AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
It was as much a surprise for Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery co-owner Dawn Wilson as it was for me to discover the deep blue logo of Paris Baguette Bakery Cafe and photos of pastries emblazoned on the windows of one half of the Park Plaza storefront occupied for 33 years by Ledo’s Pizza. Though she had no idea who the new owner might be or when the cafe would open, Wilson was delighted.
“I can’t wait to try it,” she said. “There’s been no place nearby to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry or sandwich during a break. I believe the company is a franchise and there’s one in Annapolis that my sister visited. She said it was wonderful.”
The cafe specializes in fresh baked breads, handcrafted pastries. coffee and espresso, beverages, salads and sandwiches and signature cakes and desserts.
Rosso Commercial Real Estate Services shared the news in March that the Paris Baguette Bakery Cafe franchise at Park Plaza would be one of two coming to the area soon. The other is at 1709–1713 Nursery Road in Linthicum Heights.
Like Wilson, most of the Severna Park business community was unaware the restaurant would be opening at Park Plaza. Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League hadn’t yet seen the artwork on the windows but was eager to learn who the franchisee was. Hopefully, we’ll know more soon.
Meantime, thanks to the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce, we learned that the Grand Opening of the Sweet Escape Bookshop will be hosted by BD Provisions on Sunday, August 16th from Noon till 4 pm with a celebratory Ribbon Cutting at 12:30 pm.
We had an opportunity to catch up with Severna Park resident Nancy Vazquez who is the owner of the Sweet Escape Bookshop. Vazquez filled us in on how she came up with the unique idea of a bookstore on wheels – a quaint and cozy shop full of fun and interesting reads that can set up in the heart of the community or travel farther afield.
Vazquez told us she’s always loved to read and seems to connect well with others for whom reading is a passion.
“I’d dreamed of someday opening an actual brick and mortar bookstore, perhaps with a small coffee shop attached,” she said. “That was my inspiration – to bring the joy of reading that it’s been for me to others. For now, I don’t have the capital for such an investment.
But looking through social media one day, I came across several sites belonging to women who have ‘mobile’ bookstores. One example, posted by a woman from Las Vegas, showed an enclosed trailer converted into a mobile bookshop that was so smart and appealing that I was hooked on doing something like it.”
Though convinced that opening a mobile bookshop would be ideal for her, Vazquez hesitated, going back and forth in her mind about whether to establish one. Fearful of taking the leap, she talked it over with her husband who encouraged her to give it a try. The decision made, she faced the question “How do I get a truck and what should it be like?”
Examples of mobile bookshops she subsequently explored were generally trucks, but she wanted something enclosed and opted for a trailer 6 ft. x 12 ft. with room for two or three people to fit inside at once – a magical space customers could enjoy.
Vazquez purchased the trailer in late December 2025, but it’s taken her until now to get everything completed – from designing and creating the trailer’s exterior artwork and interior decor (a work in progress) to sourcing the books and building her inventory. Books for adults will all be new, so she’s been learning how to purchase them through wholesalers.
The inventory’s wide range of books will include sections for romance, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, books currently popular and books appealing to young adults. As the bookshop has already received donations of gently used children’s books from friends and others, there will be a pre-loved children’s section. Kids 10 and under will be welcome to pick out a book for free.
A particularly important consideration for Vazquez was when and where to set up the Sweet Escape Bookshop trailer, so she reached out to local businesses. Thankfully, BD Provisions co-owner Debra Saltz, an avid reader, was delighted with the idea. She not only invited Vazquez to bring the Sweet Escape trailer to BD Provisions as often as she wishes but agreed to host the bookshop’s Grand Opening and ribbon cutting on Sunday, August 16.
Vaquez is also partnering with Himmel’s Landscape & Garden Center in Pasadena. (Owner Elizabeth is another devoted reader.) Other possible locations for Sweet Escape Bookshop to set up include local coffee shops and small businesses. Taking part in local events is on the agenda too. To learn more about Sweet Escape Bookshop, visit Facebook.
Romilo’s Restaurant closed as of August 3rd with new owner yet to be announced
It was with a heavy heart that owner Chris Paradissis announced on the company’s website and Facebook page the temporary closing of Romilo’s Restaurant & Bar on August 3rd for the transition to new ownership. Paradissis was the owner of the family-owned restaurant for the past nine years of its 33-year history as a Severna Park landmark. He expressed his deepest gratitude to his customers for their loyal patronage, wonderful memories and support.
We’ll keep you updated as the new owner is announced.
Meet The Providers Open House happening next Wednesday, August 12th
Kathy Grote, owner of Integrative Family NP LLC, announced that a “Wide Open House” is being held to Meet The Providers of healthcare services at 815 Ritchie Highway this coming Wednesday, August 12th from 5 to 7 pm. In addition to Integrative Family NP LLC, providers from Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services, Magothy River Counselling, Anchor Family Dentistry, Allstate, Expecting Emily and Anchorage Counselling will be on hand to greet the public. For more information, visit Facebook.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. The school will be holding a fun-filled summer camp this August. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
