Local news covering the Russett and Maryland City areas
Two recent additions to the neighborhood that have attracted a lot of positive attention are Jersey Mike’s and PJ’s Coffee. (Photos courtesy of Lorraine Lee and PJ's Coffee)
There’s quite a bit of activity on Route 198! The Russett/Maryland City side of Laurel is experiencing a boom in new businesses. PJ’s Coffee is now open in the new Russett Green Plaza, soon to be joined by Excite Dental and a Jersey Mike’s sub sandwich franchise owned by local businesswoman Lorraine Lee—read more about her below. Coming soon to Corridor Marketplace is Catherine’s, a Caribbean/Italian infused restaurant located in the former Cakes Plus location; a new gym/fitness center, Power House Gym, which promises a “motivating atmosphere” to support members’ goals; and Teriyaki & Sushi Japanese Grill. Folks I’ve spoken with are really excited to experience these new eateries.
It’s Not Just About the Subs
I met with the new Jersey Mike’s franchise owner, Lorraine Lee, a mother of two and a native of Baltimore, as she was busily preparing for her grand opening in the Russett Green Plaza. Lee retired from the securities industry during the COVID era after a 30-year career. That’s when she realized that she wanted to reinvent herself and start Lorraine Lee Consulting, LLC. She also knew that she wanted to create generational wealth by involving her children in a business.
Thus, her search for the right opportunity began, and deciding on a Jersey Mike’s checked all of her boxes—she believed in the product and their brand and wanted a vibrant, visible community. When asked why she selected the location in Russett, she said, “I chose a community where there was a need, and to serve the community.” She credits FSC First, Baltimore-based Meridian Management Group, and Baltimore Community Lending, Black-owned and -operated funders, with bringing her goal to fruition.
Not only will Lee provide quality food, but her purpose is to serve others by adopting a family in need every month and providing them with $300 gift cards. She has also started an entrepreneurial mentorship for five young ladies interested in business development. Her grand opening proceeds will be donated to a private, not-for-profit organization focused on community service. Truly dedicated to giving, Lee’s store will host a Day of Giving in March, when people outside the metropolitan area can order items from the menu and their purchases will be donated to support a homeless shelter in Anne Arundel County.
Russett Good Neighbor Awards
Mr. Nick Washington is the third-quarter recipient of the Russett Good Neighbor Award. Neighbors describe him as a neighbor who goes above and beyond to make Russett a better place to live. There has been an ongoing issue with loud party music played between 9 pm and 2 am on Friday and Saturday nights. The exact location was unknown, but appeared to originate somewhere in the business district near Russett. Washington played an instrumental role in keeping residents informed on how to help resolve the situation by using the Nextdoor Neighbor app, and he accompanied Anne Arundel County Police to the area to help pinpoint the location of the music.
The fourth-quarter recipient is Mr. Dave Mazur, who is described by one of his neighbors as a “friendly and great neighbor.” Mazur retrieves neighbor’s packages when he notices deliveries left on steps while residents aren’t home. He also voluntarily waters outdoor plants when neighbors are out of town. Neighbors appreciate his efforts and say that “It’s nice knowing someone is watching” their house while they’re away.
Brenda Zeigler-Riley is a retired educator and entrepreneur with a marketing, public relations, and fundraising background. Please send information on Russett/Maryland City (historical pieces, stories from first responders, hometown memories, resident profiles, etc.) to russett.mdcinfo@gmail.com.
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