New Businesses Springing Up Around Crofton

It was a perfect evening for brothers Zack and Tyler Sumner to enjoy sitting outside and drinking strawberry smoothies in Waugh Chapel Shopping Center.

However, this is not their first trip this week. Or even their second or third.

Although Smoothie King has only been open for two weeks, the Crofton teens think they have been to the new shop about six times. “I had never been to a Smoothie King before and first time I tried it I knew I would be back. I love the Hulk Strawberry Smoothie,” said 17-year-old Zack. Tyler added that they would probably be back tomorrow for more. 

That’s fine by David Brashear, owner of the new store.

“We did a lot of market research before picking this location to open a Smoothie King. But it comes down to people just love the product,” said Severn resident Brashear.

Smoothie King, the only one in Anne Arundel County, creates specialty fruit drinks and healthy snacks. Brashear said he choose the Waugh Chapel shopping center because of the amount of traffic that passes by and the convenience of being able to get in and out of the center with ease.

“Crofton is a great community and we look forward to being here a long time,” said Brashear.  

He plans to host a Smoothie King "Grand Opening" celebration Saturday June 11 starting at 11 a.m.  There will be a DJ, kid’s face painting and lots of give a ways. Plus, L.A. Fitness will be joining in the festivities as well. 

Another new face in the area is the Goodwill Industries store in Crofton Center Shopping Center next to Shopper's Food Warehouse. The store's "Grand Opening" ceremony took place on Wednesday May 18.

Manager Rob Rannebreger said the opening was a huge success.

“The welcome we received from the Crofton community can only be described as 'awesome.' The day of the event was great and the community has continued to show support. We are so glad to be in this area,” said Rannebreger, who was hired to open the Crofton store. 

Other new businesses opening in the Crofton area include Brusters Ice Cream and Advance Auto Parts.

Brusters features hand-crafted desserts, such as cakes, pies, and waffle cones, as well as ice creams that are made in the store where they’re served. The new store is still under construction but they are accepting applications for work.  Look for them to be opening in early summer next to Dickie’s BBQ on Rt. 3.    

Advance Auto Parts hosted a "Grand Opening" celebration Monday May 30. The 78 year old business opened the newest store on Rt. 3 next to Big Fish Grill. Advance Auto Parts specializes in automotive aftermarket. They currently have over 3,500 stores said Manager Danielle Coleman.

All Tune and Lube has moved to the corner of Riedel Road and Rt. 3. The former gas station across from Waugh Chapel Shopping Center has been remodeled. According to Josh Gill, owner, the renovation took about 2 months.

“Because the store sat empty for almost 2 years a lot of work was needed and we will continue to improve,” said Gill. All Tune and Lube is owned and operated by Ray and Barby Gill of Davidsonville.  Gill a Crofton resident said “We choose this location because of the amount of exposure we get on Rt. 3. Plus, almost all of my employees live in Crofton. We did not want to leave the area.”