Ice Cream Time + Beloved Bakery Closes + Chicken Chain Expands + Italian Pastries: MD Business

With warmer weather comes the start of farmers market season and the opening of ice cream shops, while a popular chicken chain has set down roots at a new site. Foodies will want to check out the five restaurants and chefs who are advancing in the James Beard Foundation culinary awards program.

Pop by for a cup of coffee and a smile at a new cafe that's staffed by neurodivergent employees. Don't forget to score some Italian pastries and coffee goods at a bakery that's set up shop for the first time in Maryland.

Plus, McCormick is buying up competing food brands, and a local brewery is moving locations.

Ice Cream Shop Holds Grand Opening

A new ice cream shop opened this weekend in Chevy Chase, which was founded by mother-daughter duo Sarah and Annie Park. It marks the fourth location of the business.

Popular Chicken Chain Opens Location In Howard County

A new Chick-fil-A opened Thursday in Columbia. The new Snowden River Parkway location also features a playground for pint-sized patrons.

Here's Where MD Diners Can Find 5 James Beard-Nominated Eateries

Five restaurants and chefs located just a short drive from Maryland are advancing in the prestigious James Beard Foundation culinary awards program, according to an announcement this week.

Cafe Brews Up Opportunities For Neurodivergent Employees

Al's Love Cafe serves as a neurodiverse space that provides training and employment for individuals in the community. It's also a welcoming space for customers who are neurodivergent, too.

Italian Bakery Opens First MD Location

Rosetta Bakery has opened its doors in Bethesda, offering the authentic flavors of Milan to patrons with fresh pastries, signature focaccia, rich espresso and all the sweet moments Rosetta is known for.

Closing Time: Herman's Bakery Says Goodbye After Decades

Herman's Bakery has closed its doors after serving the Baltimore region for more than 100 years, offering goodies ranging from donuts to a specialty strawberry shortcake.

More Maryland business news:

• Annapolis Brewery Moves Production To New Site
• MD-Based McCormick To Merge With Unilever In $20B Deal
• Mobile Pop-Up Helps Women Battling Hair Loss
• 'This Moment Means Everything': Salon Hosts Grand Opening
• Laundry Service To Open New Location This Summer
• New Stores Are Coming To Annapolis Mall This Year
• What's Changing At Montgomery Mall?
• Fundraiser Launched After Fire Breaks Out At Fast Signs
• Shopping Center Sells For Over $5M