Davidsonville Country Market to Close Forever on Friday

After more than eight years of operating on Central Avenue, the Davidsonville Country Market will close its doors for the last time on Friday.

Business owners and Edgewater residents Chas and Frannie Thompson are disappointed that they have to shutter their business, but they have little choice as they were unable to negotiate a new lease with their landlord.

“We love Davidsonville, love the people here,” Chas Thompson said, “but I have to protect my future.”

With no lease, the couple could not see a way to keep the business open.

In addition to issues with their lease, the Davidsonville Market was also a victim of fraud. A Lothian man recently pleaded guilty to stealing more than $99,000 in scratch-off lottery tickets and redeeming them for $67,000, according to the Maryland Attorney General's Office. About $20,000 of those tickets were stolen from the market, according to Frannie Thompson. The family has retained an attorney to help them recover the funds.

The Davidsonville Country Market is a family owned and run business. Around four years ago, the gas station and country store opened the back and began selling sandwiches and pizzas. Even though the store is closing Friday, they were doing a steady business Wednesday morning.

Though they are disappointed that the market is closing, the couple hope to be back in business soon. Though their plans are just in the early stages, they hope to open up a breakfast place in Edgewater in the coming months.