Sparks Filling Station Prospers After Cockeysville Location Closes

The Sparks Filling Station is growing following the closure of the coffee shop's , according to owner Meg Enns.

"It was important to me not to lay off my employees," Enns said. "We're expanding our hours. The main focus right now is renovating the seating area. We should be done within the next couple of weeks."

Enns said many customers of the , which was at the intersection of Shawan and Falls roads, are now visiting the Sparks store. She said she has seen about a 40 percent increase in traffic, and is also developing plans for programs, such as art shows.

"It's been a really good and easy transition," she said. "This overwhelming support—it's what community is supposed to be. That's definitely made it easier."

Enns said the , after 10 years, because she and the landlord were unable to work out an agreement to renew the lease. She said some of her customers had even met with the landlord in an attempt to work out a deal.

"At the zero hour, it couldn't be done," she said.

Attempts to contact the landlord were unsuccessful.

Enns is looking to open a new coffee shop in the Hunt Valley area within the next two or three months.

"There are a lot of small businesses out there," she said. "It's really important to support them."

The Sparks Filling Station, located at 14910 York Road, is open Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.