Columbia franchise taps executive team for U.S. boom; Salvation Army eyes $21M move

Good morning Baltimore and (happy) Monday.

I hope you imbibed as much of the autumn atmosphere as I did this weekend. Autumn cocktails, hikes in the hills, maple-infused coffees and some Halloween movies have me dreading next weekend's warmer temperatures.

In the spirit of spooky season, I stopped by the Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick on Saturday. Definitely a morbid trip! Fun fact of the day: Of the more than 600,000 soldiers who died in the Civil War, roughly two thirds perished from disease rather than combat injuries. We have certainly come a long way.

Now for the news.

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Columbia pickleball franchise names leadership team amid nationwide expansion

If you're a regular reader, you've likely seen coverage of Dill Dinkers, Columbia's pickleball franchise that is spreading across the nation with more than 40 locations. Now, they've named their executive team to spearhead the growth, according to a press release: Erika C. Spalding (Chief Marketing Officer); Ben Litalien (Chief Development Officer); Brian Lloyd (Chief Pickleball Officer); Roy Tarash (Chief Financial Officer); and Rob Pless (Chief Technology Officer). Add "CPO" (Chief Pickleball Officer) to your list of corporate acronyms.

Johns Hopkins opens new D.C. building in former museum

Johns Hopkins University is officially in business in the space that was once the gorgeous Newseum. After more than four years since the announcement, the 10-story facility opened late last week as the Hopkins Bloomberg Center, Fishbowl reports. The site will bring the school's D.C.-based graduate programs to a central location and will house a new School of Government and Policy. Speaking from experience, the view from the tenth floor is beautiful. It might be time to re-enroll.

Around 20 restaurants closed in Greater Baltimore so far this year

BBJ's Morgan Simpson has the scoop on restaurant closures so far in 2023. The bad news: almost 20 have closed. Check out the full list, which includes newer ventures and, sadly, some decades-old city favorites. The good news: Despite the many closures, around 50 restaurants opened this year. The Baltimore Business Journal compiled a list of openings in 2023. Whether you want to reminisce or grow your must-try list, we've got you covered.

Wells Fargo grants $400K for Baltimore solar installation

Nonprofit energy builder Groundswell will have $400,000 of help from Wells Fargo for a new solar installation. The 110 kW (yes, I know what a kilowatt is...) solar project will be built at the City of Refuge Community Resiliency Hub in South Baltimore, according to a press release. The project will also include a storage component that will store 372 kWh (yes, I know what a kilowatt hour is) that can be used in case of emergencies.

Under Armour creates new supportive sleeves for Steph Curry

NBA superstar Steph Curry will be sporting more supportive shooting sleeves this season after suffering a shoulder injury last year. As Under Armour's highest-profile athlete, Curry has 12 new shoulder sleeves hand-crafted in Baltimore to keep his golden limbs — and Golden State — in tip top shape. The sleeves use the brand's UA RUSH infrared technology, according to a press release, and Curry has six black and six white ones to complement uniform variations.

Food writers to sample and review BWI dishes

BWI: Where planes — and palates — take flight. Bloggers and critics will descend on the airport Tuesday evening for a sampling dishes of 11 of the flight hub's eateries. According to a press release, celebrity chef Ype Von Hengst, cofounder of the Silver Diner, will be on the scene. The event, dubbed Bites @ BWI, will showcase the airport's award-winning food and retail lineup. BBJ staff insider tip: After the event, make sure to swing by the airport's nationally recognized bathrooms.

Salvation Army plans $21M move to West Baltimore

The Salvation Army is planning to depart Federal Hill for Sandtown-Winchester in West Baltimore, the Sun reports. The move, which would take upwards of $21 million, could be completed in 2025 if the groups' wishes become realities. The new facility on Fremont Avenue and Laurens Street would take over the site of the old William Pinderhughes Elementary/Middle School, and the plans include offices, a performing arts center, a training kitchen and two gyms, per the Sun.

Ravens rout Lions, stay atop division

Lamar Jackson went crazy Sunday: 357 passing yards and 3 passing touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. It was a big day for fantasy football general managers like myself who bet big on Jackson this year. The Ravens crushed the Lions 38-6, improving to 5-2 on the season and further cementing their first place position in the AFC North. The birds will face...the birds (the Arizona Cardinals) next Sunday in an avian battle. BBJ's suggested Ravens-themed water cooler remark of the week: "There was a game yesterday? I must have missed it, I was watching the Ravens practice at the stadium."

This newsletter was written by Joe Ilardi, digital producer for the Baltimore Business Journal. I can be reached at [email protected].