Daily Diner Closes, Mexican Restaurant on the Way

If you've driven by the Odenton Shopping Center recently, you have probably noticed a lot of work being done at the site of the Daily Diner and the former Spunk Fitness.

There are a number of things happening over there, so let's break it down.

• The closed over the weekend, and owners left a note on the door thanking the community for their support over the previous nine years. I have learned that the restaurant will be replaced by a Mexican eatery. A group named Rinconcito Mexicano has applied for a liquor license at the site, according to county records. Two sources in the development community said the restaurant will be operated by the same people who run the Mi Casita restaurant in Gambrills.

• A kidney dialysis center has signed a lease to fill a portion of the site once occupied by Spunk Fitness. Nellis Corp., which owns the center, is currently making roof and facade improvements on the building.

• Nellis also continues to negotiate with a grocer to fill the space once occupied by Superfresh, but have declined to reveal who they are speaking with.

• The shopping center will likely lose another tenant next year, after Charming Shoppes, Inc. announced in June that it will close all of its Fashion Bug stores by early 2013. It's also unclear if the CVS will remain in place, as the pharmacy chain plans to open a new store across the street at the Odenton Gateway complex.