MOM's Organic Market, Graul's Could Fill Rotunda Vacancy

Shoppers eager for a grocery store since Giant pulled out of the Rotunda back in January could be in luck.

MOM's Organic Market, which has 10 stores throughout Maryland and Viriginia including one in Timonium, is a finalist for the 20,000 square foot vacancy left when Giant pulled out of the center, the Baltimore Messenger reported Wednesday morning.

Scott Nash, who founded MOM's in his mother's Beltsville basement back in 1987, told the Messenger that he is involved in negotiations with Rotunda developer Henkemian & Co., but that they "don't have a deal done." 

Graul's, another regional chain with stores in Monkton, Mays Chapel and Ruxton, is another contender for the spot, the Messenger reports.

Last month, some Hampden residents started a Facebook page lobbying for a Trader Joe's to fill the vacancy at the Rotunda.

Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke told the Messenger that she is concerned about MOM's moving in because it's not a full service grocery store.

"We have been promised for months and months a 20,000-square-foot grocer in that space," Clarke said. Seniors who live in the area, she said, are "taking their lives in their hands" walking to the new Giant location on 41st Street.

Do you think MOM's Organic Market is a good fit for the Rotunda, or would you rather see a more typical grocery store move into the space?