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Hilltop Plaza

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Visions for Vacancies: Whatever Happened to The Muffin Man

The Muffin Man was set to open in Hilltop Plaza in 2011. What happened?

There was much excitement in Bowie when a 3,370-square-foot vacant store in Hilltop Plaza was leased out by Roderick O'Savio, owner of the popular Lanham Caribbean-style cafe, The Muffin Man. Orginally set to open in the spring of 2011, the opening was pushed back to November 2011, but it never happened.  Whatever happened to the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man? Well, according to Bruce Levine, director of commercial real estate for the owners of Hilltop Plaza, the plan for the new restaurant fizzled. "[O'Savio] personally built it out and realized it could not go forward for various reasons," Levine said. Now, the partially built-out space beside Bowie favorite Chesapeake Grille & Deli sits empty. What would you like to see in …

Marie

10:15 pm on Friday, January 4, 2013

I am sorry, but I don't know what Potbelly is. Could someone comment?   more ›

Monday, December 10, 2012

Visions for Vacancies: Restaurant in Hilltop Plaza

What new eatery would you like to see in Hilltop Plaza?

Would you like to see dining out options expand in Bowie? Well, this 6,600 square foot "turn key" restaurant building located in Hilltop Plaza in Bowie has been vacant for several months. A "turn key" restaurant is one was vacated by a previous tenant leaving much of the equipment in place, making start-up for a new tenant that much easier, and likely cheaper. This large, free-standing building with plenty of parking is just begging for a tenant. What restaurant would you like to see move into Hilltop Plaza? A new family friendly eatery, or perhaps a more upscale dining option? Tell us in the comments!

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cathy

7:51 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013

YES!YES!YES! Cracker Barrel   more ›

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Simply...Just Because Now Open In Bowie

The new and gently used clothing and accessory store opened early this month.

Bowie shoppers looking for new and gently used items have a new shop to haunt with the recent opening of Simply...Just Because at 6772 Race Track Rd. in the rear of Hilltop Plaza. Store owner and manager Annette Rease ran a trash company in Hyattsville for several years before being laid off in 2009. She spent a few years at home caring for a relative but was eager to get back to work. “I was laid off because of the economy, and I wanted to work so I made a job,” said Rease. The shop offers new and gently used clothing, accessories, shoes and even some wedding dresses. Rease gets new items from two wholesalers and used items come from family and friends who have donated them and from consignment customers. Prior to opening her store, Rease…

SL Lord

12:39 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013

Annette who owns the store is the absolute best. She's kind and appreciates her consignors very much. The store is really coming together. I love it and try to get by there at least once a week.   more ›

Friday, April 13, 2012

LETTER: Please Stop Hilltop Plaza Construction

An Idlewild Drive resident said the construction would add "significant traffic and safety concerns."

The following is a letter from Idlewild Drive resident William B. Smith in objection to Hilltop Plaza construction in his neighborhood. It is printed unedited and in full. On behalf of my family and many residents in my neighborhood, I would like to voice our strong objection to the planned construction of 50 residential units in the back parking lot at Hilltop Plaza, which sits on the corner of Annapolis Road and Race Track Road. In addition to the inappropriateness of the zoning request, it would exacerbate serious safety issues in that area. The Bowie City Council did not approve this request (Zoning Map Amendment A10016 CSC and RR Zones to MXT Zone) at their March 5th 2012 meeting, but it is being brought back again to the Council’s …

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Local Man Puts John Wayne on the Money

Bill Atkins' John Wayne Museum is getting more interest with the revamp of Hilltop Plaza.

If you run into Bill Atkins at the 7-Eleven near his office in Hilltop Plaza, he just might give you a dollar. If you are a fan of the Duke, that is. Atkins turns regular dollar bills—by covering George Washington’s image with a picture of the iconic actor—into John Wayne dollars. “When I give people these dollar bills, you’d think I gave them $100. I spend my money doing this,” said Atkins, a commercial real estate agent.  “But it’s really a labor of love.” Atkins has transformed his two-room wood-paneled office into a miniature John Wayne museum, full of the legendary actor’s movie posters and memorabilia. He has purchased much of his collection on internet sites like eBay. But the Sherwood Manor resident is more than just a movie buff, …

Robert L. Mills

8:24 pm on Thursday, March 24, 2011

You've done a great job with your John Wayne Museum,, Bill. I should be up there in about 2 weeks and I'll be by to see you and your museum again. Bill and I have been friends (and co-workers for a time) for over 50 years. Bob Mills, Ormond Beach, FL   more ›

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