Not Your Average Joe's celebrates opening in Silver Spring with hefty donation to AFI Silver Theatre

Joe Gartland, Matt Boratenski,
Bethany Manimbo, Jane Redicker,
Michael Reyes, Stephen Silverstein,
Ray Barry and Stephanie Steele cut
the ribbon, officially opening
Not Your Average Joe's in
Silver Spring

Not Your Average Joe's opened Tuesday at Ellsworth Place mall, and started to build its relationship with the community by making a $5000 donation to next door neighbor AFI Silver Theatre. AFI is a nonprofit organization, which promotes visual literacy to local students through an innovative film education program.

Helping to cut the ribbon out front was Jane Redicker, President of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. Redicker presented Not Your Average Joe's CEO and President Stephen Silverstein with a plaque from the Chamber.

Ray Barry, Matt Boratenski
and Stephen Silverstein

After the ceremony, guests moved inside to sample a variety of dishes. Both Silverstein and the restaurant's manager, Michael Reyes, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with other charitable causes in the Silver Spring community, and say they would welcome organizations to approach them.

NYAJ's is in a prime spot and offers an inviting patio for al fresco dining. You can see the Fillmore from the patio, making it a sure bet for pre-or-post-movie/concert dining, and that is going to be a huge traffic driver for the revamped Ellsworth Place.

Not Your Average Joe's is located at the corner of Colesville Road and Fenton Street. You can park in the Ellsworth Drive garage, and cross the skybridge over Fenton directly into the mall.

All photos by Robert Dyer
except top 2 (ribbon cutting/check presentation) courtesy
Linda Roth Associates, Inc.