Store Reporter

Retail & Restaurant news for Rockville & Potomac. We know it all. And we like to share.

Asian Food

Attman’s and Subway exit Cabin John — plus furloughs, Forever 21 and more food options

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Attman's exits Cabin John

Attman’s has closed its doors after eight years at Cabin John Village — but not for the reason you might think. Although the timing happened to coincide with other coronavirus closings, owner Marc Attman says he’s known for several months that his lease would not be renewed. Attman, who also owns Potomac Village Deli, says he’s about to take over another space nearby with indoor/outdoor seating and plenty of room for his catering operation. Where will it be? We’ll have the answer very soon. Meanwhile, Attman’s isn’t the only restaurant that exited Cabin John this week: The Subway next to Gregorio’s is out of business.

Normandie Farm
Hanna's Connection

Forever 21 fades away

When the doors finally reopen at Westfield Montgomery mall, it’s impossible to predict which stores will be coming back. But here’s one thing we know for sure: Forever 21 has reached the end. The teen clothing retailer, in bankruptcy since last fall, will be permanently shuttering its stores at all Westfield malls including Montgomery, Wheaton and Annapolis.

Wintergreen Plaza

Retail staffers wait and wonder

Elsewhere in the retail world, national chains have been taking drastic steps to curb their losses. Hundreds of thousands of employees already have been furloughed from their jobs at Macy’s, Kohl’s, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, with no idea when they’ll be back at work. Most retailers are continuing to do business online, and many are extending the time frame for returns until their stores reopen.

Shin Orthodontics

We're Open! Local food, shopping & Zoom classes

Our “We’re Open!” Guide is growing like crazy as locally owned businesses find new ways to serve you. Support our stores and restaurants — and give yourself a much-needed break — with takeout meals, no-contact delivery, shopping, Zoom classes and more. (Want to advertise in our guide? Email us: publisher@storereporter.com.)

 

DINING

 

  • Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: 301-340-3354. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • Cava Mezze, Greek comfort food. Family meals starting at $50 include kabobs, rice, salad, sandwiches & more. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with multiple apps, or 10% off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 309-9090. cavamezze.com.
  • Gregorio’s Trattoria, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village. 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-296-6168. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Carry-out, curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery available. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open daily with menu favorites for phone and online orders. Carry-out or use delivery apps. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

  • Julii, comfort food + market goods. $30 family meals, sandwiches, Chef D’s favorite dishes plus toilet paper, paper towels & flour. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with UberEats, or 10 percent off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 517-9090. julii.com.

 

 

  • Moby Dick Kabobs, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 240-660-2626. Rockville location: 301-738-0005. Open for carry-out, delivery and curbside pickup. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • Normandie Farm, pop on over for fine cooking in Potomac. 10710 Falls Road. Phone: 301-983-8838. Open for carry-out service. Full menu, popovers & jam to go: popovers.com.

 

  • Playa Bowls, acai and pitaya bowls, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices & coffee drinks. Cabin John Village, 7919 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac. Phone: 240-403-7456. Full menu available for curbside pickup and multiple delivery apps. Order online: playabowls.com.

 

  • Potomac Pizza, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 301-299-7700. Traville location: 301-279-2234. Chevy Chase location: 301-951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • Robeks Rockville, fresh juice & smoothies on the run. Research Row, 1403 Research Blvd. Phone: 240-386-8468. Online ordering, carry-out & delivery. Menu: robeks.com.

 

 

  • St. Veg, 100% plant-based (vegan) cuisine at Fallsgrove Village Center. 14929 Shady Grove Rd., Unit M. Phone: 301-605-7511. Open for carry-out Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Call in your order, pay by phone and pick up near the entrance. stveg.com/menu/

 

 

 

  • The Original Pancake House, the first name in pancakes. Locations in Rockville, Bethesda & Falls Church. Phone: 301-468-0886. Full breakfast and lunch menu for carry-out, curbside and delivery via Grubhub & DoorDash. Menu: ophrestaurants.com.

 

  • Yekta Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Wednesday-Saturday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

SHOPPING

 

  • Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Temporarily closed at the Cabin John mini-mall, but taking online orders with free delivery. Now through April 10: One free $20 Cava gift card when you spend $100. Call us: 301- 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

 

ZOOM CLASSES

 

  • My Gym Live! age-appropriate fun for all the kids. Live interactive 30-minute kids’ fitness classes filled with song, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Our gyms may be closed, but we’re bringing all the fun you expect from My Gym directly into your house. More info here: mygym.com/potomac.

 

Are you open too? Click here to advertise in our guide.

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Stores & restaurants adapt: Who’s open, who’s busier than ever and who’s never coming back

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The "We're Open!" Guide — a list you'll love

This week, let’s start with the good news. Despite everything that’s been going on — including Gov. Hogan’s mandate to close everything that’s not essential — many of our restaurants, stores and other local businesses are still ready to serve you with online shopping, Zoom classes, carry-out, curbside pickup, free delivery and more. Here are some terrific options.

 

DINING

 

  • Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: 301-340-3354. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • Cava Mezze, Greek comfort food. Family meals starting at $50 include kabobs, rice, salad, sandwiches & more. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with multiple apps, or 10% off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 309-9090. cavamezze.com.
  • Gregorio’s Trattoria, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village. 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-296-6168. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Carry-out, curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery available. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open daily with menu favorites for phone and online orders. Carry-out or use delivery apps. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

  • Julii, comfort food + market goods. $30 family meals, sandwiches, Chef D’s favorite dishes plus toilet paper, paper towels & flour. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with UberEats, or 10 percent off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 517-9090. julii.com.

 

 

  • Moby Dick Kabobs, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 240-660-2626. Rockville location: 301-738-0005. Open for carry-out, delivery and curbside pickup. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • Normandie Farm, pop on over for fine cooking in Potomac. 10710 Falls Road. Phone: 301-983-8838. Open for carry-out service. Full menu, popovers & jam to go: popovers.com.

 

  • Playa Bowls, acai and pitaya bowls, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices & coffee drinks. Cabin John Village, 7919 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac. Phone: 240-403-7456. Full menu available for curbside pickup and multiple delivery apps. Order online: playabowls.com.

 

  • Potomac Pizza, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 301-299-7700. Traville location: 301-279-2234. Chevy Chase location: 301-951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • Robeks Rockville, fresh juice & smoothies on the run. Research Row, 1403 Research Blvd. Phone: 240-386-8468. Online ordering, carry-out & delivery. Menu: robeks.com.

 

 

  • St. Veg, 100% plant-based (vegan) cuisine at Fallsgrove Village Center. 14929 Shady Grove Rd., Unit M. Phone: 301-605-7511. Open for carry-out Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Call in your order, pay by phone and pick up near the entrance. stveg.com/menu/

 

 

 

  • The Original Pancake House, the first name in pancakes. Locations in Rockville, Bethesda & Falls Church. Phone: 301-468-0886. Full breakfast and lunch menu for carry-out, curbside and delivery via Grubhub & DoorDash. Menu: ophrestaurants.com.

 

  • Yekta Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Wednesday-Saturday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

SHOPPING

 

  • Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Temporarily closed at the Cabin John mini-mall, but taking online orders with free delivery. Now through April 10: One free $20 Cava gift card when you spend $100. Call us: 301- 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

 

ZOOM CLASSES

 

  • My Gym Live! age-appropriate fun for all the kids. Live interactive 30-minute kids’ fitness classes filled with song, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Our gyms may be closed, but we’re bringing all the fun you expect from My Gym directly into your house. More info here: mygym.com/potomac.

 

Are you open too? Click here to advertise in our guide.

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Lisa Nasar

Chuy's checks out for good

Along with all the temporary coronavirus closings, we also have news about some departures that will be permanent. Chuy’s has closed its doors after a four-year run at Federal Plaza. The Mexican chain shuttered several locations in the past few months, and the Rockville restaurant had been its last in Maryland. This week we also say goodbye to Mynd Spa, the most recent incarnation of the once-iconic Elizabeth Arden Red Door salon chain. Mynd Spa has gone bankrupt and closed all its locations, including the one next to the Canopy hotel at Pike & Rose.

Shin Orthodontics

Meanwhile... some businesses are booming

So who’s doing well right now? Grocery stores and drug stores, of course, and anyone who sells alcohol. The latter category is an important one for Montgomery County restaurants, which are temporarily allowed to sell wine, beer and cocktails along with food orders. Sales also are booming for Target, Walmart and Amazon as they scramble to fulfill orders for cleaning supplies, toilet paper and food. And big-box stores like Best Buy, Lowe’s and Home Depot can hardly keep up with the demand for refrigerators, freezers and other major appliances — not to mention laptops, phones and office equipment for the new work-at-home economy.

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Local restaurants pivot to takeout, malls close & booze gets delivered

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The new normal

Was it really just a week ago that we were writing about the new Amazon store heading to Westfield Montgomery mall and wondering when that 7-Eleven was going to open? Now the mall is closed, Amazon is overwhelmed and people are worried about where to buy toilet paper. Right now, the news is happening so fast that our weekly issues may not be enough. We’ll be updating the Store Reporter website as things change, so be sure to check here regularly and sign up for our emails to stay in the know. For even faster updates, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

Shifting landscape for local stores & restaurants

It’s been a helluva week for everyone, but the retail and restaurant industries have been among the hardest hit. This past Monday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ordered the immediate closing of all bars, restaurants, fitness centers and theaters. By mid-week, major stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s and Apple had closed their doors as well. On Thursday, all Maryland malls were ordered to close for an indefinite period. Essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open, but restaurants are limited to carry-out, delivery and drive-through. Montgomery County officials are trying to help out by temporarily allowing those businesses to sell beer and wine along with food orders. Where to find updates on who’s offering what? Follow the Store Reporter Facebook page, and watch for our upcoming “We’re Open!” Guide.

Normandie Farm

We're Open!

Here are some local businesses ready to (safely) serve you right now:

Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: 301-340-3354. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

Gregorio’s Trattoria, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village. 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-296-6168. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Carry-out, curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery available. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Phone: (301) 704-0264. Orders can be mailed, delivered or picked up curbside at the Cabin John mini-mall. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram.

Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open daily with menu favorites for phone and online orders. Carry-out or use delivery apps. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

Moby Dick Kabobs, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Phone: 240-660-2626. Open for carry-out & delivery. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

Normandie Farm, pop on over for fine cooking in Potomac. 10710 Falls Road. Phone: 301-983-8838. Open for carry-out service. Full menu, popovers & jam to go: popovers.com.

Playa Bowls, acai and pitaya bowls, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices & coffee drinks. Cabin John Village, 7919 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac. Phone: 240-403-7456. Full menu available for curbside pickup and multiple delivery apps. Order online: playabowls.com.

Potomac Pizza, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 301-299-7700. Traville location: 301-279-2234. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

Robeks Rockville, Fresh juice & smoothies on the run. Research Row, 1403 Research Blvd. Phone: 240-386-8468. Online ordering, carry-out & delivery. Menu: robeks.com.

Scout & Molly’s Boutique, your North Bethesda fashion destination. Pike & Rose, 11882 Grand Park Ave. Phone: 301-348-5047. Now online at 30% off total purchase + free shipping. Shop: northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

St. Veg, 100% plant-based (vegan) cuisine at Fallsgrove Village Center. 14929 Shady Grove Rd., Unit M. Phone: 301-605-7511. Open for carry-out Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Call in your order, pay by phone and pick up near the entrance. stveg.com/menu/

Talbert’s Ice & Beverage Service, beer & wine delivery. 5234 River Road. Phone: 301-652-3000. Open for walk-ins and as always, delivering beer & wine throughout MoCo, plus ice, sodas & mixers to the DMV. talbertsice.com.

The Grilled Oyster Co., fine dining at Cabin John Village. 7943 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-299-9888. Limited menu, beer and wine for carry-out & delivery. Email valerie@grilledoysterco.com to order. Menu: thegrilledoystercompany.com.

The Original Pancake House, the first name in pancakes. Locations in Rockville, Bethesda & Falls Church. Phone: 301-468-0886. Full breakfast and lunch menu for carry-out, curbside and delivery via Grubhub & DoorDash. Menu: ophrestaurants.com.

Yekta, Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Wednesday-Saturday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

Are you open too? Be a part of our “We’re Open!” Guide — a listing of local stores, restaurants and other businesses that want to advertise what they’re offering right now. Are you cooking meals for carry-out and delivery? Fulfilling online orders from your local store? Running errands for the homebound? Conducting virtual classes and workshops? Let the Store Reporter audience know that you’re open. Click here for details.

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Signs of change in Potomac Village, coffee cafe at the JCC, bye bye Bobby’s

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Signs of change in Potomac Village

Two years after Walgreens completed its purchase of Rite Aid, the Potomac Village drugstore at 10134 River Road is finally changing its branding. Renovations are now underway, with a “grand re-opening” scheduled for Feb. 21st. Meanwhile, the older Walgreens store right across the street is expected to stay in business for the foreseeable future. And just around the corner, another new tenant is moving into Potomac Village: Pure Barre is scheduled to open next month a few doors down from Tally-Ho. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for a firm date.

Lisa Nasar

Bobby's flames out

This week we say goodbye to Bobby’s Burger Palace, closing Feb. 15th at Westfield Montgomery mall. Its successor, New Haven pizzeria Frank Pepe, is scheduled to open next winter along with fellow newcomer Peking Duck. For more on Frank Pepe, check out our Dec. 5th edition. For more on Peking Duck and the mall’s changing restaurant scene, click here.

Taff & Levine

Coffee cafe at the JCC

Park Potomac coffee shop Filicori Zecchini has expanded to Rockville with a new location inside the Bender Jewish Community Center. Operating under the name 2 Beans in a Cup, the shop is located just behind the entrance and is open to all JCC members and visitors. The menu is similar to the one at Park Potomac, as is the stunning copper bar. But at the JCC location, everything is kosher. 2 Beans in a Cup is the second Rockville coffee shop to open this winter; click here for the scoop on Java Nation.

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Goodbye Bobby’s Burger Palace, hello Frank Pepe & Peking duck — plus Quartermaine, Bar Louie and the Corned Beef King

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Heading to the mall: Slurpees, clam pizza & Peking duck

Big changes are ahead for the Westfield Montgomery dining scene. This week, mall management gave us a peek at what’s about to happen.

  • Bobby’s Burger Palace will be closing soon to make way for the New Haven newcomer that everyone’s been buzzing about: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. The Connecticut restaurant serves thin-crust pizza with charred edges, including a signature pie featuring littleneck clams, garlic and olive oil. It’ll be awhile before this happens — Bobby’s hasn’t even set a closing date yet — but from what we hear, those pies will be worth the wait. More on Frank Pepe in our Dec. 5th edition. (Editor’s update: Bobby’s closed on Feb. 15th.)
  • Peking Duck, serving Asian-inspired cuisine, will be moving into the former Crave space next to Cheesecake Factory. More on that in an upcoming issue.
  • Ejji Ramen has closed its doors after little more than a year in the mall’s Dining Terrace. Meanwhile, just around the corner, the new 7-Eleven is finally expected to open in March. (Who knew slurpees could take this long?)
  • Soy Chinese Kitchen, successor to the much-missed Fu Shing, is about to open its doors at the mall-adjacent Westlake Crossing.
Lisa Nasar
The Grilled Oyster

Spilling the beans on the Quartermaine closing

Local coffee lovers are mourning the loss of Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, which closed its doors last week after a decade at the Georgetown Square shopping center. “The rent just got too high for the numbers to work for us,” says Quartermaine co-owner Carolyn Weinberg. The downtown Bethesda location will stay in business, Weinberg says, and the company is keeping an eye out for other potential spaces. Meanwhile, Quartermaine fans can order their coffee online or visit the company’s Rockville roastery off Boiling Brook Parkway, where beans will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

International School of Music

Bar Louie & Corned Beef King exit the Square

This week we say goodbye to Bar Louie, which closed its doors at Rockville Town Square after the Texas-based company filed Chapter 11. Corned Beef King is also out of the Square after a brief run inside Dawson’s Market. “It was really stressful having two places,” says owner Jon Rossler, who is once again serving sandwiches at the Liberty gas station on Rockville Pike. Rossler says his food trucks will be back on the road when the weather turns warmer.

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New Chinese restaurant for Rockville Pike, goodbye Bose & Papyrus, more closings ahead

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Hot pot on the Pike

Finally a new tenant for the onetime REI space at 1701 Rockville Pike: Da Yu, a high-end chain of Chinese hot pot restaurants, is moving in this spring. This will be the second U.S. venture for the China-based company, which has hundreds of locations overseas and debuted in New York last fall. Plans call for 190 seats in the former REI space, which has been empty since 2017 when the outdoor retailer moved to Pike & Rose. For more detailed renderings of the future Da Yu, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Shin Orthodontics
Taff & Levine

Sounds of silence

Audio manufacturer Bose, an early pioneer of “experiential” shopping, is closing all 54 of its U.S. showrooms. Many of these stores have been open since the early 1990s, when Bose made a bet that audiophiles would pay more for its products if they could hear the difference for themselves. These days the company’s speakers, earbuds and noise-canceling headphones are mostly sold online. The Bose store at Westfield Montgomery mall is expected to close in June.

Wintergreen Plaza
Bender JCC

Papyrus signs off

That’s a wrap for paper chain Papyrus, which is closing its 254 retail stores and will exit Westfield Montgomery mall in the next few weeks. The 70-year-old company, known for its elaborate greeting cards, gift wrap and stationery, has faced an ever-shrinking market in the 21st century. Although the stores are closing, Papyrus says its products aren’t going away; they will still be sold online and at other retail outlets.

International School of Music

Color Bar for Congressional

Madison Reed Color Bar, an up-and-coming chain of hair salons, is on the way to Congressional Plaza. The shop will open this spring next to the new Barnes & Noble store, selling its own brand of hair color products and offering on-site coloring services for $30 to $60. (What won’t it offer? Haircuts.) This will be the second Montgomery County location for Madison Reed, which arrived in downtown Bethesda last month. Meanwhile, there may be more shakeups ahead on the hair scene: Hair Cuttery and Bubbles will be closing multiple locations in the next few weeks.

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Park Potomac restaurant update, Pier 1 ships out, sneak peek of the new Hank Dietle’s

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Time's up for Zoës — is sushi on the way?

Zoës Kitchen, one of the first tenants to open at Park Potomac, will close its doors for good on Jan. 26th. The departure, first reported by The Moco Show, comes a year after the Mediterranean chain was purchased by D.C.-based Cava. What’s next? Rumors are flying about a well-known sushi restaurant, but landlords tell us no leases have been finalized. Meanwhile, we’re also hearing buzz about a possible juice shop in the empty space around the corner. Stay tuned to Store Reporter as these deals get firmed up.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Lisa Nasar

Sneak peek of Hank Dietle's

Here’s a glimpse of the scene inside Hank Dietle’s, the century-old Rockville Pike dive bar that’s been closed since a 2018 fire. New owners are completely rebuilding the interior with plans to reopen in late spring. Lisa White, who will be booking acts at the venue, says she hopes to draw local and regional bands from rockabilly, roots rock and blues to country, swing, Cajun and zydeco — plus performances by local music students. “We’re doing a lot of work to this place, but the footprint will stay the same,” she says. “It’s still going be a small, really cozy roadhouse.” For more photos of the work in progress, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Normandie Farm

Pier 1 ships out

Pier 1 Imports, which is shuttering half of its 942 stores amidst rumors of impending bankruptcy, will close up shop in Montgomery County by spring. Markdowns are already in progress at the Rockville Pike and Rio stores, with some of the best deals already gone. Both locations will be out before the end of March.

International School of Music
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Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique

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The Lord & Taylor lowdown

Lord & Taylor, under new ownership this fall, is closing its stores at Tysons Corner and Dulles Town Center just months after exiting Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall. So what about the North Bethesda store, which stands alone at the site of the former White Flint Mall? Not to worry. A company spokesman assures us that the White Flint store will remain open, along with the one in Chevy Chase. If you happen to stop by, don’t miss the newly expanded second-floor clearance section with a smattering of designer bargains directly from Manhattan. Next year, we’re told, all Lord & Taylor stores will begin integrating merchandise from new owner Le Tote. More on the acquisition in our Aug. 29th edition.

Shin Orthodontics
Moda Optic
Lisa Nasar

New Haven pizza on the way

New Englanders were cheering this week when WTOP reported that Connecticut pizzeria Frank Pepe is heading to Westfield Montgomery mall. This will be the first Maryland location for the family-owned business, which was founded almost a century ago in New Haven. On the menu: Neapolitan-style pizzas with thin crusts and charred edges, including a signature pie featuring littleneck clams, garlic and olive oil. The mall won’t say when or where Frank Pepe will be opening. (We’re betting on the former Crave space, which has been empty since last April.) Hopefully this new arrival will help fill the void left by the upcoming closure of Rockville’s Pizza CS. More on that in our Nov. 14th edition. (Editor’s update: We now know that Frank Pepe will be replacing Bobby’s Burger Palace. Details in our Jan. 30th edition.)

Chocolate Moonshine
Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction

Shopping, fun and a free Store Reporter raffle

Head to Potomac this weekend for the annual Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction sponsored by the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation. The show will be held Sunday and Monday inside the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center, at the corner of Falls Road and Tuckerman Lane. Stop by the Store Reporter table, say hello and enter to win one of our fabulous raffle prizes from show vendors: gift cards for clothes from Lavaloka and Trio Jr., design services from Elana Designs, home accessories from Crystal Luxe Lighting Plus, fun kitchen tools from Q.D. Foodie, photos from Photos by Freddie and jewelry from Austyn Parker and Sweet Charma. There’s no charge to enter our raffle; just visit the show and drop your name in the Store Reporter jar.

Wintergreen Plaza

French bakery debuts this weekend

Saturday (Dec. 7th) is opening day for French bakery Patisserie Manuel, the newest addition to the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall.  Owner Claudia Olea, a Chilean-born chef with classical French training, will be serving croissants, soups, sandwiches and crepes as well as cookies, pastries, macarons, specialty cakes, Illy coffee and a bit of Chilean cuisine. Look for it in the former Wicked Waffle space next to McDonald’s.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

The Block is open

Asian food hall The Block opened its doors Thanksgiving weekend at Pike & Rose. Some of the eateries aren’t up and running yet, but the options so far include a poke bar, Korean barbecue, bubble tea, ice cream and snocream desserts. Also: Peruvian-style chicken. For more photos, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

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Holiday shopping kickoff, Black Friday deals and the end of A.C. Moore

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Let the shopping begin

Just about the time you’re finishing that last piece of pumpkin pie, lots of stores are opening their doors for the earliest Black Friday shoppers. This year, national retailers like Macy’s, Target and Best Buy will be opening at 5 p.m. Thursday and staying open until midnight or later. Westfield Montgomery mall will be back in business at 6 p.m, although some stores (including Nordstrom) do not participate in the Thanksgiving evening shopfest. For those who prefer a stress-free shopping experience, be sure to visit our locally owned retailers for some terrific holiday deals. Scroll down for more.

2019 Hanna's Connection Holiday Shopping
Occasions
Toy Castle

No more A.C. Moore

Sad news for artists and crafters this holiday season: A.C. Moore is going out of business. The New Jersey-based chain, which has been around for 30 years, will be shuttering 105 stores and selling another 40 to Michaels. It’s unclear when the stores will close or what will happen on Rockville Pike, where both retailers have a presence but A.C. Moore has the larger space.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
2019 Scout & Molly's Black Friday

Shooting range at the mall

Surprising new addition to Westfield Montgomery mall: Aim Point, a shooting range game that just opened around the corner from the Dining Terrace. Customers pay $10 for a chance to shoot military-style Airsoft rifles and win prizes for hitting the targets. Is this really a good idea? Our readers are weighing in. Join the conversation on the Store Reporter Facebook page.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction

New at Rockville Town Square

Something new to try this weekend at Rockville Town Square: Kyota Matcha, serving green tea and desserts in the onetime Mellow Mushroom space at 33 Maryland Avenue. Two other restaurants — a Japanese BBQ spot and a Taiwanese sweet shop — also will be opening inside the former pizzeria. Meanwhile, a huge new Asian food hall is about to make its debut at Pike & Rose. More on that in our Nov. 21st edition.

Moda Optic
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Two sneak peeks: Asian food hall at Pike & Rose and Playa Bowls at Cabin John Village

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Check out The Block

Asian food hall The Block is set to make its long-awaited debut next week at Pike & Rose. We got a sneak peek of the expansive space, which will include everything from fried street food and Taiwanese snocream to a noodle bar, a poké bar and a coffee bar — not to mention a huge cocktail bar in the center of it all. The Block, which has a sister location in Annandale, is the third Asian food hall to open in Rockville in the past 18 months. (Click here for more on Pike Kitchen, which opened in October 2018, and here for more on The Spot, which opened the previous June.) For more photos of The Block, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Moda Optic

First look at Playa Bowls

Saturday (Nov. 23rd) is opening day for Playa Bowls at Cabin John Village. The shelves are lined with pineapples, the walls are filled with beachy murals and the blenders are ready to serve up all those bowls, juices and smoothies. You’ll find Playa Bowls in the former Robeks space, right next door to Goldberg’s Bagels. For more photos — and a close-up of the reeeeally big menu — check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Mimi Arnold
Potomac Physical Therapy

Oh no, Five Below

Discount retailer Five Below made national news this week with the revelation that it can no longer live up to its name. The teen-oriented company is adding sections called “Ten Below” and “Just Wow” — filled mostly with tech products — with prices above five bucks. The reason: increased tariffs on Chinese goods. Rockville’s Five Below store, one of 900 nationwide, relocated last summer from Federal Plaza to the Congressional North shopping center next to Aldi. Will local customers push back on the new pricing? We’ll see how this plays out.

Shin Orthodontics

Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar

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Pizza CS: Get it while you can

Sad news for local pizza fans: Pizza CS, the Rockville restaurant known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pies, will only be around for a couple more months. Partners Ankur Rajpara and Jonathan Allen, who opened CS in 2011, had originally planned to relocate after their Rockville Pike shopping center is demolished in 2020. But Rajpara says they have changed their minds and will be taking a break after so many years of working around the clock. He says the partners will keep their New York-style pizzeria, CSNY, which focuses on takeout and “requires less of us.” Pizza CS is one of the last remaining tenants at the Twinbrook Metro Center, which is coming down to make way for a massive new Wegmans-anchored development. More on that in our Sept. 11th edition.

Normandie Farm
The Grilled Oyster

New palace for the Corned Beef King

The Corned Beef King has a new palace in Rockville: The deli counter at Dawson’s Market, where CBK owner Jon Rossler just opened a satellite location. Corned beef, pastrami and brisket sandwiches sell for $11.99, topped with Russian dressing, sauerkraut, coleslaw, cheese and other traditional deli fare. Rossler, who’s best known for his food trucks, says he’ll continue to operate his other Rockville location inside a Liberty gas station.

Wintergreen Plaza
Lisa Nasar

Something new for Rockville Pike

Eerkin’s Uyghur Cuisine opened its doors this week in the former Rolls ‘n Rice space at 1701 Rockville Pike. The name isn’t the only thing that’s unusual: The restaurant blends Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, from shakshuka, baba ganoush, falafel and naan to kebabs, rice bowls, hand-pulled noodles and pot pies. The menu is halal and doesn’t include alcohol, but there are 50 types of tea as well as non-alcoholic beer. This is the third restaurant for Eerkin’s, which has earned excellent reviews for its locations in Fairfax and Washington.

Moda Optic
URBNMarket

Golden Samovar washes away

This week we say goodbye to Golden Samovar, the Russia/Central Asian restaurant that had a three-year run at Rockville Town Square. The eatery closed this week after sustaining flood damage for the second time in two years. Owners say they hope to reopen at a new location.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique and Silent Auction

Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville

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Fresh from the oven

Just in time for holiday shopping at Westfield Montgomery mall, French bakery Patisserie Manuel is about to arrive in the Dining Terrace. Owner Claudia Olea, a graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine, will be serving up pastries, macarons and specialty cakes along with croissants, soups, sandwiches, crepes and a few dishes from her native Chile. And to drink? Illy coffee. You’ll find Patisserie Manuel in the former Wicked Waffle space — possibly as early as next week.

The Grilled Oyster
O'Donnell's Market

Thai cuisine at Wintergreen

Newly open at Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza: Bangkok Garden Thai Street Eats, a sister to Bangkok Garden in downtown Bethesda. The brightly painted restaurant, in the old Kino Spoon space, serves up a fast-casual menu inspired by the markets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. What to try first? Owner Nina Laohapant recommends the mussel pancakes, crispy rice with cured pork, grilled squid skewers, mango with sticky rice and pandan buns.

Taff & Levine
Shin Orthodontics

Jambalaya & empanadas

Gumbo Ya Ya, a quick-serve restaurant relocating from Germantown, just opened its doors at Rockville Town Square. The menu reflects the backgrounds of its two chef/owners, featuring New Orleans cuisine alongside traditional Puerto Rican dishes. In other words, you can order jambalaya, po’ boys and Cajun food or go for the empanadas, wings and tostones. Gumbo Ya Ya replaces Lab Cafe at 101C Gibbs Street, across the street from First Watch.

Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market
URBNMarket

Alpacas are back

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too is back for the winter at Westfield Montgomery mall. The seasonal shop snagged a prime location this year: the former Invisalign space between Madewell and Apple. (Wondering what happened to the Invisalign store? Click here.)

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Playa Bowls, Java Nation, Hank Dietle’s, Fire Wok & Forever 21

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Playa Bowls rolls into Cabin John

After you’ve had your fill of Halloween candy, it’s time to start counting the days until a new sweet treat arrives: Playa Bowls is set to open in mid-November at Cabin John Village. This Jersey Shore favorite is known for its bowls, juices and smoothies featuring custom blends of apples, acai berries, bananas, dragonfruit, chia seeds, coconut, kale, peanut butter, oatmeal, granola and honey. At the Cabin John location, you’ll also find nitro coffee and New Orleans-style cold brew with chicory.

Lisa Nasar
Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market

Coffee and a comeback

Coffee lovers, take note: The much-anticipated Java Nation is targeting a Nov. 20th opening in the former Addie’s/Helen’s space on Rockville Pike. This will be the second location for the popular Kensington shop, known for its tasty brews and European-style menu. Meanwhile, right next door, a new group is trying to revive the burned-down Hank Dietle’s Tavern and turn it into a local music venue. Stay tuned.

Normandie Farm

Wok's cooking in Potomac VIllage

Fire Wok, the Chinese restaurant that’s been under construction since last spring in the former Fortune Garden space, just opened its doors next to SunTrust in Potomac Village. The menu features typical Americanized Chinese favorites: beef with broccoli, basil chicken, shrimp with lobster sauce and the like. For a peek inside, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Toy Castle
Bender JCC of Greater Washington

What's the future of Forever 21?

Forever 21 is looking pretty shabby at Westfield Montgomery mall these days, with racks of clothes in disarray and much of the inventory marked down to $3. The struggling retailer is in Chapter 11 and has announced plans to close 200 stores, but employees insist that this one is going to stay open. We’ll see.

The Game Gym

Escape from Pike & Rose

Just when you thought the escape room craze had run its course, a new one just opened at Pike & Rose. Escapology, an Orlando-based chain, offers four different hour-long adventures: two murder mysteries, a Secret Service mission and a chance to save the world from chemical warfare. You’ll find Escapology on Old Georgetown Road next to BiBiBop.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique and Silent Auction
Capital Area Food Bank
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First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in

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First look at Lands' End

Here’s a peek at the new Lands’ End store, now open at Congressional Plaza with the most impressive collection of plaids on Rockville Pike. The spacious, brightly lit interior looks a lot like L.L.Bean, with clothes for men, women and kids along with cozy pajamas, slippers, outerwear, tote bags and home goods. Grand opening festivities will be happening all weekend. For a closer look inside the store, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Hanna's Connection

New boutique on the Pike

Also new at Congressional Plaza is Sheyla, a pop-up boutique that just moved into the empty space between Child’s Play and Chico’s. The shop specializes in dressy suits and partywear from brands like Elie Tahari, Jones New York and Worth, including a deep selection of petite sizes. Another new boutique, Chaliskan, made its debut last week at Westfield Montgomery mall — and a third is on the way to Pike & Rose. Click here for more in our Oct. 17th edition.

Shin Orthodontics

Boxing in, sushi out at White Flint Plaza

Title Boxing Club, a popular workout spot at the Travilah Square Shopping Center, is about to open its second Montgomery County location. You’ll find it at the White Flint Plaza, two doors down from The Big Greek Cafe. In between: an empty space left by the recent departure of longtime tenant Hiro Sushi. No word yet on who’s going to fill it.

Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Power Hour Editing

Get your skates on

Ice skating is back for the season at Rockville Town Square. The outdoor rink opened last weekend, priced at $13 for kids and $14 for adults including skate rental. Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for the three new Asian restaurants that are supposed to 0pen across the way in the former Mellow Mushroom space. More in that in our June 6th edition.

Capital Area Food Bank

Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

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Mall expansion on hold

It’s been more than a year since the owners of Westfield Montgomery mall revealed plans for a massive redevelopment project. The work was supposed to begin last spring, but so far nothing has happened. Why not? Because the county recently banned the construction of new housing in neighborhoods where the schools are already overcrowded — and that includes the Walter Johnson High School cluster near the mall. The year-long residential building moratorium, which began July 1, is intended to slow down the flow of new students while MCPS figures out how to manage them. The mall’s redevelopment plan calls for more than 700 new apartments and condos along with office space, a hotel, a huge new gym and an outdoor shopping and dining area. But none of it is going to happen, we’re told, until the housing component can move forward. So where does that leave us between now and the summer of 2020? Read on.

Lisa Nasar
Shin Orthodontics

What's going to happen to the Sears building?

The mall’s former Sears building, empty since last January, was supposed to be demolished by now to make way for new construction. Instead, the empty building will be rented out to a series of temporary tenants. First up: Halloween City, now open on the mall’s second floor with costumes, decor and lots of creepy inflatables.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Taff & Levine D.D.S.
Life Time Athletic in Rockville

Is Life Time still building a new gym at the mall?

A couple of months ago, Westfield Montgomery mall was thisclose to announcing plans for a snazzy new Life Time Athletic club complete with rooftop pool. The gym would have been built near the site of the old Sears building, with a separate parking lot and easy access to the rest of the mall. Ironically, the delay of the mall’s redevelopment plans may actually have helped secure the future of Life Time’s existing club in Rockville. At first, we were hearing that the older facility would close its doors once the fancier new one opened. But now it appears that the Rockville club will remain in place as new housing is built all around it. Meanwhile, it’s going to be at least a couple more years before the mall gets a gym of its own.

Power Hour Editing
International School of Music

New in the Dining Terrace: poke and pastries

On the dining front at Westfield Montgomery mall, we have two pieces of good news. The long-awaited Poké Papa finally opens its doors this weekend, offering customizable bowls of raw fish and Hawaiian-style toppings plus specialty desserts like mango snow ice. Also, there’s a new European bakery on the way: Patisserie Manuel, relocating from Silver Spring, is moving into the old Wicked Waffle space with plans to open before Thanksgiving. Owner Claudia Olea, a Chilean-born chef with classical French training, will be serving croissants, soups, sandwiches and crepes as well as cookies, pastries, macarons, specialty cakes and Illy coffee. “I will also be doing some Chilean cuisine,” she says. “Empanadas will definitely be part of the menu.”

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Lord & Taylor is sold, changes at Cabin John, teen scene at the mall, new restaurant for Rockville

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New owner for Lord & Taylor

A bombshell dropped on the retail world this week when Lord & Taylor, one of America’s oldest and most iconic department store chains, was sold to a little-known clothing rental service. Le Tote, a seven-year-old San Francisco company, is spending $100 million for Lord & Taylor’s website and 38 stores. The previous owner, Hudson’s Bay Company, closed Lord & Taylor’s flagship store in Manhattan this year and has been shuttering other locations including the one in Gaithersburg. Plans call for the remaining Lord & Taylor stores to stay open for at least three years – but it’s unclear how Le Tote’s clothing rental subscription model will be integrated into the business. Also unclear is the fate of the Lord & Taylor store on Rockville Pike, which has been the subject of ongoing litigation with the owners of the former White Flint Mall.

National Foot & Ankle

Teen scene at Westfield Montgomery

The back-to-school teen shopping scene looks a bit different at Westfield Montgomery mall this year. Windsor, a new addition in the Old Navy wing, is drawing high school and college girls with its moderately priced assortment of everyday outfits and formal dresses. Sneaker store KicksUSA has changed hands and changed its name to Snipes. The juniors department at Macy’s has been promoted from a hidden corner on the lower level to a prominent spot on the second floor. But the future is looking rocky for Forever 21, which once dominated the teen scene and now appears to be on the verge of Chapter 11. Forever 21 is practically an anchor at Westfield Montgomery, where it has a massive two-level storefront in what used to be the Sears wing.

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Mimi Arnold of Redwood Realty

New look for the Cabin John mini-mall

The mini-mall at Cabin John Village is in mid-renovation, with new flooring, new paint and new lighting on the way in the next few weeks. The main strip center is adding some tenants for fall, most recently Arch Envy (permanent makeup), The Shade Store (custom window treatments, opening soon) and Playa Bowls (more on that in our Aug. 15th issue). What’s next for Cabin John? Click here for the lowdown.

International School of Music
Power Hour Editing

Asian BBQ opens, Five Guys revamps

New restaurant opening this weekend at Rockville Town Square: Friendship BBQ, on Maryland Avenue next to Color Me Mine. The fast-casual Asian eatery offers skewered meats and seafood cooked with wood imported from the Xinjiang region of China. Just around the corner, three more Asian restaurants will be opening soon inside the former Mellow Mushroom space. Meanwhile, there won’t be any burgers at the Square for a bit: Five Guys is temporarily closed for renovation.

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Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

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Playa Bowls rolls into Cabin John

Playa Bowls, a favorite from the Jersey Shore, is heading to Cabin John Village. The healthy-eats chain with a surfer vibe is taking over the long-empty Robeks space, where owner Jeff Giuliani says he hopes to open by late September. On the menu: bowls, juices and smoothies featuring custom blends of acai berries, bananas, dragonfruit, chia seeds, coconut, kale, peanut butter, oatmeal, granola and honey. And for the caffeinated crowd: New Orleans-style cold brew chicory coffee. Giuliani, who owns franchise rights for the D.C. area, says he’s also close to signing a deal in Kensington.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

Fuddruckers fizzles, Smashburger back on the grill

Five months after it went dark on Rockville Pike — and two months after the company assured us that it wasn’t coming back — Smashburger reopened this week for a fresh start at the Galvan. Meanwhile, just a bit further north, longtime burger joint Fuddruckers has closed its doors to make way for upcoming redevelopment. (So what’s up with that Wegmans plan anyway? Stay tuned; we’re working on an update.)

The Grilled Oyster

New Bambū

Now open at 12242 Rockville Pike: Bambū Cafe, a sleek-looking snack shop in the strip center that once was home to Chef Geoff’s and Five Guys. The restaurant offers a Vietnamese-inspired menu of sweet coffees, bean-based chè drinks, fruit smoothies and bánh mì sandwiches. A couple of doors down, the Nature Kitchen restaurant that was supposed to open this summer is no longer happening. Its space has been filled by quick-serve Japanese eatery Katsu Go.

Power Hour Editing
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Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

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What's next for Cabin John Village?

It’s been nearly three years since D.C. developer Edens purchased the ’60s-era Cabin John shopping center and started dragging it into the 21st century. Much has changed since 2016, from the renovated parking lot, updated roofline and crisp white color scheme to the shady new walkways, modernized lighting, outdoor seating areas and fresh dining choices. We know you have questions about what’s ahead, and we’ve been working to get the answers. Read on for our special Cabin John issue.

The Grilled Oyster
California Tortilla

Are they really going to cut through the whole shopping center?

In the next phase of Cabin John construction, likely beginning in 2020, the main strip center will essentially be cut in half. Everything from CVS to Giant will be torn down to create a central thruway for cars and pedestrians. If you enter by car from Tuckerman Lane, you’ll be able to park in the front lot or drive right through to the back lot. On foot, you’ll be able to travel from front to back via sidewalks. Rebuilt storefronts will face out to the new road, much like the thruway in front of Gregorio’s and Lahinch where the string lights were recently installed.

Broadway Pizza

Who's being displaced?

The upcoming cut-through will demolish the homes of four Cabin John tenants — China Gourmet Bistro, The Grilled Oyster Co., Capital One and Breadsmith — along with the empty space that once belonged to BGR. Some of these businesses may end up closing, some may find new homes at other local shopping centers, and some may reopen at Cabin John when construction is complete. The tenants we spoke with have not made their decisions yet.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

What about the other side of the center?

Reconstruction of the smaller strip center is nearly finished. A modernized white roofline shows off the tenants’ snazzy new signage and provides a shaded walkway with ceiling fans underneath. The sidewalks have been widened, additional seating is on the way, and the new lighting includes string bulbs that visually connect this building to its neighbor. Carpet & Vacuum Expo is expanding its footprint, and several of the empty spaces will soon be filled by new eateries. We’ve heard some buzz about Playa Bowls, which already has a location in College Park, but nothing has been confirmed yet. (Editor’s update: Playa Bowls is indeed on the way. Click here for more.)

Shin Orthodontics

Any word on the dining scene?

With last week’s opening of Sisters Thai (check out our photos on Facebook and  Instagram), Cabin John’s newest restaurant row is now complete. A shared outdoor seating area is still in progress, including some new greenery that was added this summer. The next group of new restaurants will likely be near California Tortilla. We’ll share more as soon as the deals are finalized.

Prep 1on1

What's up with Giant?

Given everything that’s new at Cabin John, have you wondered why the Giant supermarket still looks like it belongs in the 1970s? As an anchor tenant, Giant controls its exterior and has so far opted not to modernize. We’re betting that will change in the next year or two.

Toy Castle

What are these buildings?

This rendering shows potential buildings that may eventually be added in front of the mini-mall. No timetable has been set for this new construction, but it’s likely that Cabin John eventually will add a home and design store.

Occasions
Hanna's Connection

What's happening in the mini-mall?

The mini-mall, a haven for locally owned businesses, is now getting a mini-facelift with new flooring, lighting, furniture and signage. The second-floor offices, quiet for many years, are newly bustling with fashion-oriented businesses, a music school and professional practices.

Say Yes for Less
Susan Koehn Designs

What's the latest on car and bike parking?

The parking lot is sporting new lights and new greenery, and most of its spaces have been widened from eight feet to 8 1/2. That means fewer worries about bumping your car door against your neighbors. (Does it mean fewer spaces overall? We haven’t gotten a straight answer to that question.) New bike lanes and new bike parking are on the way. Eventually, there also will be a bikeshare system.

International School of Music

What about the new townhouses?

Local developer EYA will start construction of 48 new townhouses behind the mall in 2020. The three-story homes with garages in the back will be built on the undeveloped area behind Lahinch. They’ll be priced around $1 million each.

Biker Barre

What else is on the way?

A few other things we haven’t mentioned: An updated Cabin John sign is coming soon for the corner of Seven Locks and Tuckerman. Plans are in the works for more art elements like the hand-painted murals outside the new restaurants. There will be more places to walk, sit and gather. Eventually, the center will host public events. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the latest.