Big news out of downtown today: Johanssons Dining House just announced it will change ownership this summer after more than 30 years on Main Street. If you have a gift card, now's the time to use it.
Housing and local development have dominated the news this week. A proposal for 120 apartments on Wimert Avenue sparked a wide debate on Facebook, revealing deep anxieties about where Westminster is headed and concerns that went well beyond the building itself.
Separately, The Willows proposal moves to the Mayor and Common Council for a vote expected this month, and a commercial space renovation at 285–289 East Green Street just cleared Planning and Zoning.
One more thing worth watching: Brewery Fire Taphouse posted a "stay tuned" countdown reel on Instagram, saying the owner will go live on the Brewery Fire Taphouse page this Friday to announce the opening date for the Taneytown Brewery's new spot at 140 Village Shopping Center in Westminster.
Finally, this weekend is unusually stacked with things to do around town. Find details on all of it below. Let’s get into it.
🍺 Johanssons on Main Street to change ownership this summer
Johanssons Dining House, the English-style tavern and brewpub at 4 W. Main St. that has anchored downtown Westminster since 1994, announced Wednesday that it will change ownership sometime this summer. The Johansson family shared the news in a letter to customers, thanking the community for decades of loyalty and asking anyone with outstanding gift cards to redeem them in the coming weeks before the final day of business, which hasn't been announced yet. The family will continue to own O'Lordans Irish Pub at 14 Liberty St., just steps away from Johanssons.
🏗️ 120-unit proposal on Wimert Avenue sparks large reaction
A Westminster Wire post about Village Square LLC's proposed mixed-use building at 102 Wimert Avenue drew a large number of Facebook reactions within hours. The five-story project would place 120 apartments above ground-floor commercial space, replacing 32 existing dwelling units. Councilman Daniel Hoff encouraged both sides to weigh in at upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meetings (6 p.m., third Thursday of each month, City Hall). The project review is in the early stages with the city, and the developer says they are flexible.
🏘️ The Willows heads to City Council after Planning Commission vote
After more than a year of review, the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission voted in April to forward a proposal for The Willows, a 40-unit development at Route 140 and Pennsylvania Avenue, to the Mayor and Common Council, where a vote is expected in June. If approved, the project returns to Planning and Zoning for site plan review before construction begins.
🧱 East Green Street renovation gets conditional approval
The Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission conditionally approved a site plan for 285–289 East Green Street at its May 21 meeting. ZFP Capital LLC will demolish an aging wooden structure and renovate the surviving building with a brick facade, new windows, decorative awnings, and a cornice. Commissioners praised the design, with one calling it a standard the proposed cafe at 118 West Main Street should aspire to.
📅 This Weekend
Carroll County Public Library and Park Books on Main bring NYT bestselling author Adam Gidwitz to Westminster High School for a free Battle of the Books Celebration on Thursday, June 5. Doors open at 6 p.m.; signing at 6:30, author talk at 7, second signing at 8. Free copies of Max in the Land of Lies (one per family, while supplies last). Advance registration required at ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/adam-gidwitz. Westminster High School is at 1225 Washington Road.
🥽 Another World VR Summer Kickoff — Thursday, June 5, 7–11 p.m.
Another World VR at the TownMall of Westminster is throwing an all-ages Summer Kickoff party on Thursday, June 5, from 7 to 11 p.m. The night includes unlimited VR and arcade access, pong and cornhole tournaments with prizes, multiple live bands, face painting, and a balloon artist. Downtown Westminster's Collision Course will be running a themed cash bar; the full café menu will be open all night. Tickets: $19.99 Early Bird / $24.99 General Admission / $29.99 at the door.
🃏 Free Sports Card & Pokémon Show — Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
The TownMall of Westminster hosts a free Sports Card & Pokémon Show on Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the TCC Event Center. More than 100 tables of sports cards, Pokémon cards, and collectibles, with dealers buying, selling, and trading all day. Free admission, all ages. TCC Event Center is at 400 N. Center St., Westminster. Questions: Chip Brady at 717-968-6243.
🍷 42nd Maryland Wine Festival — Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Maryland Wine Festival returns to Carroll County Farm Museum for its 42nd year on Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 500 S. Center St., Westminster. More than 30 Maryland wineries, food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music from Ebb & Nova and Groovalicious. General Admission: $40 advance / $45 at the door (souvenir glass + tastings); Explorer Pass $75; Designated Driver $20. New this year: a BBQ & Wine Experience ($50, advance only). Kids 12 and under are free with an adult ticket holder.
🎨 Art in the Park — Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Carroll County Arts Council's Art in the Park returns to the Westminster City Hall grounds on Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — a free outdoor tradition in its fifth decade. Fine art and crafts from local and regional artists, food trucks, live music, and a free kids' craft activity. Rain or shine at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane (GPS: 121 Longwell Avenue). Free parking on Locust Street, the East Middle School lot at Key Street, and Distillery Drive.
🧵 Sew 'N Sweep Quilt Retreat Weekend — Saturday–Sunday, June 6–7
Sew 'N Sweep at the TownMall of Westminster is hosting a Quilt Retreat Weekend — Saturday, June 6 (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and Sunday, June 7 (noon to 4:30 p.m.). Bring your machine and your current projects and work in Maryland's largest dedicated sewing classroom alongside other makers. $25 for both days. Spots are limited — register at sewnsweep.store.
🎯 FOP Cornhole Tournament — Sunday, June 7, bags fly at 11 a.m.
FOP Lodge 20 hosts a cornhole tournament on Sunday, June 7, at the Carroll County Agriculture Center with a $5,000 prize pool. Check-in at 10 a.m., play at 11 a.m., runs until 5 p.m. Five divisions — Competitive, Social, Open, Co-Ed Doubles, and Women's Singles. Registration: $25 singles / $50 doubles. Food and drinks on-site. Proceeds benefit Lodge 20's Officer Assistance Fund.
Two other quick notes before you go:
Maggie's Restaurant at 310 E. Green St. hosts Cars & Coffee on Sunday, June 7, 8 a.m. to noon — all makes and models welcome, Quartermaine Coffee Roasters on hand, kids' activities, and 10% off a brunch entrée with a coffee purchase. Regular brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chef Jeff Keeney's pop-up Savoré reports on Instagram that they had a successful debut on Monday at the Westminster Riding Club. Two additional dinners have been announced for Friday, June 5, and Monday, June 8, with reservations at savore.net.
That's all for this Wednesday. Have a great rest of your week and weekend — looks like there's plenty to do. Follow Westminster Wire on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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