Gov. Hogan honors Cambridge restaurant for 25 years of business

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Snappers Waterfront Cafe in Cambridge has been serving up seafood for 25 years now.

Laura Sydnor, the co-owner of Snappers said, “We’ve survived the recessions and the ups and downs of crab prices and it’s a huge deal!”

On Monday, Governor Larry Hogan paid a visit to Snappers and presented them with a citation to honor their years of hard work and dedication to their business.

Governor Hogan said, “It’s quite an accomplishment! Restaurant business is a tough business to be in and for them to be working so hard for 25 years and have such a successful business here in Cambridge, it’s just wonderful.”

While Governor Hogan cracked into some crabs and enjoyed some grub, we spoke to him about how hard it is for small businesses like this to survive with fast food restaurants constantly pulling away foot traffic.

Governor Hogan said, “I think it’s hard for any small businesses and that’s really something I’ve been focused on for four years. Cambridge has had its share of difficulties.”

Over the years, countless restaurants have opened, then closed in Cambridge due to a lack of profit, but Snappers has always remained.

Delegate Johnny Mautz (R – D 37B) said, “Restaurants come and go but when you have a restaurant that opens and stays, it’s a mark of great achievement.”

We asked Snappers how they’ve managed to survive all these years. Sydnor said, “You have to tighten your belt and come up with some new ideas and know who’s supporting you and who’s not and that’s who you cater to.”

Also in attendance on Monday was Senator Addie Eckardt (R – D 37) and she offered the following advice to business owners in Cambridge: “You can’t expect to come in and open a business and expect that you’re going to make a profit in one year. I think the rule of thumb is three years. For many here, it’s more like four or five.”

Ultimately, the owners of Snappers are crediting their success to the people living in Cambridge.

Sydnor said, “Without this city and the support that we have gotten, we probably wouldn’t be here.”