Discover the Flavors of Howard County

During Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks

Visit Howard County, Maryland’s Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks return January 19 through February 1, 2026, and the lineup is stacked.

Explore bold, international flavors in one of Maryland’s top foodie destinations. From Korean BBQ and authentic Italian to Mexican favorites and farm-to-table dining, local restaurants are bringing their best to the table, paired with locally crafted beer, wine, and spirits.

Whether you’re planning date night, a group dinner, or discovering a new favorite spot, HoCo delivers, just minutes from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Bark Social Reopens, Bringing New Energy to Merriweather

Bark Social has reopened at 5801 Merriweather Drive in Columbia, bringing new energy to one of the area’s most distinctive social destinations.

The venue combines an off-leash dog park with a full-service bar and café, offering a fenced play area for dogs, 20 taps, and food and treats for both people and pets. Bark Social provides a unique gathering space for residents, visitors, and pet lovers in the Merriweather district.

Bark Social’s reopening supports continued investment in experiential businesses that enhance quality of life and contribute to the vitality of Howard County’s growing mixed-use districts.

Gyu San Brings Modern Japanese BBQ and Sushi to Columbia

Gyu San Japanese BBQ Sushi & Bar is now open in Columbia, offering a modern Japanese dining experience that combines authentic flavors with a distinctive atmosphere.

The restaurant’s opening reflects confidence in Howard County’s economy and supports local job creation while strengthening the county’s growing hospitality and dining landscape.

Feast & Fettle Brings New Investment and Jobs to Howard County

We recently welcomed Feast & Fettle, a fast-growing prepared meal delivery company that has officially launched service in Howard County, serving HCEDA, Howard County Government, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, and local EMS and fire stations.

The company is investing in a new 25,000-square-foot production and distribution facility in Elkridge, with plans to create up to 250 full-time jobs over the next three years, strengthening the local workforce and regional economy.

HCEDA also welcomed Chief Operating Officer Kyla Hanaway-Quinlan, who shared how Feast & Fettle’s people-first mission drives its operations and growth.

We are proud to welcome Feast & Fettle to Howard County and support their continued investment and job creation in our community.

Where a Farm Becomes a Path to Healing and Growth at TRRC

Located in Glenwood, the Therapeutic & Recreational Riding Center (TRRC) provides equine-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities, creating opportunities for physical, emotional, and social growth in a safe and empowering farm environment. Through structured riding programs and hands-on engagement with horses, participants build confidence, mobility, and meaningful connections.

TRRC’s work reflects the broader value of Howard County’s agricultural community, where farms serve not only as working landscapes but also as essential community resources that support wellness, inclusion, and quality of life.

We are proud to support organizations like TRRC that harness the healing power of agriculture and animal-assisted programming while strengthening the county’s rural economy and community impact.

Managing Energy Costs: What Local Businesses Should Know

Seasonal weather and energy market conditions can impact utility bills for local businesses. BGE encourages customers to review usage trends, use online monitoring tools, and explore payment flexibility and energy assistance resources to help manage costs. 

Simple efficiency steps such as HVAC tune-ups, thermostat adjustments, and monitoring usage through BGE’s My Account tools can also support cost savings. Utility bills include both supply charges driven by energy markets and delivery charges that support grid reliability and infrastructure. Recent price increases are influenced by regional capacity markets and grid reliability fees that are passed through to customers.

 For account-specific questions or support, businesses should contact BGE directly.

Kick Off the New Year with Our Community

We are hosting our annual New Year celebration for HCEDA partners and friends, business owners, entrepreneurs, and those who wish to do business with them, presented by Weaver with support from Pinnacle Financial Partners.

Join us as we kick off the new year with an elevated evening of great food, music, and connection. The menu features lobster tails, crab cakes, beef short ribs, and pork osso bucco, paired with live entertainment from the Unified Jazz Ensemble, innovative performers of jazz standards and original compositions.

Turn Your Marketing into a Lead-Generating System That Converts

If you’re a founder or small business owner, chances are you’ve tried a little bit of everything when it comes to marketing—social posts, emails, ads—but you’re still not sure what’s working. That ends here.

The BRITE Core: Marketing Series is a 3-part workshop that helps you stop chasing trends and start building a marketing system that fits your business. You’ll learn how to define your ideal customer, attract quality leads, and turn them into paying clients—all with simple tools you can use right away.

The Sales Playbook Has Changed. Are You Ready to Compete in 2026?

The sales landscape is shifting faster than ever. AI is rewriting the way buyers make decisions, customer expectations are rising, and small businesses everywhere are navigating tighter markets, longer sales cycles, and heavier competition.

The 2026 Sales Summit is open to all small business owners, with specialized value for innovative startups, government contractors, cybersecurity/IT providers, and professional service consultants.

You’ll hear real stories from CEOs, explore strategies that work in today’s economy, and connect with partners who can support growth through government contracting, business planning, capital readiness, mentorship, and more. If your business depends on generating revenue — this summit is designed for you.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Here are the top 5 reasons why you should visit Columbia for your next weekend trip and explore what makes this community special. Learn More
• Howard County to Honor Legacy of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Annual Holiday Celebration and Day of Service. Learn More
  
• Maryland Women’s Business Center Recognized as 2026 National WBC of Excellence. Learn More
• On Jan. 22nd the Autism Hiring Program is hosting the Different Brains Strong Teams webinar featuring Zosia Zaks, Ph.D. Learn More
• Applications are now open for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Boys to STEM Academy.