When construction crews broke ground on a new LongHorn Steakhouse at the entrance to Country Club Mall in LaVale, many residents saw a new place to dine. For Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD), the moment the shovel hit soil was the culmination of years of strategic work to build a more appealing, competitive, and economically vibrant community.
Located on Vocke Road near I-68, the LongHorn Steakhouse is expected to open later this year with great fanfare. But the road to this national chain planting its flag in Allegany County began much earlier through quiet, complex work behind the scenes—work that reflected a shift in the department’s approach.
Historically, ACECD focused on industrial recruitment and expansion. But after the 2008-2009 recession, and the decades of population loss that preceded it, the department expanded its toolkit.
This shift gave rise to a retail attraction strategy that prioritizes quality of place as an economic development driver. ACECD cultivated lasting relationships with developers, learning to navigate land assembly, incentives, and even local liquor licensing issues. The goal was to make Allegany County more livable and appealing to both businesses and residents, and ACECD remained focused on results.
This strategic emphasis led the department to focus more intentionally on LaVale’s development potential. Featuring two exits off I-68, existing commercial infrastructure, and a track record of success for national chains, the area has been a mainstay for retail, with room to grow.
LongHorn Steakhouse’s decision to open in this location elevates the commercial corridor and introduces a well-known national brand to the community’s dining landscape.
“We’re proud to bring LongHorn Steakhouse to the LaVale and Cumberland area,” said Bob Volkert, Managing Partner at LongHorn Steakhouse. “Our team is excited to serve this incredible community with expertly grilled high-quality steaks and genuine western hospitality. We’re also thrilled to be creating over 80 local jobs.”
LongHorn’s arrival in Allegany County is a tangible outcome of long-term planning. Darden Restaurants, LongHorn's parent company, runs some of the most successful brands in full-service dining, so their location decisions are data-driven and smart. The company’s decision to invest in LaVale aligns directly with ACECD’s efforts to make the area a sought-after location for national brands.
That positioning isn’t new, but its relevance is growing. Decades ago, the development of Country Club Mall and surrounding plazas reflected a shift from downtown Cumberland to suburban shopping. Today, ACECD sees an opportunity to reenergize LaVale as a hub for both commercial and community enjoyment.
The LongHorn project reflects market confidence and the value of strong, intentional collaboration. It was made possible through a long-standing partnership between Allegany County and Penntex Ventures, a developer that invested more than $15 million across multiple projects in the county over the past decade, including Buffalo Wild Wings and the Winchester Court redevelopment.
In the case of LongHorn, ACECD facilitated land acquisition by engaging multiple property owners in the deal. “In this instance, we successfully worked with two property owners to negotiate four separate parcels of land for purchase,” said Jeff Barclay, Director of ACECD.
Beyond land acquisition, ACECD's involvement extended to regulatory support that was equally essential. That coordination is often invisible to the public, but it is critical to making deals happen. ACECD also helped the project team navigate the local liquor licensing process, which can be particularly complex in rural Maryland jurisdictions where licenses are tied to population size.
Taken together, these efforts reflect a more modern view of retail’s role in economic development. ACECD views retail as a competitive advantage and an important amenity that supports talent attraction, improves quality of life, and signals economic vitality.
LaVale’s track record certainly signals that vitality. Chain restaurants in the area often outperform their national peers. Data from past feasibility studies showed the local Ruby Tuesday and Applebee’s among the top-performing locations in their chains, which are proof points for brand attraction.
LongHorn’s arrival helps spark new interest organically. “Other retailers take notice when Darden plants their flag somewhere,” observed Nathan Price, Senior Project Manager at ACECD. Their presence signals that there's something special (and profitable) in the area to other retail prospects.
Other recognizable brands are already exploring opportunities in Allegany County. But even when deals fall through, as several did during the pandemic, ACECD is steadfastly committed to its vision for the future. “We get told ‘no’ a lot more than we get told ‘yes,’” noted Barclay. “We put a lot of effort into those deals before COVID, and then they all fell through on the same property. The meek would have given up…but we said to ourselves, let’s do this again.”
Retail development in Allegany County goes beyond simply filling storefronts. It strengthens the community, grows the tax base, creates jobs, and signals to both residents and visitors that momentum is building—and that Allegany County is investing in its future.
Want to learn more about how Allegany County uses retail investment to support economic growth and talent attraction? Visit our blog for more updates, insights, and local development opportunities.
If you wish to apply for an opportunity at LongHorn’s LaVale location, text LHJOBS to 25000. Interviews begin November 17.
