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Writer's pictureVirginia May Geis

West Laurel

Local news covering the West Laurel and Burtonsville areas
Local artist JAHRU poses in front of his mural at Burtonsville Crossing. (Photo: JAHRU via Instagram)

Burtonsville Crossing Gains Merchants and Pizzazz

What had been a vacant, former shopping area for years is coming back to life with more and more pizzazz nowadays. Located on the northbound side of Rte. 29 next to a business park, Burtonsville Crossing is blossoming into a lovely alternative to the hustle of nearby shopping malls and other shopping centers. Several businesses have opened, and more are “coming soon.”


Let’s take a walk around the loop!


Touted as a farm-fresh grocery store with a broad variety of produce, Sprouts has a large array of organic foods, both fresh and canned. A few interesting items I had not seen before were bamboo toilet paper and organic blood orange-flavored Italian soda.

There is a fascinating and colorful mural on the side of the building by Sprouts. The mural was created by Filipino American artist Jeff Huntington, a.k.a. JAHRU. He has a studio in Annapolis together with Julia Gibb.


Domain Fitness and Performance is located right next to Sprouts. Although originally slated to open in Spring 2024, as of September its sign still said “coming soon.” Jason Miskiri, a Montgomery County restauranteur, is co-owner of the $5.5 million Burtonsville location, which will boast 32,000 square feet of space.


With several locations in the metro area, Allure Nail Bar is an established brand. Its Burtonsville location is still listed as “coming soon.”


ISAAC’s Poultry and Market is also “coming soon.” According to its website, the mission at ISAAC’S is to provide the highest-quality, best-tasting food, while delivering the best possible service. ISAAC’S chicken is all natural, free of antibiotics and steroids, and is certified halal. ISAAC’S recipes are written to eliminate as many allergens as possible and the menu is 95% gluten free. ISAAC’S is also mindful of its environmental footprint and has eliminated all single-use plastics from the restaurant.


Moby Dick House of Kabob serves authentic Persian and Mediterranean-inspired food. They are cognizant of allergens and inform diners of the ingredients used in their recipes. If you do not feel like going out, Moby Dick is on DoorDash!


A well-known national chain, Ulta beauty store is already open for business at Burtonsville Crossing, complete with a hair salon in the back.


A store with something for everyone, TJ MaXX has discounted clothing for all ages, as well as household items and other necessities.


PNC Bank will open another branch office in Burtonsville Crossing. It is still “coming soon.”


Chipotle is still “coming soon,” but the Burger King that stood alone for so long is still there!


As you make your way around Burtonsville Crossing, there is a lovely open area called Isaac Burton’s Green, where creative outdoor events are held. Burtonsville was named after Isaac. He and his wife, Keturah, had 17 children.


In other news, the West Laurel Recreation Council is hosting an outdoor fitness program this Fall. The West Laurel Walking Club meets on Fridays, October 4 through November 22, from 9:00-10:00 am at Fairland Regional Park. It’s free of charge, but please register with Nancy Whipple (njwhip54@verizon.net).


Next Issue: I would like to feature some winter holiday traditions in the neighborhood—or just winter traditions. If you have something you would like to share, send it to me at the e-mail address below.


Want to get in touch with me? Send me an e-mail at WestLaurelVoices@gmail.com, and please call me Ginny!


 

Virginia May Geis is a native of Laurel and a graduate of Laurel High School, class of 1975. After a few decades away, she has been a Laurel resident again, since 2018.

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