Photo by Bill Green The Mount Airy Tavern is scheduled to open in the Twin Arch Shopping Center in mid-September. Purchase this photo

DiChiara, 35, of Howard County, said he likes the area and thinks it needs an upscale bar and restaurant offfering fair prices.

By mid-May, DiChiara began a top-to-bottom remodeling of what used to be the Olive Leaf Cafe, including improvements to the kitchen, new tile floors, carpets and an expanded bar that includes a copper-topped surface.

"We gutted everything," he said.

He plans to open the tavern by mid-September.

Chef Dean Winning has worked at several restaurants in the Washington metro area, and the defunct Turning Point Inn in Frederick County.

He said the menu will feature modern American cuisine, including steaks, chops and grilled fish. When possible, local ingredients will be used.

Nachos, Buffalo wings, gourmet pizzas and sandwiches will also be available, Winning said.

Drinks from the bar will feature mojitos and margaritas, made with fresh lemon and lime juice. House-made sangria and bottled beer from around the world will be other highlights.

The tavern will also offer a private dining area that can seat up to 40 people.

Since construction began, people have been popping their heads in the new place, curious about what had been a neighborhood fixture for about 20 years, DiChiara said.

"I really think the community needs a business like this," he said.