(June 2, 2016) Jack Helgeson’s goal in taking over the Emporium in Snow Hill was to ensure that it wouldn’t be recognizable to anyone as the old Emporium.
To wit, it’s not even called the Emporium any more (despite the sign remaining on the façade for now), he’s redubbed the building “A Diamond on Pearl,” which is a play on the address, 111 Pearl Street.
It’s also not an eatery any more. Helgeson is also the owner of Choptank Charlie’s in Cambridge, and A Diamond on Pearl is building off the ideas he started there — selling art, interior design, window treatments and formal wear — and with many of the same associates.
Primarily, Helgeson said, he’s going to be offering a mixture of art from four artists: Dawn Tarr, Kirk White, Marty Gillard and himself. He said he’s dealt with the other artists for years at Choptank Charlie’s, and wouldn’t immediately be expanding this base.
“I moved to Snow Hill because it’s beautiful and both Dawn Tarr and Michael Day are there. Day is a door-opener,” Helgeson said. “I looked at Berlin but it was too expensive. I want to work hard, but not just to pay my rent.”
Helgeson has been working by himself to prepare the Emporium for its transformation into A Diamond on Pearl. Gone are the benches, tables and chairs of a restaurant and replacing them are new floors, lights and art displays. Pictures and paintings line the walls floor to ceiling, the restrooms have been completely redone — the only similarity between new and old is the location of the central counter space where orders were placed and payments received at the restaurant.
Inside, it’s colorful and bright. The collection is modern and whimsical. Helgeson confessed he has a love for art made from recycled materials and a soft spot for Tarr’s work.
“I’ve sold her work for 18 years — hundreds of pieces,” he said.
A different section of wall space is devoted to another of Helgeson’s passions, window treatments and interior design. Sample treatments are on display opposite of the main artwork display, but are surrounded on all sides by more art.
Additionally, Helgeson said he would be offering tuxedo rentals — another piece of Choptank Charlie’s moving into Snow Hill.
“I just love proms,” he said.
This combination approach is deliberate, and has been proven with the ongoing success of his Cambridge location.
“It’s a beautiful combination of businesses — when one is busy another is slow,” he said.
A Diamond on Pearl is scheduled to be open for First Friday on June 3 downtown.
“I’m very excited. If I could work faster I’d be open sooner but I’m doing this all myself,” Helgeson said.
To wit, it’s not even called the Emporium any more (despite the sign remaining on the façade for now), he’s redubbed the building “A Diamond on Pearl,” which is a play on the address, 111 Pearl Street.
It’s also not an eatery any more. Helgeson is also the owner of Choptank Charlie’s in Cambridge, and A Diamond on Pearl is building off the ideas he started there — selling art, interior design, window treatments and formal wear — and with many of the same associates.
Primarily, Helgeson said, he’s going to be offering a mixture of art from four artists: Dawn Tarr, Kirk White, Marty Gillard and himself. He said he’s dealt with the other artists for years at Choptank Charlie’s, and wouldn’t immediately be expanding this base.
“I moved to Snow Hill because it’s beautiful and both Dawn Tarr and Michael Day are there. Day is a door-opener,” Helgeson said. “I looked at Berlin but it was too expensive. I want to work hard, but not just to pay my rent.”
Helgeson has been working by himself to prepare the Emporium for its transformation into A Diamond on Pearl. Gone are the benches, tables and chairs of a restaurant and replacing them are new floors, lights and art displays. Pictures and paintings line the walls floor to ceiling, the restrooms have been completely redone — the only similarity between new and old is the location of the central counter space where orders were placed and payments received at the restaurant.
Inside, it’s colorful and bright. The collection is modern and whimsical. Helgeson confessed he has a love for art made from recycled materials and a soft spot for Tarr’s work.
“I’ve sold her work for 18 years — hundreds of pieces,” he said.
A different section of wall space is devoted to another of Helgeson’s passions, window treatments and interior design. Sample treatments are on display opposite of the main artwork display, but are surrounded on all sides by more art.
Additionally, Helgeson said he would be offering tuxedo rentals — another piece of Choptank Charlie’s moving into Snow Hill.
“I just love proms,” he said.
This combination approach is deliberate, and has been proven with the ongoing success of his Cambridge location.
“It’s a beautiful combination of businesses — when one is busy another is slow,” he said.
A Diamond on Pearl is scheduled to be open for First Friday on June 3 downtown.
“I’m very excited. If I could work faster I’d be open sooner but I’m doing this all myself,” Helgeson said.