Morgan Simpson

2 days ago | wbaltv.com | Morgan Simpson

A local businessman plans to transform a closed Baltimore County bar and grill into a space offering pizza, locally sourced fresh produce and carryout alcohol.John McAvoy, who owned Dock of the Bay in Edgemere for five years before transferring full control of the restaurant to his wife, is in the process of acquiring Bayshore Bar & Grill at 8214 North Point Road.

6 days ago | wbaltv.com | Morgan Simpson

What started as a rum-making hobby several years ago has turned into a small-batch distillery that recently launched a tasting room.True Standard Distilling celebrated the grand opening of its tasting room on May 29 at 10 N. Carroll St. in downtown Frederick. Husband-and-wife duo Brian and Ashley Allen own the distillery, which focuses on producing rum. The 9,000-square-foot historic building has housed the distillery since construction was completed last year.

1 week ago | wbaltv.com | Morgan Simpson

A longstanding Little Italy restaurant space has traded meatballs and focaccia for wine and small bites.Sisu Bar and Bottles opened on May 22 at 313 S. High St. in the former home of Joe Benny's, a version of which can now be found across the street as Benny's. The wine bar and bottle shop offers some snacks but is largely intended to be the new go-to spot for pre- and post-dinner drinks in the Little Italy neighborhood. "I love it.

1 week ago | wbaltv.com | Morgan Simpson

The family behind Liberatore's, Lib's Grill and Liquid Libs is expanding again, with a beach location and two more Greater Baltimore spots in the pipeline. Liberatore's Tapas Wine Bar Libations is expected to open by early August in Ocean City's Montego Bay Shopping Center, said co-owner Nick Liberatore. The restaurant will combine elements from the three flagship concepts and comes as the family prepares to open new locations of Lib's Grill in Sykesville and Towson within the next year.

1 week ago | wbaltv.com | Morgan Simpson

Rize + Rest Cafe will close in East Baltimore next month, but its owner hopes to reopen in a larger space by the end of the year.The restaurant and cafe will close its doors on June 1 at 3100 E. Baltimore St., according to owner and chef Randall Matthews. Rize + Rest has outgrown its small Patterson Park building, and Matthews, who owns the property, said another local group will soon move in. He declined to disclose more details on the cafe's successor.