Prince Frederick, MD – A once popular restaurant, noted for its ageless décor and fancy food, is about to be reincarnated in Calvert County. However, the eatery once known as Old Field Inn will reopen with a different name—Heritage 485. The owner of the new restaurant, Michael C.B. Benson went before the Calvert County Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board) Thursday evening, Jan. 26 seeking a Class B Beer, Wine and Liquor license for the venture.
Benson, a Prince Frederick resident, told the panel he has been in the restaurant business for a dozen years in a few other Maryland counties and Baltimore City. The application was his first effort to obtain a liquor license. Benson stated he is in the process of completing the mandatory alcohol service certification process. His entire restaurant staff will also be certified by the time Heritage 485 opens in early April.
When asked why he wasn’t calling the restaurant the Old Field Inn, Benson explained “we wanted to get a fresh start.” He added that Heritage 485 was the address of the building. He told the board there may be an incorporation of the previous name later. Benson described the restaurant cuisine as “modern American.” The food served would be comprised of many locally grown ingredients, Benson stated. “As local as I can get my hands on.”
The board unanimously approved Benson’s license application pending completion of all the required paperwork.
A month of compliance
The liquor board’s inspector, Sgt. Joe Hollinger of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, reported that December inspections of several license-holders yielded only one minor violation. Board Chairman Robert Arscott stated the panel is planning to request funds for hiring a fulltime inspector, with Hollinger remaining as the sheriff’s office’s liaison. The request will need to be submitted to the Calvert County Commissioners. Two county commissioners own and operate liquor stores
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com