South End’s Gold District is getting a bodega

The specific location is the old filling station on the edge of The Gold District. It’s only a few blocks from Craft, the Rail Trail and a boatload of apartment buildings.
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The bodega will be called Max & Lola’s.

Owners Holly Rodriguez and Minh Lai — who live in nearby Wilmore — named the place after their two rescue dogs, and it will have the laid-back vibe of a place you can bring your dog.

They plan to stock things like eggs and milk from local farmers, jellies, jams, chips, snacks, meats, cheeses, beer and wine. There will also be a bar with 12 beers and prosecco on tap.

Big city transplants will recognize the place.

Holly grew up in the Bronx, so she knows a thing or two about bodegas.

“I want that type of place, where you can pick up the essentials,” she said. Instead of driving to Harris Teeter for staples like milk and bread, you’ll be able to get them at Max & Lola’s.

Thus, this neighborhood market will be slightly different from a Common Market and cheaper than a Dean and Deluca.

The whole Gold District is about to blow up.

There’s already been a lot of momentum in this area just south of Uptown. Unknown Brewing has been there for a few years, and Palmer Street Game Bar opened not long ago.

Across the street from Max & Lola’s, renovations are underway on the Mynt building. An urban wear shop and restaurant are already in the works there.

By the start of football season, look for a big difference.

“We’re really pushing to make Mint Street more walkable,” Holly said.