by Lynne O’Meara, Southern Maryland Restaurants
It is nice to see construction activity at several locations around the Crain Highway (Route 301)/Smallwood Drive intersection. Coming soon are the following: Crafty Crab, Arby’s, Chick-fil-A, Starbuck’s, and Jersey Mike’s.
Crafty Crab
- 1120 Smallwood Drive, W (former Hard Times Café)
- Waldorf, MD
Crafty Crab is a Southern U.S.-based restaurant. According to their website:
“Crafty Crab offers the freshest seafood and most authentic recipes in the area. When you walk into our restaurant, you’ll immediately experience Southern charm and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to make you feel at home. Whether you’re stopping in for a business lunch, family dinner, date night, or a night out with friends, you’ve come to the perfect spot. Delicious home-style seafood with generous portions is what you can expect with every meal. We’re cooking up crab, crawfish, calamari, and lobster in the kitchen, made fresh daily. Not into shellfish? Try our Cajun rice, chicken tenders, and other flavorful menu options.
At Crafty Crab, we know food tastes better with your hands, so don’t be shy—dig in! Our signature New Orleans Style low country boil is a feast for seafood lovers and perfect for a casual dinner. We make our own seasoning to create a unique arrangement of flavors. For an experience that satisfies your appetite while ensuring a fun time, visit our seafood restaurant today!”
The façade is looking nice and I anticipate an opening within the next few months.
https://www.craftycrabrestaurant.com/
Arby’s
- 1130 Smallwood Drive, W
- Waldorf, MD
The Arby’s sign has been on the former Chevy Chase Bank for over year. It is good to finally see active construction activity. Waldorf did have an Arby’s once, located further north, It shut down years ago and was replaced with Roy Rogers. Locally, there is an Arby’s in Charlotte Hall. I go when they have their seasonal Brown Sugar Bacon BLT. The bacon is amazing! It is so good! They also have fabulous curly fries!
The Arby’s is located next to the new Crafty Crab and will probably open by the end of the year.
Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Jersey Mike’s
- Northbound Crain Highway (Route 301) and Smallwood Drive
- Waldorf, MD
Another anticipated new construction project is Park Waldorf. Located between the Cracker Barrel and Taco Bell, the new center celebrated their ground breaking on June 23rd. They plan to have initial opening in Spring/Summer 2021.
The identified restaurants, at this point, are Chick-fil-A, a drive-thru Starbucks, and Jersey Mike’s. I think this is a great location and they will get northbound traffic. There are still available spaces in the center.
