Looking for A Sweet Snack ? Try the Country Cone Cafe

Come Celebrate National Ice Cream Day July 19, 2009

This is a truly delightful place, it has a 50's - 60's charm that has all but disappeared. The Country Cone Cafe, located at 19705-B Waters Rd. in Germantown,MD 20874, is a family owned and run business.

The reason I am writing about this place is that it represents something that is still good and wholesome in America. A local family serving their friends,neighbors and new customers. Raising a family and contributing to the community, as our small shop owners always have.

Linda and Tony Hose are the proprietors, greeters,cooks,servers, and marketing department, with the occasional assist from their sons. They have been serving up the most delicious soft and hand dipped ice creams for 7 years. They even feature the "Guilt Free" "Only8"(sic) frozen yogurt which has only (of course) 8 calories per ounce. I have eaten it and I think the taste and texture is even better than regular ice cream.

The real deal here is the way your treated. Whether Linda or Tony are behind the counter they greet you not as much like a customer, but a returning friend. On a recent Saturday visit, there was a steady stream of moms and dads,their kids in tow, being greeted just like friends coming to your home. I have never felt more welcome at an eatery than at Country Cone Cafe.

Although the shop has the feel of a decades ago "drive-up" ice cream stand, there is no waiting outside in the heat while waiting for your treat. This cafe has a "walk-in" serving area that is kept nice and cool and has several tables and chairs and even a large TV. There's an outdoor play area for the kids to burn off some calories, while you can sit a spell and enjoy your tasty treat.

Linda and Tony have four sons ages 8 through 21. Their nineteen year old is in the U.S. Marine Corps and was recently married. They also have a dog named Honeybun, as his coat is the color of a Honey bun. The sweets just keep on comin'.

Tony has served as a baseball coach for both the Germantown Athletic Club (GAC) and Upper Montgomery County Athletic Club (UMAC).

The shop is open Daily from Noon til 10:00 PM. They serve a wide variety of hand dipped ice creams with names like "Superman" and "Playdough" as well as the aforementioned Frozen Yogurt,Shakes, Sundaes and Splits.

Take a nostalgic trip to your childhood at Country Cone Cafe, you won't be disappointed.

Goodbye to a Washington Institution ??

Local company Ritz Camera has petitioned the U.S.Bankruptcy Court to sell off or close its remaining 400 stores, according to a story in today's web edition of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Apparently,the chain, which was already in Chapter 11 reorganization,and had closed many of its Ritz locations, felt it did not have sufficient funds to continue operating throughout the summer. In addition the article continued, that there wouldn't be sufficient capital for inventory for the upcoming fall holiday season.

I spoke with Mr. Alex Goldman Media Director of Ritz this afternoon and he stated that they had made the petition today. He indicated that the company was going to try to sell itself to a buyer that would "continue the business as a going concern"

In fact, in a press release issued by RITZ, David Ritz CEO stated:"....I believe that Ritz Camera will continue on.....for a long time to come.

The press release further took issue with recent press reports about the asset sale. "Ritz decision to proceed with an asset sale is a normal and customary means of facilitating an exit from bankruptcy."

Mr.Goldman, in a telephone interview did state that Ritz was negotiating the sale with both "going concern buyers and liquidators"

A sale to a liquidator, would mean the end of the Ritz chain both in the DC area and around the nation. Ritz with headquarters in Beltsville, MD is the largest specialty camera and image chain in the US. Through expansion and acquisitions they operate as Ritz Camera,Wolf Camera,Kits Camera,Inkleys and The Camera Shop.

Ritz Camera has been a family run business and has long served the photo needs of its customers. They provide not only the hardware and software, but more importantly, the advice and counsel on their use. We hope they will find a good " going concern" buyer and continue to serve the customers.

Based on story from the Atlanta Journal Constitution,Interview with Alex Goldman of Ritz and the press release issued by Ritz.