bring more businesses downtown.
"That zoning was created as a way to spur more development," he said.
Signs of change
Kevin Epley, co-owner of Acme Bar & Grill on Main Street, said he believes he has already seen some evidence that communication and relations between businesses and city officials are going to improve.
Last month, when many downtown restaurants were participating in Annapolis Restaurant Week, business owners still were struggling to get customers through their doors because of the snowstorms.
At the same time, city officials were trying to literally plow ahead with snow removal on Main Street. Epley said at one point the city had plastered the streets with signs that said "no parking" to get cars off the roads.
"Even though I wasn't even doing Restaurant Week, I just knew that wouldn't be good for some of the other businesses," he said.
So he contacted city officials to let them know his concern about the signs.
"Within two hours, all the signs were taken down," he said.
The future of Market House also is of great concert to downtown merchants. Cohen said now that the leases have expired on the temporary Market House tenants, the "real discussion" on how to proceed with the building will begin.
He said he has short-term plans for the historic landmark, but already local prominent businessman Harvey Blonder and his sons, Mike and Kevin, have approached the city about leasing the 5,000-square-foot Market House. They said they have plans to bring back the active market that once was, with a mix of fresh produce, seafood and other grocery items.
"I think (the Market House) is the key to economic revitalization downtown," Cohen said. "There needs to be a draw to downtown, and I think the Market House should serve that purpose."
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Too expensive - 2010-03-27 11:52:29
John Ambrose hit the nail on the head. When you charge $22 for a simple dish you have no one to blame but yourself. $15 for fettuccine alfredo? $15 for pasta, cheese, butter, and flour? As has already been mentioned, the businesses that are doing well these days in the Dock area all have reasonable prices or a superior product. It's unfortunate that the 2 italian restaurants in the Dock area both have exorbitant prices. That's why they're empty the majority of the time.
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Jim Dandy - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Meant to say - 2010-03-21 14:45:03
"Psuedo" Southerners.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Excellent
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That was a Good One - 2010-03-21 14:40:25
These N Va Transplants who think they're hardcore local natives only I like to call them "Pseudo Southerners".
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Gunderson - 2010-03-21 08:21:19
I know steve , Little Campus was Irishified and marbelized some time ago. My point is their was a time when a hardcore of locals would frequent the Little Campus and that when these N Va transplants go to this Fado's place they imagine they are Hardcore Native Locals.
Geeeze.
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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Fred....... - 2010-03-21 04:14:18
Do you still live downtown?
Fado is a really popular Irish pub in the Westin Motel and FYI Little Campus has been Galway bay (another Irish pub) for years.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Excellent
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food - 2010-03-19 16:04:38
Hemmingways,hope I spelled it correct,but one thing I do have to cross the bridge!
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jim pearson - seaford, de - Karma: Terrible
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For really good food - 2010-03-19 12:57:07
I just pop over the bay bridge and eat on the eastern shore. Its cheaper, better food, and much better service!
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Rick M - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent
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downtown annapolis - 2010-03-19 12:41:06
As one person put it the locals don't even eat there or shop,when I lived near there I always went to Edgewater,Galesville or Deale.All Annapolis has left is vacant lot/buildings and parking meters.OH I FOR GOT THE N.A.........
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jim pearson - seaford, de - Karma: Terrible
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Main Street Empty Lot - 2010-03-19 11:11:35
FYI--the Blonders own that spot and any redevelopment is being held up by the City. They proposed converting it (temporarily) into an outdoor dining venue (served by Buddy's presumably) while the city screwed around wiht the permits. They could employ 90 addt'l people, and be up and running in 90 days.
The City's reaction...nada! They did not even respond to the inquiry,.
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John Frenaye - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good
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Empty Lots - 2010-03-19 08:55:03
Perfect example of the poor political/business environment is the empty lot on Main St. Shake my head every time I walk by....
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Kirk Gunn - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Fado's - 2010-03-19 08:49:46
What is a Fado's ? Is that at the mall ? I am sure it is not downtown is it ? is it a gas part of a gas station ? is sounds like a place a n va transplant would go and think the with the Little Campus Crowd---peggy , can you here what I am saying ?
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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our town - 2010-03-19 08:24:15
The best thing to do is walk into acme, boatyard, davis' or chick n ruths and what do you see? They are busy, all the time. Why?Reasonable food, reasonable prices with good friendly service. Unfortunately this town has too many places that over charge for average at best food. The worst thing is to go eat, not enjoy your food then have to over pay for it. I think Maria's can turn itself around if they improve their quality and provide a reasonable price. OR, they can do what Fado's did on St. Paddy's day and charge a $10 cover, no specials to go with $9 draft beers. Good luck.
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Steve Krupnik - , - Karma: Neutral
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Yes - 2010-03-17 18:34:57
Arthur Chick and Ruth has local flavor, small eclectic Annapolis lifestyle. It is not just about food.
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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral
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local flavors? - 2010-03-17 13:43:54
Chick and Ruth's has local flavors?
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Arthur G - Riva, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2010-03-17 12:50:42
Staff message: Comment made by an impersonator. Why is this comment hidden?
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Rick M - 2010-03-17 09:01:58
With all due respect, you are WRONG !
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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Chick & Ruth - 2010-03-17 08:48:58
Its not just the tourists, but they also do well with the politicians and lobbyists, as well as others that are on an expense account and so that they get to eat out on somebody else's dime.
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Rick M - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Tourists - 2010-03-17 08:35:17
like to experience local flavor, that's why Chick and Ruth does well. You can go to any town and have over-priced Italian, seafood and steaks. I am not sure why business people don't get that concept. I guess it would be a perfect world if there were a boat show or Naval graduation everyday.
Locals like to go to places where they get good food or great food at a fair price and excellent service. My family for years has celebrated birthdays, anniversaries,the passing of a relative and sometimes just any day at a restaurant by the airport for 20+ years, the food is good, but the service is excellent, if our waiter is not working that night we change the night. My point is anyone can make a crabcake or a steak but feeling like I am important and a welcome guest that takes talent and skill. Maybe it is because they are not downtown and have a captive client, so maybe they are willing to try harder.
Downtown business, you need to work to get my dollars.
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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral
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I've been to 5 Restaurants - 2010-03-16 22:45:18
Three on West Street and Two Downtown and the food at all of them was overpriced and awful.
I've never dined at Marias because frankly I miss the old Marias that used to have really good Takeout Pizza and Pasta back in the day.
Now you take one look at their prices and you think you're in the East Village in New York.
I know times are tough but I think the city and county let things spiral out of control with all of the building because the truth is that Parole really does have more to offer.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Clarification to "Curious" - 2010-03-16 21:56:12
Lest my post just below be misinterpreted, please note that I am myself a longtime Ward One resident. We're not all looking backwards. I have faith we can get downtown rolling again by putting Annapolis' essence back on display again. A real, fun, solid-value crabhouse (with a "b", not a "p" as in Puddy's tourist trap) in Market Square would be a solid start towards bringing the tourists back in droves. Chico's and 5 jewelry stores? Come on, people...
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casey P - , - Karma: Neutral
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Curious... - 2010-03-16 21:43:14
...how it is that some local businesses so misjudge the criteria required to succeed here. To survive, you must attract, and *retain*, local support. To do that, you must provide value and be well-regarded in the community, both personally and professionally. If the locals come, the tourists come, too. Joss wins, Sly Fox wins (despite the idiotic midnight license restriction), McGarvey's wins, while Maria's loses. Why? Locals don't like the Priola's, simple as that.
The macro issue is that Annapolis does not support local business in any way. Although I do point the finger to some degree at City Hall, I also note the crazies that show up at every hearing and resist any change that might help local businesses make it. If we want downtown to succeed, we must embrace business-friendly policies. The Ward One Luddites will sing another tune when the businesses fail and their property values plummet. Evolve or be extinct.
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casey P - , - Karma: Neutral
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Calvert & Bladen - 2010-03-16 08:26:20
I often get the impression that people don't realize that there is a free parking garage at Calvert and Bladen. It's free after a certain time at night (admittedly I do not know) and all weekend.
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A K - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Point the Finger at Ourselves! - 2010-03-15 17:22:33
Sounds like Maria's needs to make business changes. However, the overall blame is on all of us. We need to buy local when available and support each other. These are your neighbors, folks!! A business owner in this article says that he prefers Parole's parking. This is a poor excuse in my book. With 2hrs free EACH DAY for city parking to residents, fabulous little places like Chick and Ruths, Leeward Market, Joss, and Osteria, there is no excuse to go have a meal at some generic giant box out in Parole.
Parole has Target and Whole Foods. I'll give it that. But it also has terrible parking. Why do people keep saying how superior the parking is? Its a mess to get in and out of that monster of a "Towne Centre" with its cutesy fake scenery.
We've got REAL scenery downtown folks. Get your butt out of your SUV and walk, bike, or park in the 2hrs of free parking and let's enjoy each other a bit!
I love Annapolis and I love getting to know the owners downtown, with their magic tricks, little dogs behind the counter, and passions for the perfect cappuccino. Challenge yourself to learn a few of their names this week. Think of a few things you get in Parole that you might be able to pick up downtown instead. Grocery shop in the summers at the farmer's market on City Dock. Talk to your friends about the free 2hr city parking and the cool places you've discovered. I'm a new Annapolitan and I already know several of the owner's names downtown. What's your excuse?
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M Mund - , - Karma: Neutral
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maria's - 2010-03-15 13:43:02
So, is it against the rules to call Priola cheap, say his restaurants are overpriced, the food is bad, or to mention he promised to sponsor an MRE tug team about 10 years ago and then refused to cough up the cash. Or, is Priola himself deleting my comments through "Community Repotring?"
(BTW- There are many others who can attest that he failed to follow through with the donation).
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laura elion - annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Historic doesn't mean static - 2010-03-15 11:39:01
Annapolis will never compete with the 'convenience' of parking at Parole or the mall. Annapolis is an historic town, one of the shopping pleasures is walking. The historic/traditional setting should be balanced with the dynamic opportunities afforded by the water associated activities. Real estate market is ever changing. The commercial market has changed with new product developed in Parole and the mall. Rents downtown Annapolis will ultimately reflect the competition.
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harry trampolini - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Maria's - 2010-03-15 11:29:12
My husband and I used to go to Maria's all the time. In fact, it was one of the first restaurants he took me to when we started dating 15 years ago. The food and service were outstanding. In the past few years, the food and service have both fallen off tremendously. After three bad experiences in a row -- over-priced, badly prepared food and uncaring, bordering on rude, waitstaff -- we no longer go to Maria's. It's a shame because we used to love going there. We prefer to patronize local restaurants rather than chains, but we have to feel like we're getting quality and value for our dollar. And Maria's just doesn't measure up any longer.
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Joan Schramm - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Comment disabled due to community reporting. - 2010-03-15 10:49:00
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How many restaurants... - 2010-03-15 05:33:16
...have been shuttered in the historic district vs. outside due to the economy recently?
I think it all has pretty much been said in these posts already, but Mr. Priola's problem seems to be he is blaming everyone else for his problems.
When we go out to our favorite restaurants they are still very busy. Maria's is not one of our favorite restaurants, and I guess it is nobody else's either.
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Tyler Durden - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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business - 2010-03-15 04:39:00
Cheryl, have to agree, all the good business left (except the thrift shop,ha,ha) like I say time and time again the only thing downtown has left is parking meters,WHAT A CONCEPT!
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jim pearson - seaford, de - Karma: Terrible
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downtown businesses - 2010-03-15 00:55:29
I seldom go downtown anymore. The charm of the city dock area is long gone. When it became yuppiefied, it held no appeal for me. The city drove all the small, long time businesses out and brought in the same kind of stores, etc. that are found in every mall in every city. Why should people go to the dock area just for a chain store? I like to shop small, local shops, restaurants, run by the local people. City dock used to be fun and enjoyable. The market needs to be brought back to life with local food vendors, etc., like it was. And city politicians need to look at what the area used to be. SMALL TOWN ATMOSPERE MAKES FOR A MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE AND PROSPEROUS TOWN FOR ALL. Think about it, Mayor and look back on how it was in the 70's , 80's. Mr Blonder can do a lot if he isn't stifled along the way with all the unneccesary permits , etc. Give the local business people the chance to earn a living for themselves, not the politicians .
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cheryl petro - upper marlboro, md - Karma: Neutral
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Servers - 2010-03-14 21:09:15
I amy be mistaken but I think I read in a HOMETOWN ANNAPOLIS column a server from MAria's compare itself to a broker of food . Perhaps attitude does determine altitude.
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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Maria's - 2010-03-14 20:54:39
Yes, the city is hard to deal with. That being said, if your business is already established, you should have nothing to cry about. Why don't you go up to Castlebay. and see how their lack of a 2 A.M. License hurts their business significantly. And people aren't stupid, look at the menu, over $22 for some simple chicken dishes, an arm and a leg for a bowl of soup, and a $10 split plate charge?! Does the server approach you with a gun and a mask, and just tell you to give them your money? Furthermore, No bar is allowed to serve on a city sidewalk until 2 A.M. so that argument is ridiculous. Overall, a lot of these owners are pissed because their location isn't strong arming patrons into dining at their establishments anymore. As much as this city is at fault for a lot of things, it's not their fault that excessive price gouging, and a holier than thou attitude have alienated potential customers from your establishment. Get off your perch, your mad you're not the only game in town, and you're crying about it. Stop being lazy, and blaming everybody, and start thinking of innovative ways to turn your business around.
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John Ambrose - Annapolis, Md, 21401, 21 - Karma: Neutral
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Maria's Cafe - 2010-03-14 19:56:51
If all works out, my family will be in the area and would be happy to check out the restaurant. Unfortunately, where I live, the economy has taken down many well known local and large chain restaurants. It's a tough business these days for everyone. It really helps to advertise, so someone driving in to town will know the place exists and is worth checking out. Also, getting menus out to area offices for a lunchtime option can help. Good luck.
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karen chuven - daytona beach, fl - Karma: Neutral
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Facts? - 2010-03-14 17:17:51
Brian,
Where did you get that 90% number? And if you know that for a fact, why don't you report these businesses to INS? That is your duty as a citizen.
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Salvatorre Bagatelli - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible
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Hire illegal aliens. - 2010-03-14 16:49:55
Well if he only hired illegal aliens like 90% of the other Annapolis businesses, his payroll wouldn't be so high. Goes to show it doesn't profit to play by the rules when so many others are hiring cheap, illegal labor to drive down wages!
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Kitchen Nightmare - 2010-03-14 15:17:05
Maybe Priola can call Gordon Ramsey and find out how he can fix his dying establishment.
Personally, I think Priola may want to specialize in rocking the pizza world with extraordinay--no delivery ever--pizza.
And try and lower his overhead a bit, by simplifying.
We all want him to succeed.
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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Message clear? - 2010-03-14 14:07:58
I hope Mr. Priola isn't the only downtown business owner reading the comments on this article. Every time a local business gripes in an article about why they're failing, they can be assured that not only will they get no sympathy, but most of us will refuse to patronize them on principle alone!
Earn your success folks.
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Annapolis Resident - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Joss - 2010-03-14 12:38:16
It is a shame that the best seafood restaurant in a waterfront town is a Sushi Bar!!
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Nathan Durhing - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Maria's - 2010-03-14 11:58:30
To the owner of Maria's-just maybe your lack of success lately could be do to the fact that when the economy was doing well you catered towards visitors and not your locals who in the end would decide if you would succeed or not! Annapolis could easily be considered a tourist trap and is it possible that you used that to your advantage during the "good times"??? To be successful in this business, it is important to keep people satisfied during your better times not the bad ones-customers will always remember the business that "cared" when you have a packed house! Remember this comment for your next venture!!!
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Dan DT - , - Karma: Neutral
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duh - 2010-03-14 11:08:23
I agree with what most of you are saying but lets not pretend that permitting in Annapolis isn't a problem for small business. It's notoriously difficult to do business with the city of Annapolis. Something about preservation, and then they allow another disgusting, bland corporate franchise to pop up and go out of business in a year.
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casey hean - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Who needs yet another high end rest - 2010-03-14 10:34:09
I have noticed that some of the most successful historic atmospheres are ones in which the businesses are built around catering to the locals. Others from outside and tourists are then attracted to the experience (think Chick and Ruth's on Sat/Sun mornings). I think what many residents have been trying to say for years is that many open their businesses not targeting the locals. So it is no surprise that businesses that do not draw locals and do not attract customers from outside the City are having difficulties. Sure, "magnets", like the Market House help, and it is easy to blame City permit processes (?), but I think the problem lies in some of the business models. Open the type of business the community wants, not the kind you want to open, then if you build it, "they will come."
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C. Christopher Ledoux - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Red Tape vs. Red Sauce - 2010-03-14 08:50:28
Enough already! Yet another floundering downtown business rolls out the same tired and invalid excuses as the cause of their struggles. Stop blaming everyone else. The Joss example is all one needs, to make the argument that it's YOU Mr.Priola, not the city. Do you think their patrons are flown in? There's PLENTY OF PARKING downtown! And leave the "red tape" excuse for someone trying to open a new business. Nice try though.
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Annapolis Resident - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Blame Game - 2010-03-14 08:22:54
There is a theme among dying restaurants and that them is Nothing. As in what are you doing to get the word out, what are you doing to interest people, etc? Nothing.
And stop blaming parking. Seriously. Parking is easier now than ever.
This is a great story on what other people are not doing to help Maria's. But there is nothing in here on what they are doing to help yourself.
The next time the weather is nice or there is an event downtown, go out with samples of food. Invite people in. So long as you just sit around and complain inside the restaurant nobody is going to come in.
And btw, nobody wants to go into an empty restaurant no matter how good it may or may not be. You've got to get those initial people in to lure more in. It's all gravitational mass.
In the end, the Italian Market is significantly better.
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A K - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Maybe.. - 2010-03-14 08:13:24
..red tape has nothing to do with Maria's failure. Joss seems to have no problem raking in the people.
Word of mouth advertizing amongst LOCALS is invaluable. The proprietor of Maria's needs to look into the mirror before he blames others.
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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