A Towson eatery has shuttered its doors after a long history in Towson.
After nearly 80 years, Ridgely & Ferrens Market went out of business last week, said Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce. The most recent owner, Hafey Hyle, had operated the casual restaurant, which was known for its sandwiches, for about 15 years.
"Hafey was a wonderful part of the community," Hafford said.
New business owners are planning to open a country style restaurant at the storefront, located at 11 Allegheny Avenue.
The reason for the closure is not immediately known.
In September, Gourmet Express, a nearby cafe and deli in the 400 block of Washington Avenue, also shut down.
For 57 years my family owned and operated a successful, full service, food market specializing in prime beef, poultry, Smithfield hams and fresh seafood. Prime beef cut to order, personalized service, and a family atmosphere was the foundation of the grocery business that was established by my grandfather, Joseph S. Parker, in 1942. In April of 1999, I made the decision to close Parker’s, Towson’s Complete Food Market, to spend more time with my family. Subsequently, the building was leased to Mr. Hyle. After thirteen years of tenancy, the time had come to make a change and breathe new life into the property. I believe my new tenants, Fred and Sue Dixon, will be a welcome addition to the Towson business community. Many of their core business values are similar to those my grandfather built his business on. Craig Parker