By Martha Jackson
The other night, we walked into Sevy’s Grill knowing something felt different. The food was the same. The faces behind the bar were the same.
But there was an unspoken awareness that this place, woven into so many of our routines, might not always be here. It’s a strange feeling to sit somewhere that knows you so well and realize how fragile that familiarity can be.
That feeling has been sitting with me lately as longtime properties change hands. New landlords come in. Rents rise, sometimes dramatically. And the small, locally owned businesses that have anchored our neighborhoods for decades are left with impossible choices: absorb costs they can’t sustain, relocate, or close altogether.
I understand the business reality. Investments are meant to be profitable. But we also have to acknowledge the tradeoff. Short-term financial gain often comes with a long-term loss to the fabric of our community.
In December, we learned this was happening to Sevy’s Grill, a Preston Road staple for nearly 30 years, and NY Sub, which has served this community for more than 50 years.
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These aren’t just restaurants. They are first jobs, after-game dinners, family celebrations, and quiet weekly routines that shape everyday life in ways we rarely stop to notice.
Our daughter Alexis got her first real job as a hostess at Sevy’s. And Sean, true to form, has his own plaque at the bar. One night, we stopped in just to toast it.
We ended up sitting with staff who had long ago become friends, laughing and talking, and it struck me how rare that feeling is. That sense of being known. Of belonging without effort. You don’t find that at large chains. It happens when a business grows up alongside the people it serves.
That familiarity is what truly sets our neighborhood apart. It’s not just where we live, but how we live. The owners who know our names. The servers who ask about our kids. The places that feel less like transactions and more like touchstones. You can’t manufacture that. You can’t franchise it. And once it’s gone, you can’t recreate it.
So, this Valentine’s season, I think it’s worth asking ourselves some honest questions.
Where are we choosing to spend our money? Are we drawn only to the newest, shiniest openings, or are we also showing up for the places that have shown up for us year after year?
Are we supporting the businesses that hire our kids, sponsor our schools, donate to local causes, and quietly invest back into the community we love?
Supporting local businesses isn’t just sentimental. It’s practical. Those dollars stay here. They support neighbors, families, and futures. And they help preserve the feel that makes this area more than just a place to live.
This month, and long after Valentine’s Day has passed, I hope we’ll choose to show our love where it matters most. Because once a place that knows your name is gone, no amount of convenience can ever replace it.
Martha Jackson, host of The Bubble Lounge Podcast, has lived in University Park for 20 years. She’s passionate about connecting with fellow moms, supporting local businesses, and finding humor in the chaos. You can find her at bubblelounge.net and on Instagram @bubbleloungepodcast.
