Historic Listman Store Undergoing Renovations

The corner of Earleigh Heights Road and Light Street offers B&A Trail access, parking, public restrooms and the B&A Railroad Museum, and soon, it may offer the community another service.

In 2021, native Severna Park residents Doug and Cindy Schafer purchased the Listman property adjacent to the B&A Trail. The property includes the old Listman’s Country Store as well as the barn and parking lot across the street. The couple’s vision for the property is to restore the general store while creating a gathering place for families and friends. They hope to bring activities that focus on health, wellness and family fun.

The Listman family built the barn in 1975 to host a wedding. Over the years, the structure has served several useful yet eclectic purposes. Beyond family gatherings and extra space for the store, the barn has stored antique Fords, as well as hearses and coffins for Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care. It also once served as a sculptor’s studio for life-size art. In November 2021, the newly renovated barn opened its doors as The Yoga Barn, a co-operative yoga studio. The co-op, managed by Carleen Birnes, offers yoga classes and other wellness events.

Earlier this fall, the open space next to the barn became the new home of The Coffee Trailer. Jason and Carmen Gregg, owners and operators of The Coffee Trailer, share the Schafer family’s desire to create a community gathering spot. With seating, lights, potted plants and even a vintage bike, they have created an inviting spot to stop along the trail and meet friends.

“This location is perfect for interacting with the community,” Carmen said. “We feel blessed by the strong support and positive feedback we have received from the community.”

The Coffee Trailer serves brewed coffee, hot and cold specialty espresso drinks, smoothies, and seasonal specials, like hot apple cider. The Coffee Trailer is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Renovations are underway inside the old country store. The Schafers plan to open a market that caters to the community, similar to the legacy of Listman’s Country Store.

The country store opened in 1928 with the help of three generations of the Listman family. The store was recently owned and operated by Conrad Listman, a military veteran and retired Anne Arundel County fireman. Listman’s was a Severna Park icon that attracted customers for decades with its old-fashioned traditions and friendly service.

Fresh-cut meat was the cornerstone of the business, but customers also enjoyed tabs for purchases, bags loaded into their cars, and check-cashing services. The atmosphere of the store was unique and charming with an antique peanut roaster, golden cash registers, and a toy train circling the ceiling.

“We have never been more excited than we are now about the rejuvenation of Listman’s property,” Cindy Schafer said. “It brings back family memories of blackberry picking along the trail to Listman’s for a deli sandwich and penny candy picnic. When the opportunity presented itself to revive the store along with the opening of Yoga Barn and Coffee Trailer, we could begin to see our dreams becoming a reality for a gathering place for family, friends and wellness.”