Commas Food Hall Coming to Silver Spring
Dynamic culinary clubhouse will bring global cuisines together at Ellsworth Place in Spring 2022
Silver Spring, MD—GBT Realty Corporation (GBT) and Cana Development (CANAdev) are pleased to announce that Commas will join the award-winning, revitalized Silver Spring downtown, in Spring 2022. Commas will take over a portion of the second level of Ellsworth Place (8661 Colesville Road), bringing the neighborhood a global culinary experience reflective of its diverse international community.
The 13,000+ square-foot space will be transformed into a collection of 12 food and beverage merchants representing a range of international cuisines from local makers, purveyors, chefs, and restaurateurs. The food hall, also designed with cosmopolitan architectural and stylistic influences, is named for the written symbol used to separate items in a list, symbolizing the myriad of ways to dine and get together. Commas expects to draw from local businesses to create a bustling community of bites from Ethiopia to Korea, Malaysia to El Salvador, and Italy to New Jersey. Hungry diners can savor a new experience each time - linger over lunch, sneak in a pre-theater bite, take a midday coffee break, corral colleagues for happy hour, or enjoy a night out with friends.
[Courtesy of Grizform Design Architects]
The transformative space will offer a range of seating options and special event capabilities. In addition to the twelve permanent restaurant spaces, Commas will also feature a central bar experience, providing a late-night hangout spot, happy hour programs, and weekend entertainment.
Mike Morris, Principal of CANAdev, excited to be involved in the continued renaissance of Silver Spring, stated, “A food hall by definition creates unique experiences that appeal to a broad and diverse collection of guests. At CANAdev, we strive to create spaces that feel as comfortable as your own home, but that deliver one-of-a-kind experiences. The community surrounding Ellsworth Place is a true melting pot. We look forward to Commas becoming the new living room for Silver Spring residents.”
Influenced by the community aspect at Commas, Washington, D.C.-based architecture and interior design firm GrizForm Design Architects have conceptualized a unique dining space, functioning with an adapted teamwork model. Guests can order from various merchant stalls but enjoy their meals at any of the seven vibrant communal seating areas. Elegantly bringing the outdoors in, the concept features open kitchen installations with window peeks and chef counters, giving customers a look into each working kitchen. Natural wood furniture partnered with an extensive light-toned color palette and personalized branding from each merchant instills a fun atmosphere throughout. Grizform’s Director of Interior Architecture Ashley Kirkland said it best, “Commas is not just a destination for food, it’s an experience.”
Trey Culpepper, Vice President of GBT, commented about the space, “When we acquired the shopping center in 2018, we really saw the potential for Ellsworth Place to become an integral part of this active neighborhood through a variety of different strategies. Food is a connector, and people gather around food. So, what better way to capture the energy on the streets than with a food hall--especially one that unites the diverse cultures that influence our everyday lifestyles?”
In the heart of Silver Spring, Commas will be just steps away from the Metro (Red - Silver Spring) and entertainment options galore, including a bustling year-round farmers’ market, an array of new public art installations, legendary venues such as The Fillmore, and a plethora of exciting shopping and retail amenities.
The CANAdev leasing team specializes in identifying the needs of the community and bringing in eclectic, authentic, and locally based merchants. With strong connections and deep roots in local retail, CANAdev has driven some of the most popular hospitality developments and destinations in DC and Baltimore, including Foggy Bottom’s Western Market and The Bevy, a food hall opening in Bryant Street NE, and has represented hospitality clients such as Ceremony Coffee, Bun’d Up and Cava Mezze.
Interested operators can inquire about opportunities via leasing@canadev.com.
For more information, additional renderings, or other press inquiries, please contact Anthony Hesselius at anthonyh@lindarothpr.com or 202.277.3642. Upon completion of construction in Spring 2022, hear about delicious tenant announcements on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @HelloCommas.
ABOUT COMMAS
A global collection for curious eaters, Commas goes beyond your average food hall as a never-ending emporium of flavors from around the world. With a community of local restaurateurs and a long list of activities in one spot, Commas is your new favorite Silver Spring destination. hellocommas.com
ABOUT CANAdev
Founded in 2008, Baltimore-based Cana Development is a full-service commercial real estate firm that specializes in retail placemaking. CANAdev defines, develops and activates places with a relentless approach to quality retail development, leasing and operations. Our team speaks the language of real estate. We have collectively developed over 42 million square feet of commercial real estate, including hotels, corporate headquarters, live music and sports arenas/stadiums, with a particular focus on guest experience. We are food and retail asset management experts. From our first food hall development in 2010, we have proven ourselves time and time again to deliver results in the planning, development and placemaking for large-scale high-profile retail experiences in marketplace and mixed-use developments across the United States. placemakingworks.com
ABOUT GBT REALTY
Founded in 1987, GBT Realty Corporation develops virtually all types of retail and mixed-use developments throughout the United States from its headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburban Nashville community. Since inception, GBT has been involved with the development, construction, leasing and management of over $7 billion of real estate totaling 37 million square feet of grocery-anchored, neighborhood and single-tenant retail; regional power centers; and mixed-use developments in 27 states. Currently, the company has over $1 billion of commercial development totaling five million square feet in the pipeline or under construction by its shopping center, net lease and diversified development divisions. For more information, visit gbtrealty.com.
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