Maryland, December 13, 2025

Maryland’s dining landscape is vibrant with new establishments, including the opening of a Cracker Barrel in Annapolis, the acclaim of Sandy Pony Donuts featured in ‘Pluribus,’ and a new World of Beer taphouse. These ventures exemplify local entrepreneurial spirit and contribute positively to the state’s economy, enticing residents and visitors alike with a range of comfort foods and craft beverages, ensuring a dynamic dining experience.

New Culinary Ventures Ignite Maryland’s Dining Scene

Exciting Developments in Comfort Food and Drinks

Maryland is experiencing a vibrant wave of new dining establishments that promise to delight residents and visitors with a variety of comfort foods, sweet treats, and craft beverages. Noteworthy openings include a new Cracker Barrel location in Annapolis, a beloved local donut shop gaining acclaim through a television feature, and a taphouse ready to serve up a diverse portfolio of beers in Anne Arundel County. These developments highlight the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of local businesses, which continue to contribute positively to Maryland’s economy.

Cracker Barrel’s Upcoming Annapolis Location

Cracker Barrel, the well-known restaurant chain celebrated for its homestyle meals and nostalgic country décor, is on the verge of opening a new location in Annapolis. This new establishment will replace the former Fuddruckers location, which has remained vacant for several years, and is strategically placed across from the Annapolis Mall. As Cracker Barrel’s second location in Anne Arundel County, the restaurant aims to deliver a familiar dining experience filled with classic American comfort food, including hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Sandy Pony Donuts Featured in ‘Pluribus’

Sandy Pony Donuts, a cherished donut shop in Annapolis, has gained significant national recognition thanks to a feature in the Apple TV series “Pluribus.” The show’s producers sought to highlight the shop’s unique and enticing offerings, thereby increasing its visibility and appeal. Since the episode aired, Sandy Pony Donuts has seen a surge in interest from both locals and tourists eager to sample the creative flavors that were showcased. Known for its high-quality ingredients and inventive recipes, this donut shop is set to thrive in the spotlight.

New Taphouse Opening in Anne Arundel County

World of Beer, a prominent taphouse chain, is preparing to launch its fourth location in Maryland, specifically in Anne Arundel County. This new venue is scheduled to debut on January 12 and will take over the space previously occupied by an Applebee’s that closed in late 2020. The taphouse plans to offer an impressive selection of over 100 beers from both local and international brewers, catering to an array of tastes. Alongside an extensive drink menu, patrons can look forward to a menu featuring classic pub-style food, establishing a friendly environment for both beer aficionados and casual diners alike.

Additional Maryland Business Developments

• Sports Bar Closure in Baltimore County: A local sports bar has recently closed down due to increased regulatory scrutiny in Baltimore County, raising concerns about the future of similar establishments in the area.
• Woodlawn Data Center Proposal: A proposal for a new data center in Woodlawn has faced opposition over potential power and water usage, reflecting community concerns about large-scale industrial initiatives.
• Laundromat Fire in Baltimore: A laundromat in Baltimore experienced a fire attributed to equipment malfunction, emphasizing the importance of routine maintenance and safety measures in commercial properties.
• Powerball Near Miss in Baltimore County: A Powerball player narrowly missed the jackpot by just one number, showcasing the unpredictable nature of lottery games.
• Severna Park Golf Center Development: New plans aim to construct 135 townhomes at the Severna Park Golf Center, indicating a shift in land use destined to spur growth in the region.
• Biomanufacturing Facility Expansion: An algae-based biomanufacturing facility has received a $1 million grant for expansion, underscoring Maryland’s commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative industries.
• Agritourism Zoning Amendment: A new zoning amendment is paving the way for agritourism opportunities, allowing farm-based tourism attractions and activities to flourish.
• Long Reach Village Center Revitalization: Plans have been unveiled to revitalize the Long Reach Village Center, with ambitions to attract new businesses and residents to the area.
• Maryland State Police Toy Drive: Community support for the annual toy drive benefiting children in need has been enhanced by establishing donation drop-off locations at local Maryland State Police barracks.
• Powerball Jackpot in Maryland: A $1 million Powerball ticket was sold in Maryland as the jackpot soared to $1 billion, generating excitement among local lottery players.
• Food Drive for Families: A food drive has been organized to support families facing food insecurity, highlighting the community’s commitment to assisting those in need during the holiday season.

Conclusion

Maryland’s culinary landscape continues to flourish with exciting new developments, showcasing the perseverance of local entrepreneurs and the potential for economic growth when barriers to business are minimized. As new restaurants and shops open, residents are encouraged to support their local businesses, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic community. Keep an eye on these emerging dining options to experience the best of what Maryland has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Restaurant Association of Maryland Launches Discounted Dining Membership Club
7 Festive Activities to Enjoy in Baltimore County This December
Historic Mansion Sale Highlights Maryland’s Luxury Real Estate Market
Jano Ethiopian Restaurant to Reopen in Baltimore After Fire
Cheesecake Factory Closes Iconic Baltimore Harborplace Location
New Culinary Ventures and Expansions in Bel Air, MD
Fatal Shooting at MGM National Harbor’s Food Court
Lib’s Grill to Revitalize Historic Sykesville Train Station
Bel Air Secures $3.9 Million Financing for Retail Development
Shake Shack Expands to Pikesville, Enhancing Baltimore Dining Scene

Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.