Failure Not An Option for Marine Couple

Failure Not An Option for Marine Couple
posted 9:47 am Wed November 14, 2007 - Triangle, Va.
from ABC 7 News -
The owner of a Triangle restaurant faces a new challenge.


Retired Marine Corps Major Richard Spooner has survived many challenges, including surviving the Battle of Saipan in World War II and escaping from the Japanese shortly after being captured and serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. But now, as owner of The Globe & Laurel restaurant in Triangle, he and his wife, Gloria, are fighting to keep their business open.

A short portion of U.S. 1 is being widened just north of the Quantico Marine Corps Base main entrance on Joplin Road, and it will displace The Globe & Laurel. It is an establishment that draws regulars consisting of Marines, FBI Academy staff, law enforcement officers and area residents. Actress Demi Moore stopped in once and author Patricia Cornwell mentions the restaurant in her book "All that Remains." The widening will affect 87 other properties along U.S. 1 in southern Prince William County, and when completed, in up to three or four years, U.S. 1 will have six lanes from Joplin Bradys Hill Road. The project will include a landscaped median and sidewalks and cost $75 million, according to the county. The properties have been appraised. Tom Blaser, director of Prince William's transportation department, said offers should be mailed by the end of November. The size of the offer will determine where The Globe & Laurel can relocate.

The Spooners have said that retirement is not an option, and that they do not want to disappoint the community, especially guests who return with their children, telling them this is where Mom and Dad ate when they were stationed at Quantico or training at the FBI Academy. Their customer base has increased since the opening of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in 2006. The couple has received lots of support from Marines who have expressed concerned over their situation and say the good wishes keep them going as they await an offer from Prince William County.

Ellie