At this week’s Council meeting, the City of College Park took another important step to support long-standing local businesses by awarding Business Retention and Attraction Assistance Grants to Prime Time and Marathon Deli—two familiar names with deep roots in our community.
Through Agenda Item 25-G-43, the Council approved a $60,000 grant to Prime Time and a $30,000 grant to Marathon Deli. These grants are part of the City’s ongoing effort to help legacy businesses navigate changes in the local commercial landscape and continue operating in College Park.
🕹 Prime Time: More Than Just a Game Room
Prime Time, currently located at 7313 Baltimore Avenue, is more than just an entertainment venue. For years, it has offered students and residents a unique place to gather, socialize, and unwind. As downtown College Park continues to grow and evolve, Prime Time has faced uncertainty due to changing property dynamics and potential redevelopment. The grant funding will allow Prime Time to explore options to remain in College Park—whether through relocation, lease renewal, or reinvestment in their operations.
Maintaining a mix of entertainment and dining options is a key priority in the City’s economic development goals, and retaining venues like Prime Time helps support a vibrant, inclusive, and walkable downtown district.
🥙 Marathon Deli: A Staple of the College Park Experience
Few businesses are as iconic to College Park as Marathon Deli. Known for its gyros, friendly atmosphere, and long-running history, Marathon has served generations of University of Maryland students, faculty, and College Park families. Currently located at Terrapin Row, the deli is now facing a possible relocation due to lease uncertainties.
The City’s $30,000 grant will provide critical support as Marathon Deli explores a new home within College Park. The funding will assist with potential build-out costs, relocation logistics, or transition planning—helping to ensure that this hometown favorite doesn’t disappear during a pivotal moment in its history.
💼 Why These Grants Matter
The Business Retention and Attraction Assistance Program was established to help preserve the character and diversity of College Park’s local economy. In the face of redevelopment pressures, rising commercial rents, and economic challenges left in the wake of the pandemic, small and independently owned businesses often struggle to compete or relocate.
These grants are designed to give them a fighting chance—particularly when they’ve demonstrated long-term commitment to the community and bring significant cultural and economic value to the City.
Supporting businesses like Prime Time and Marathon Deli isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about protecting the fabric of our local identity, keeping our business districts dynamic, and ensuring that long-time establishments continue to be part of the College Park story.
👏 We look forward to seeing how these businesses grow and adapt with the help of this City support—and we hope residents continue to show them love as they move into the next chapter.
Margaret Ramos
I am so glad the City will be helping Marathon Deli. In the late 1980’s when I worked at The Book Exchange my co-worker and I would go there for lunch and share the delicous toasted eggplant pita with tomato sauce and cheese on top. Haven’t been there in years, can’t remember the actual name of that fantastic item but I still remember the taste.
Chase Uber
What about Town Hall Tavern, or Hanami, or college park Liquor, habanero taqueria or Pandora’s cube and CDepot or any of the businesses 20+ years in north college park. All sold out to developers. College park is one of the most developed communities in the nation. Slow down. Corporate and development interest far outweighs community business in this city and it’s a shame to see.
Fazlul Kabir
Hi Chase, Thanks for the comment. The City actually helped some of these businesses relocate elsewhere in College Park. For example, the City helped the Habanero Taqueria to buy a food truck and also find another place close to the City Hall, and pay for its buildout.
Margaret Ramos
I agree with Chase Uber. I have lived in College Park since 1969