Earthquake Drives Influx in Local Businesses

After an earthquake shook downtown Silver Spring Tuesday, some offices sent their employees home, causing an influx of customers to the local restaurants and cafes.

Around 2:15 p.m., Discovery Communications was one of the first companies to evacuate its employees in the area.

“Evacuation of the nearly 1,500 employees working in and around our global headquarters and the children in the on-site child care center was smooth and orderly,” said Discovery Communications spokeswoman Tammy Shea.

But home was not the first destination for many of those workers or the employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which was also evacuated. Restaurants and bars were high on the list of places to go.

“We had an unusual increase in business after the earthquake. It was good for business,” said Debbie Lea of McGinty’s Public House.

Just a few blocks over on Fenton Street, Justin Wallace—manager at Adega Wine Cellar and Café—said that business was busier than usual, which encouraged him to add a special for customers.

“People like to spend money during times like this,” Wallace said. “I heard a lot of people are having a lot of parties tonight."