“The Market Lunch has been in business for over 41 years,” said Tommy Glasgow, who you can still find behind the counter, chatting up customers waiting for their famous blueberry-buckwheat pancakes on Saturdays. “With the support of the community, all of us did very well from the beginning, and each of our businesses has grown throughout the years.”

Purchased from its original owner in 1973, The Market Lunch opened five years later on March 28th. “My dad was in the seafood business, so we went with fish sandwiches and crab cakes,” said Tommy, speaking to the original menu items the cafeteria-style breakfast and lunch spot is still known for today.

In fact, The Market Lunch has been a staple establishment for locals and visitors for over four decades, amassing praise for its fresh, no-frills menu from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine Magazine, and more. One of the things Tommy enjoys most about his job: working alongside his siblings and sister-in-law. Today the family of merchants operates four stalls in Eastern Market, including Union Meat, Southern Maryland Seafood, Fine Sweet Shop, and The Market Lunch.

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A familial history and spirit are also what drew The Glasgows to NCB. “My dad started banking with NCB in the late ‘50s, so our history goes way back. When we opened our businesses in Eastern Market, it was a natural choice,” said Tommy. Since then, The Glasgows’ relationship with NCB has continued to develop and evolve. “I have a pretty distinctive voice, and it’s funny — I can call the bank, and they know it’s me right away, without having to ask,” Tommy noted with a laugh. That sense of family is why The Glasgows recommend NCB to other local businesses.

“It’s a great service institution — a throwback to the banking style of yesteryear that I think is still really attractive to people today,” Tommy said.

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