The long-planned reopening of Eddie’s of Mount Vernon grocery store is not moving forward and a search has begun for a new operator.
Leaders of the Mount Vernon Belvedere Association (MVBA) disclosed on Tuesday that a team that had been announced to reopen the building at 7-11 W. Eager St. is no longer working on the project.
“Unfortunately, we were recently informed that the planned reopening will not move forward and a new operator will need to be identified,” the MVBA said on its website. “We know this is disappointing, but state and local partners remain committed, and early conversations with a potential operator are encouraging.”
The family-owned business, headed by Dennis Zorn, closed on June 30, 2023, leaving Mount Vernon residents without a full-service grocery store. Before it closed, the building had housed a grocery store since 1939.
Gaurika LLC, a group associated with the Nepal House restaurant on N. Charles Street, emerged in early 2024 to take over as the new operator, and the state of Maryland allocated $286,000 to help upgrade the building. Baltimore’s liquor board agreed to keep alive and transfer a rare “Class A” liquor license, one of only a few in the city that allows a grocery store to sell alcoholic beverages.
Building owner Dennis Richter of 13 West Eager LLC spent much of 2025 renovating the exterior and 5,000-square-foot interior to get ready for a grand opening, raising hopes that a reopening was imminent. According to the MVBA, the building is “fully ready for grocery use,” after repairs to the mechanical systems, interior upgrades and restoration of the storefront.
“Jubilee Baltimore and the Mount Vernon Belvedere Association are working diligently to secure the right tenant, one who can help restore access to fresh groceries and everyday staples and continue Eddie’s legacy as a neighborhood hub,” the MVBA message said. “Interested in operating the space or learning more? Contact Jack Danna at president@mvba.org.”
