Commas has applied for a license to serve beer, wine and spirits in preparation for its opening in downtown Silver Spring.
According to the posted sign, the county’s Committee of Licensing Commissioners will hold a hearing on the food hall’s application for a beer, wine and liquor license at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 19.
GBT Realty, owner of Ellsworth Place, announced earlier this year that Commas would open on the third floor of the mall in September, but did not give a date.
“We’ve worked hard to create an international dining experience like no other,” Trey Culpepper, managing director of GBT Realty, said in May. “Silver Spring is consistently cited as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country, and Commas is a celebration of that diversity. This space allows you to travel from continent to continent with every bite.”
Brentwood, Tennessee-based GBT Realty acquired Ellsworth Place from Petri Richardson Ventures in 2018 and announced plans last year to build a nearly 20-story, 450-unit residential tower above the mall.
Nine restaurants are scheduled to open at Commas, including:
Founded by Bolivian siblings Marco and Nacho Almaraz, DMV Empanadas has been selling handy snacks at area farmers markets for nearly a decade. Starting out of their Gaithersburg shop, the Almaraz brothers have expanded their offerings from the original chicken filling to nearly 20 other options, including arroz, spicy pork, shrimp Old Bay and cheeseburgers.
Tokoa was born when Evelyn Cruz and Delmy Hernandez, longtime friends and restaurant collaborators, combined their expertise and passion to create their own versions of popular dishes. The menu features a variety of cheesesteaks and burgers, from timeless classics like the Philly Cheesesteak to more inventive options like spicy cheesesteak and cheese-stuffed burgers.
J&J Mex-Taqueria, a family-owned and operated business, has been serving the DC community since 2015. José and José Tovar, a father-son team, are dedicated to sharing authentic Mexican recipes, flavors and sauces passed down through generations and maintaining a connection with their customers.
6 Skewers offers a fresh take on authentic Persian dishes, with a focus on skewered dishes made with the finest ingredients.
Champs Kitchen, operated by Silver Spring resident Keyerra Pitts, serves Caribbean flavors and classic dishes with celebrity recipes and delicious sauces.
Claude Have Mercy is operated by Claudius Kpakima, a first-generation American with parents from Sierra Leone. This restaurant offers a unique take on seafood, including shrimp burgers, seafood hot dogs, and seafood pizza.
Momo Hub brings the Nepali experience to Commas, serving Nepali dumplings and traditional cuisine.
Nim Ali offers traditional Guatemalan street food dishes, including the 12-inch shuko chingon with beef, ham, bacon, al pastor, steak, chorizo, cilantro aioli and spicy picamas, as well as other snacks and dishes. Sister spot Café Antigua by Nim Ali livens up mornings with coffee and baked goods and offers additional food to satisfy hunger throughout the day.
Commas is operated by West Palm Beach-based FIRETEN Hospitality, which owns and operates dining rooms and food service establishments nationwide, including Le Fantome in College Park.
“We are extremely fortunate to partner with FIRETEN Hospitality to operate and activate Commas,” said Culpepper. “Together with the FIRETEN team, we are looking for additional dining concepts to complete our dining offerings and write the final two pages in our guests’ culinary passports.”
Commas is almost fully rented, with only two spaces left. Restaurateurs interested in renting the remaining free spaces can contact the rental team at hellocommas.com.
Rendering courtesy of GBT Realty
