Change Comes to South County
Restaurants come and go, reinvent themselves and get make-overs. Change is ongoing, which keeps us on our toes and piques our foodie interest.
The end of February saw the changing of the guard at the classic Deale roadhouse The Happy Harbor. Recent owner Shelley Daniels sold the business to Rochester, NY, native Tony Hite.
Hite has a resume that includes owning bowling centers and operating several regional restaurants. More the behind-the-scenes owner, Hite has hired Deale resident and experienced restaurant manager Jason Bocchi to run the house. Hite says he is well aware of local resistance to change and plans to keep the Harbor’s flavor. Change will come slowly, starting with cosmetic enhancements and, once the weather warms up, the resurrection of the tiki bar.
“Our customers feel like this is their place,” Hite says. “We’re happy that people have embraced us. Keeping them happy is our priority.”
Just south of Deale in Friendship, the long-vacant Fabulous Brew is finally getting new life. La Bella Italia is expanding from Annapolis and Arnold with hand-tossed pizza and classic Italian dishes. Dine-in or take out, their menu is ample and family-friendly. Look for La Bella Italia Friendship to open within the next two months.
Congratulations to our four lucky winners of Bay Weekly’s Annapolis Restaurant Week promotion. Debi Marsh won a $50 gift card to Federal House, Natalie Fluharty a $50 gift card to Reynolds Tavern, Matt Goldberg a $50 gift card to Café Normandie and Linda Deluca the $50 gift card to Lemongrass. Thanks for participating!
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