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

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BBQ

Goodbye Wine Harvest, hello to three new restaurants

November 19, 2020 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Wine Harvest winds down

Wine Harvest, the restaurant/wine shop known for its convivial atmosphere, will close its doors in January after more than a decade at Park Potomac. This marks the end for the family-owned business, which also had a Kentlands location that closed in 2019. The departure will leave yet another empty space at Park Potomac, which recently lost both Addie’s (more here) and the Karma beauty salon (more here). The only new addition this year was Attman’s, which opened this fall in the former Zoës Kitchen space.

The Grilled Oyster
Normandie Farm

New Chinese eatery at Westlake

Soy Chinese Kitchen, the restaurant that was supposed to replace Fu Shing at Westlake Crossing, is never going to open after all. In its place as of this week: The Wok Chinese Kitchen, which arrived so unexpectedly that it doesn’t even have a permanent sign yet. Inside, the restaurant look nothing like the cozy Fu Shing; its bare-bones decor is clearly designed for takeout business. The menu features classic Americanized Chinese entrées (orange chicken, moo shu beef, shrimp lo mein, etc.) priced from $10 to $20. You’ll find The Wok in the shopping center just outside Westfield Montgomery mall, a few doors down from Corner Bakery and Don Pollo.

Kaizen MediSpa
Wink Eyecare Boutique

New restaurant for Rockville Town Square

After a slew of restaurant closings at Rockville Town Square this year, the neighborhood is finally welcoming a new eatery. Gyuzo Japanese BBQ, which opened last week, specializes in Wagyu beef cooked at your table and washed down with sake. Gyuzo is one of several small eateries that have divided up the former Mellow Mushroom space at 33 Maryland Ave. It’s this year’s only new addition so far for the Square, where 2020 has taken away Bar Louie, Gordon Biersch, La Tasca, Gumbo Ya Ya and Thai Pavilion. Next to open, date TBD: HalfSmoke, a D.C. restaurant that’s moving into the former American Tap Room/Pandora space. More on HalfSmoke in our Aug. 27th edition.

Rose's Luxury Dinner Parties
Moda Optic

The return of Toosso

Toosso, the Pakistani restaurant that recently lost its home on Rockville Pike, has reopened at Loehmann’s Plaza in Kensington. The new location offers a modest, welcoming interior and an inexpensive menu of halal foods like chicken tikka, kofta, biryani and samosas. Like its one-time neighbor Pizza CS, Toosso was one of several businesses that closed in the Twinbrook area to make way for new development — including a future Wegmans. (More on that in our Aug. 13th edition.

Wintergreen Plaza
Women of WHC Virtual Holiday Boutique

The Store Reporter Guide

A weekly guide sponsored by some of our favorite local businesses

It’s not too late to order up a special Thanksgiving meal for your family celebration — and it doesn’t necessarily have to be turkey. Scroll down for our list of terrific local restaurants, and click or call to learn more about their holiday menus.

 

DINING & DELIVERY

 

  • BROOKLYN’S DELI, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza, 1089 Seven Locks Road. Try our corned beef, hand-carved pastrami, brisket, nova, chopped liver, pancakes from scratch, cheese blintzes & more — plus artisan bagels from Bethesda Bagels. Phone: (301) 340-3354. Open daily for carry-out, catering & patio dining. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Outdoor seating & limited indoor seating now open for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Full menu and weekly specials, plus 1/2 off all wine, beer & cocktails. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: (301) 299-9300. Open for lunch and dinner with happy hour daily. Offering a large menu with lots of variety. Dining room is open and reservations are recommended due to limited seating. Outdoor patio seating with new heaters! No-contact curbside carryout or delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. The fireplace is ON! Live music is back! Open until midnight! New fall menu featuring grilled chops, steaks, salads & sandwiches. NFL Ticket: Catch all the games on Sundays with Sunday brunch, bottomless mimosas & bloody Marys. Discounted beer and wine to go, carry-out, curbside pickup, indoor & outdoor dining options. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

  • METRO MICROGREENS, locally grown hydroponic microgreens. Eighteen varieties available. High in nutrient density and helps boost the immune system. Stays fresh for 10 days to two weeks. Contact-free delivery. Email mark@metromicrogreens.com or call (301) 706-4884. To order online: metromicrogreens.com.

 

  • MOBY DICK KABOBS, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland & the DMV. Our family platters feed 3-4 people starting at $36.99 or 5-6 people starting at $63. Check out daily specials like khoresht gheymeh (yellow split-pea soup with beef) on Wednesdays & ghormeh sabzi (herb stew) on Fridays. All locations open for carry-out, delivery, curbside pickup & limited indoor seating, plus outdoor dining at Fallsgrove. Potomac phone: (240) 660-2626. Rockville phone: (301) 738-0005. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE, modern French cooking in Rockville. Freshly reopened for curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road or delivery with Grubhub. Also offering outdoor dining plus limited seating in our newly redesigned dining room. Offering your favorite waffles, beef bourguignon, two-course family meals for four starting at $58, and much more. Order online or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

  • NORMANDIE FARM, pop on over for fine cooking in the heart of Potomac, 10710 Falls Road. Outdoor patio now open, plus limited indoor seating. Full menu service, fine wines & spirits, live music, and of course our famous popovers. Also open for carry-out service and Thanksgiving options: in-house dining, family-style meals to-go and á la carte to-go. Phone: (301) 983-8838. Menu: popovers.com.

 

  • OFF THE HOOK CATERING: The team behind the Go Fish food truck, now offering seafood pickup & delivery every Friday. Lobster rolls, lobster meat with butter, ready-to-cook crab cakes, creamy crab soup, fish & shrimp taco kits, weekly chicken & salmon specials, garlic-roasted green beans, corn bread, Mexi-slaw, fresh-baked cookies & much more. Email: missy@offthehookcatering.com. Menu: offthehookcatering.com.

 

  • PIKE KITCHEN on Rockville Pike offers some of the best Asian food in the DMV, all at one location. Instead of franchises, we carefully select operators who are passionate about cooking & creating. From mochi donuts, matcha lattes & bubble tea to bibimbap, bulgogi, ramen, katsu, poke bowls, sushi, pho & bánh mi sandwiches, here you can try it all. Open daily noon to 8 p.m. for carryout, delivery & limited indoor dining. Visit us: 1066 Rockville Pike. Call us: (301) 603-2279. Menu: pikekitchen.com/carryout-delivery.

 

  • 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. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • QUARTERMAINE COFFEE ROASTERS, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call (301) 718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

  • ROSE’S LUXURY: The Michelin-starred D.C. favorite is now offering delivery to our area. Choose two or three nights of impeccably prepared meals, including appetizers, entrées and desserts — $40 and up, per person per night. Your order will arrive with easy-to-follow instructions for assembly and reheating, complete with garnishes, pour-over sauces, dollops of whipped cream and custom Spotify playlists. Menus change every two weeks. Click here for details.

 

  • SISTERS THAI POTOMAC, Asian & Thai cuisine + desserts. Pickup and patio dining at Cabin John Village, 7995 Tuckerman Lane. Specialties like chicken satay, larb gai, pad thai, drunken noodles, curry dishes & more. Phone: (301) 299-4157. Free no-contact delivery with $30 to $40 minimum order. Menu: sistersthaicabinjohn.com.

 

  • THE GRILLED OYSTER CO., American fare, seafood & drinks at Cabin John Village. 7943 Tuckerman Lane. Try our oysters on the half-shell, crab hush puppies, Angus burgers, poke bowls & the $78 Clambake for two: double Maine lobster, spiced shrimp, steamed clams, corn, potatoes & cole slaw. Now open Sundays noon to 8 p.m., with brunch from noon to 4 p.m. Call (301) 299-9888 or email valerie@grilledoysterco.com to order. Open Thanksgiving for dine-in & carry-out. Menu: thegrilledoystercompany.com.

 

  • YEKTA Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Our restaurant is open for carry-out or curbside pickup, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Call (301) 984-0005 or use ChowNow, UberEats, Grubhub & other delivery apps. Our market is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Carry out or pick up curbside. To place your order, email info@yekta.com or call (301) 984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

  • AUSTYN PARKER, fun jewelry for kids, cute clothes for moms & gifts for everyone. Message us for a private appointment at our new outdoor shop in Potomac. For kids: Make-your-own jewelry kits & online parties where everyone works on a project together. For moms: We’ve got your favorite brands like LNA, Monrow, Perfect White Tee, Generation Love, Chrldr & Comune. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram. Call us: (301) 706-8122. Email us: randi@austynparker.com.

 

  • BOWS ETC. has hair accessories for the special women and girls on your holiday list. Headbands, clips, barrettes and ponytail holders, plus face masks and chains for your entire family. Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout for 10% off your online order. Loads of colorful patterns: Christmas, Hanukkah, florals, solids, swirls, sports, mah jongg & more. Personal FaceTime or outdoor appointments available to see our entire inventory. Shop Facebook or shop Instagram. Call us: (301) 442-6707. Website: bowsetc.com.

 

  • GYM & TONIC, luxury athleisure apparel. Whether you’re working out or working from home, we have the casual comfortable looks you want right now — plus lots of different style of masks, from tie-dye to camo! Now open for in-person shopping Monday-Saturday 12-4 p.m., and we’re always sanitizing for the safest possible experience. Prefer to shop from home? DM us for virtual visits & delivery in the DMV. Shop @lovegymandtonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800.

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique, inside the Cabin John mini-mall. All new loungewear and cozy, comfy fashions from $49-$99. Don’t miss our closeout sales: $10-$49 on your favorite brands. Free designer face masks with your purchase. Ask about virtual shopping and one-on-one appointments. Curbside pickup & shipping on orders over $50. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

  • OAK is a Kensington clothing shop with an ever-evolving, curated inventory. We focus on comfy modern silhouettes, athleisure, handbags, scarves & jewelry with a twist. Lots of natural fibers, fair-trade & U.S.-made products, mostly priced below $100. Our shop is small & personal, so you’ll never feel crowded or rushed. Open every day but Monday at 10511 Metropolitan Ave., minutes from Rockville Pike. Call us: (301) 933-0281. See our one-size items at  oakthshop.com, shop Facebook & Instagram to see what’s in the store.

 

  • SCOUT & MOLLY’S BOUTIQUE, your North Bethesda fashion destination at Pike & Rose. We have tons of new fall arrivals. Check out our chic new Italian lines, unique jewelry items, messenger bags with guitar straps & fun comfy joggers. Click here for new face mask colors & styles. Shop Instagram. Shop Facebook. We will continue to offer curbside pickup, so feel free to shop online or call us at (301) 348-5047 to help with your shopping needs! Website: northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

 

  • SWEET CHARMA: Bracelets & mask lanyards made in Maryland, customized for you & everyone on your gift list. We work with leather, beads, macrame & rubber, adding charms to express your mood: Stars of David, hamsas, evil eyes, skulls, smiley faces, lips, bees, butterflies, college colors, even sentimental pieces from your jewelry box. All beautifully packaged & ready for all your gifting needs. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Call us: (301) 633-0620. Email us: orders@sweetcharma.com. Website: sweetcharma.com.

 

  • THE BLUE HOUSE, a happy home furnishings & lifestyle boutique with a little bit of everything. 7770 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. Freshly stocked with fall goodies, decor & plenty of gifts. Open 10:30 to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call us: (301) 656-6088. Email us: thebluehousebethesda@gmail.com. ShopFacebook or Shop Instagram. Website: thebluehousebethesda.com.

 

FAMILY FITNESS

 

  • MY GYM POTOMAC & MY GYM BETHESDA, now offering our awesome fitness & fun classes outdoors in Potomac. Small groups & age-appropriate classes allow us to run around with our friends & still social distance. Also introducing pod play dates! We come to your backyard. We’re still offering interactive live Zoom classes & birthday parties. And we’ve opened the Potomac location for small group indoor playdates & small three-hour camps. More info: mygym.com/potomac.

 

  • POTOMAC PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHAB, PT in the comfort & convenience of your home or office. We treat patients from birth to adulthood for sports injuries, postpartum recovery, orthopedic & neurologic conditions, pediatric disorders, chronic & acute pain, headache & concussions, oncology rehab & more. Our Covid precautions include masks for clinician & patient, hand & equipment sanitizing, option for outdoor or garage sessions. More info: dorina@potomacptandrehab.com or www.potomacptandrehab.com.

 

  • ROBERT SHERMAN FITNESS, personal training & Zoom classes from a master trainer for Reebok, Schwinn, SPRI, Beachbody, Lifetime & Equinox. Specializing in yoga, post-rehab, muscular strength, endurance, sports performance & active aging, with 37 years training/teaching globally. Choose in-home distanced sessions, Zoom classes for 1-4 people, or Livestream classes for as low as $10: yoga, core, strength, barre, cycle & Pilates. Email robert@robertshermanfitness.com or visit robertshermanfitness.com.

 

  • ROCKVILLE PERSONAL TRAINING, first three sessions $99. Our private studio on Rollins Avenue uses the latest research & technology for a fun, affordable & effective exercise program that’s designed specifically for you. We have backgrounds in medical exercise & clinical physiology, plus a decade of experience working with ages 9-90. We always wear masks, we disinfect between clients, & we keep you safe with HEPA & UV-C air filtration. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Call us or text us: (240) 630-0298.

 

FURNITURE, ART, JEWELRY & COLLECTIBLES

 

  • FREEMAN’S AUCTION, America’s oldest auction house, established in 1805. Potomac-based rep Debrah Dunner will help you consign fine art including modern & contemporary art, jewelry, 20th Century design & more. Virtual appointments, free auction estimates, easy no-contact pickup of your goods. Call (301) 738-0347; email ddunner@freemansauction.com; or visit freemansauction.com/specialists/debrah-dunner.

 

  • STX GOLD — turning your old jewelry into thousands of dollars since 2009. We buy gold, silver, platinum & sterling silver flatware, serving pieces & platters. By appointment only at our office, or we’ll come to you. We always wear masks & gloves for your safety. For a no-obligation appointment, call (301) 318-9788. Visit our website & check the current price of gold: stxgold.com.

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

  • CARD MY YARD POTOMAC is the premier yard greeting sign rental service, specializing in making your BIG day even BIGGER. Birthdays, anniversaries, babies or just because, Card My Yard will make it special! Locally owned and family-operated. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram. Email us: potomac@cardmyyard.com. Call us: (301) 908-3616. Book your greeting at cardmyyard.com.

 

  • FLASHBACK FILMS, photo & video montages for your special occasion — whether in-person or virtual. Professional montages at affordable prices for all your important milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, mitzvahs & more. We’re a locally based, student-run company and will work within your budget. Send us your photos and we’ll do the rest. Visit us on Instagram. For video samples & pricing, email flashbackfilms123@gmail.com.

 

  • LILAC, special occasion wear for girls, tweens & teens. We have the perfect outfits for graduations, cotillion, bar & bat mitzvahs (both service & party) and other special occasions. Plan for your upcoming events now; private shopping appointments are available. We also have fashionable face masks for kids & adults! Find us on Instagram (@lilacgirlshop) and Facebook (@shoplilacgirl). For more info, email sales@shoplilacgirl.com.

 

HOME SERVICES

 

  • JIMMY GUSKY HEATING & AIR, one-stop shop for heating, air conditioning, plumbing and ductwork, serving Rockville & the D.C. area. We always give you an honest opinion and transparent pricing, making repairs when we can and helping you decide when replacement is the better option. Have an emergency? We’re available 24/7. Call (301) 327-7306. Website: jimmygusky.com.

 

  • MIKE’S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY, offering lock repair and replacement, keyless & touchpad systems plus door hardware, high-security keys and mailbox lockdown. All work guaranteed as long as you own your home. For after-hour emergencies or regular appointments, call (240) 506-7500. For more information, email mike@mikes-locksmith.com. Website: mikes-locksmith.com.

 

  • TOWN & COUNTRY MOVERS, family-owned moving and storage company, based in Gaithersburg and serving the DMV since 1977. We handle local, long-distance and international relocations, as well as short-term and long-term storage solutions. Our staging division works with local realtors to enhance listings and improve home sales. Call (301) 670-4600. Website: townandcountrymovers.com.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

  • LAW OFFICES OF LLOYD A. MALECH, Bethesda family law attorney. Aggressive legal representation in high-conflict divorces, child custody & child support conflicts, spousal support and alimony battles, enforcing and modifying court orders, protective orders in domestic violence cases, and settlement agreements. Call us: (202) 441-2107. Website: malechlaw.com.

 

  • TAFF & LEVINE D.D.S. provides state-of-the-art dental treatment in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by caring doctors and staff. No insurance? No problem! Join our V.I.P. dental plan, pay one monthly fee for free hygiene appointments and 10% off all other dental procedures. 7811 Montrose Road in Potomac. Call 301-530-3717. Website: taffandlevine.com.

Sponsored Content

mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bagels & Delicatessens, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, BBQ, Burgers, Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Coffee Houses, Downtown Rockville, Fitness & Beauty, Gift Shops, Grocery Stores, Italian Food, Kids & Teen Stores, Park Potomac, Pizza, Rockville Pike, Rockville Town Square, Seafood

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

November 27, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

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
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, BBQ, Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Downtown Rockville, Gift Shops, Kids & Teen Stores, Montrose Crossing, Pike & Rose, Rockville Pike, Rockville Town Square, Westfield Montgomery mall

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

August 29, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

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.

mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks

Filed Under: Asian Food, BBQ, Burgers, Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Downtown Rockville, Kids & Teen Stores, Rockville Pike, Rockville Town Square, Westfield Montgomery mall

Big summer ahead for Rio, new restaurants for Rockville, new yoga for Park Potomac and a Lord & Taylor update

June 6, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Rio's new backyard

This week we checked out the snazzy new boardwork at Rio in Gaithersburg, where a striking outdoor concert stage is nearly complete and a summer’s worth of performances are on the way. Rio is undergoing a $30 million facelift with dramatic changes to its appearance and tenant mix. Shown here: the view from what will soon be a second-floor lounge outside the AMC movie theater and the upcoming Dave & Buster’s (aiming to open July 1st). What’s next for Rio? A huge Silver Diner with indoor/outdoor seating and full bar (tentatively opening in August); an “experiential” Xfinity store (opening date TBD); and a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema that’s almost finished inside the movie theater. Plans for a Baked Bear ice cream shop have fallen through, but local creamery Moorenko’s is coming with a summertime pop-up. For behind-the-scenes photos from our visit this week, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

Latest on Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor finally announced plans to close its store at Gaithersburg’s ailing Lakeforest Mall — no surprise, as other tenants have been exiting in droves while the mall’s owners look for a buyer.  Meanwhile, the retailer’s White Flint store remains in business more than four years after the adjoining mall was demolished. On a recent visit, we found the White Flint Lord & Taylor in surprisingly good shape with up-to-date merchandise and plenty of still-loyal shoppers. After years of litigation with White Flint’s owners, it’s unclear how much longer this department store will be around. But for now, there’s plenty of summer merchandise on the shelves.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

New restaurants for Rockville Town Square

Good news on the dining front for Rockville Town Square: Four new Asian restaurants are on the way. Friendship BBQ, featuring skewered meats and seafood dishes, will open this summer across from Sushi Damo. And the former Mellow Mushroom space, empty since last fall, will be divided into three new eateries: Gyuzo Japanese BBQ, offering sake and tabletop grilling; Kyoto Matcha, serving green tea, cakes and other desserts; and Taro Cents Family, specializing in Taiwanese taro balls. Rockville Town Square and the surrounding area are already home to a number of Asian restaurants, from the upscale Peter Chang, Sushi Damo and Thai Pavilion to fast-casual Pearl Lady and busy food hall The Spot. Meanwhile, Little Dipper Hot Pot House and the adjoining Lab Cafe recently closed on Gibbs Street.

Shin Orthodontics

Yoga at Park Potomac

A new yoga studio is heading to Park Potomac. Local yogi Debi Schenk is taking over the long-empty Barre Belle space a few doors down from Kaufmann Jewelers. Plans call for an early September opening, with a price point around $17 per class. Schenk’s studio won’t be the only new fitness option in Potomac this fall; Pure Barre is moving to Potomac Village. More on that in our May 2nd edition.

International School of Music
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, BBQ, Bowling & Gaming, Clothing and Accessories, Downtown Rockville, Fitness & Beauty, Movie Theaters, Park Potomac, Potomac Village, Rio Washingtonian Center, Rockville Pike, Rockville Town Square, Seafood, Steakhouses

Crave checks out, Drybar blows in — plus Korean BBQ, bookstores & something new for Potomac Village

April 11, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Crave checks out

This week we say goodbye to Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar, which closed its doors Wednesday night even as next-door neighbor Cheesecake Factory continued to pack in the crowds. Crave had its fans, especially among sushi aficionados, but its four-year run at Westfield Montgomery mall was plagued by spotty service and perpetually empty tables. The Minneapolis-based chain was in the midst of a national expansion when it opened here in 2015. Recently, though, it has shuttered locations in Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando and most other markets outside of Minnesota.

Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty

Drybar blows into Pike & Rose

This week’s opening at Pike & Rose: Drybar, offering wash-and-blowout hairstyles from $49. It’s the third new business to open in the past few weeks between Uniqlo and Bluemercury, following the arrivals of Sweetgreen and BurgerFi. (Not to mention brand new gift shop Olive & Loom, just a block away next to Stella Barra.) What’s next for this new section of Pike & Rose? Sunday Morning Bakehouse. Click here for details in our Aug. 30th edition.

Scout & Molly's North Bethesda

New chapter for book lovers at Rockville Town Square

All of a sudden, two new bookstores have popped up at Rockville Town Square. The Story House, a mobile store for kids, has taken over a corner of Dawson’s Market with a charming and well-curated selection of recent titles. And just a block away, between Lebanese Taverna and Bonchon, local nonprofit Turning the Page has opened a popup shop to benefit its literacy efforts in D.C. The store, called Carpe Librum, will be open through August selling used books, CDs and DVDs. For more on Rockville’s literary scene, check out our March 28th story on Barnes & Noble’s upcoming move.

The Game Gym

New eatery for Traville Village Center

Korean chain BB.Q Chicken has opened its doors at Rockville’s Traville Village Center, taking over the former Quench space across from Cava Mezze. The restaurant is affiliated with the Virginia chain BBQ Chicken and Beer, which recently rebranded with the tagline “Best of the Best Quality Chicken.” What’s on the menu? Honey garlic wings, kimchi ramen, fried dumplings, bulgogi rice bowls and a variety of shareable platters fried in olive oil. Click here to check  it out.

Bullis Summer Programs

Wok's up in Potomac Village

New restaurant on the way to Potomac Village: Fire Wok, presumably serving Chinese cuisine, is moving into the old Fortune Garden space next to SunTrust at Potomac Promenade. This one is a bit of a mystery: There’s a restaurant with the same name in Baltimore County, but it appears the two eateries are not related. We’ll report back when we have more details.

Shin Orthodontics
CASA Voices for Children Montgomery
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks

Filed Under: Asian Food, BBQ, Downtown Rockville, Fitness & Beauty, Pike & Rose, Potomac Village, Rockville Town Square, Travilah

Big plans for Westfield Montgomery mall, Chico’s checks out of Potomac Village — plus Mexican at Travilah & Korean BBQ on the Pike

June 21, 2018 By Store Reporter 3 Comments

Major makeover for Montgomery Mall

This week we finally got a peek at the master plan for redeveloping Westfield Montgomery Mall into a living, working, shopping and dining community a la Pike & Rose. Most of the mall will remain intact — with the exception of Sears, which finally will close its doors next March — but plans calls for extensive additions including office space, apartments, a hotel, pedestrian walkways, and outdoor promenades lined with upscale stores and restaurants. Also on the way: a large fitness center with a dedicated parking lot. (No names have been revealed yet, but we’re hearing it’s Equinox.) The entire expansion plan will take about four years, beginning in spring 2019 after Sears is torn down. Additional renderings and a site plan can be found on our Facebook page; click here to check them out.

1-800-GOT-JUNK
Potomac Village Farmers Market
Chico's in Potomac Village

Chico’s checks out of the Village

Say goodbye to Chico’s in Potomac Village, which is closing its doors after a two-decade run next to Hunter’s Bar and Grill. The exit is part of a national downsizing for the women’s retailer, whose next-closest location is at Rockville’s Congressional Plaza. The Potomac Village store will be open until Monday (June 25th), but there’s not much left on the racks.

Shin Orthodontics
Launch Trampoline Park
Cafe Rio taco platter

Mexican fare at Travilah Square

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill will open its third Montgomery County location next week at Travilah Square Shopping Center off Darnestown Road. In addition to the usual crowd-pleasing Mexican dishes (tacos, enchiladas, salads, etc.), the restaurant is known for its fresh-made lemonades and specialty drinks like horchata, a traditional sweet beverage made with milk, rice and cinnamon. (Click here for a peek at the menu.) Cafe Rio is the first of a new wave of tenants for the revamped Travilah Square, which soon will include the True Food Kitchen spinoff Flower Child (click here for more in our May 17th issue) — and of course Trader Joe’s (click here for the latest).

Buredo
Honey Pig BBQ

Honey Pig on the Pike

Honey Pig Korean BBQ has opened its doors at Montrose Crossing; you’ll find it in the strip mall behind Old Navy. This is the fifth D.C.-area location for Honey Pig, which offers a wide-ranging menu that includes bulgogi, dumplings, bibimbap, noodle soups and stews. Click here to check it out.

Power Hour Editing
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks

Filed Under: Asian Food, BBQ, Clothing and Accessories, Montrose Crossing, Potomac Village, Rockville Pike, Travilah, Westfield Montgomery mall

Baked Bear, BBQ, Trader Joe’s and a Wildwood Update

May 31, 2018 By Store Reporter 6 Comments

Hitting the sweet spot

Hottest ticket in town for a sweet treat: The Baked Bear at Pike & Rose, where lines have snaked around the block every weekend since the ice cream shop opened on May 19th. Everyone is waiting to try those instantly Instagrammable ice cream sandwiches, which are made to order with customized combinations of brownies, cookies and donuts. We tried them. We liked them. And it looks like we’ll be seeing more of them: Baked Bear owners tell us they’re already eyeing another location at Rio Washingtonian Center.

Truebody Fitness
Trader Joe's rendering

Summer opening for Trader Joe’s?

Update on the new Trader Joe’s at Travilah Square Shopping Center: The company tells us it’s shooting to open sometime this summer. Trader Joe’s fans have been waiting impatiently for this store since it was first announced in the fall of 2016. It will be the company’s second location in Rockville, replacing a Gaithersburg store in Montgomery Village that will close when the new one opens. Trader Joe’s has been a game-changer for the newly revitalized Travilah Square, helping the center attract new tenants like Cafe Rio Mexican Grill and the True Food Kitchen spinoff Flower Child. (For more on Flower Child in our May 17th edition, click here.)

The Game Gym
Buredo, Le Pain Quotidien, Belina and Red Door at Wildwood

A summer of change for Wildwood

This summer will be a busy one at the Wildwood Shops, where a portion of the parking lot has been blocked off to accommodate construction in and around the now-closed Red Door Spa. The entire space is being reconfigured to make room for the new Flower Child restaurant (same as the one coming to Travilah Square — details in our May 17th edition) as well as a relocating Salon Nader. There’s still room one more tenant on that end of the shopping center — and we hear it will be another restaurant. More details soon.

Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Crossroads BBQ exterior

All new BBQ in Rockville

Branded 72, a longtime fixture on Gude Drive, is under new ownership with a new menu and a new name: Crossroads BBQ and Grill. Co-owner Paul Poto, who purchased the restaurant with a partner earlier this year, says many of the new recipes are actually throwbacks to the restaurant’s original identity as O’Brien’s Pit BBQ. “Ken O’Brien was an American Airlines pilot who sampled the barbecue in Texas and brought it here in 1972,” Poto says. “We’re extending his idea to include barbecue from St. Louis, Memphis and the Carolinas — an intersection of where four great barbecues meet.” To check out the restaurant’s new menu, click here.

Potomac Village Farmers Market
Sears at Westfield Montgomery Mall -- long shot

More Sears closings

This week brought another announcement of closings for the struggling Sears chain. Once again, the Westfield Montgomery Mall location is not on the list of stores that are slated to close. But it’s only a matter of time.

mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks

Filed Under: Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, BBQ, Grocery Stores, Pike & Rose, Travilah

Halal Guys in, Rocklands and Emily Grace out — plus Nordstrom’s latest denim debacle

April 27, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

 

 

 

Pita platters from The Halal Guys

 

Halal this fall

Opening this fall at Wintergreen Plaza on Rockville Pike: The Halal Guys, a brick-and-mortar version of the New York City food cart business with the crazy-long lines. What’s on the menu? Beef and chicken gyros served with pita or basmati rice, plus sides of hummus, baba ganouj, falafel and fries. “Our secret is our white sauce — not the typical tzatziki with cucumber — which puts everything together really well,” says Maryland franchisee Rabi Ullah. He’s also opening a location in College Park, with plans for further expansion statewide (click here for the menu). The Halal Guys replaces Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Company, which has exited Wintergreen Plaza now that Mission BBQ is open.

 


 

On Cloud 9 camp show: https://www.facebook.com/On-Cloud-9-252148152907/?ref=br_rs

 

 


 

 

 


 

Emily Grace at Park Potomac

 

Goodbye Emily Grace

Emily Grace, one of the original tenants at Park Potomac, closed its doors this week after seven years in business. The boutique specialized in high-end fashions from lines like Vince, Michael Lauren, Joie and AG Jeans. Park Potomac, which will be buzzing this summer with the debut of three new restaurants, is already talking to replacement tenants.

 


 

 

 


 

AMP by Strathmore: https://www.ampbystrathmore.com/?utm_source=Store%20Reporter&utm_medium=Banner&utm_content=AMP%20Come%20Together

 

 


Fire pit from Offenbachers

 

Offenbachers returns to Rockville

Offenbachers, the D.C.-area retail chain that closed its doors last winter, is making a comeback of sorts in Rockville. Home Escapes, a 30-year-old retailer from Virginia, has purchased the Offenbachers name and opened a showroom just around the corner from its former home on Nicholson Lane. The store carries a similar assortment of hot tubs, spas, outdoor furniture, fire pits and pool tables, but the original Offenbachers team is not involved with this venture. Click here to check out the inventory.

 


 

Park Potomac Spring Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/1799339983727011/

 

 


 

JT Interiors Mother's Day Tea Tasting: https://www.facebook.com/jtinteriorspotomac/

 

 


 

Strathmore in North Bethesda

 

Who won our tickets for Rent stars at Strathmore?

Congratulations to Store Reporter readers Dara Baylinson and Gail Hyman, who each won a pair of tickets to see original Rent stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp at Strathmore in North Bethesda. Strathmore’s spring/summer schedule also includes appearances by Tony Bennett, Audra McDonald, Gladys Knight and the creators of the Serial podcast. Click here to check it out.

 

Sponsored Content

 


 

For information about a discount at Regency Estates Swim Club, email publisher@storereporter.com

 

 


 

"Muddy" jeans at Nordstrom

 

Fashion fails: muddy jeans and washable cashmere

Just a few weeks after we told you about that regrettable “mom jeans with windows” incident (click for details) comes news of yet another Nordstrom denim debacle. This time the retailer has been universally shamed for its $425 “heavily distressed” Barracuda jeans. Apparently, “heavily distressed” in Nordstrom-talk means “covered in fake mud.” In other fashion fails this week, washable cashmere company Kit and Ace announced the closing of all its U.S. stores including the one in downtown Bethesda. Kit and Ace was the brainchild of ousted Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, who once helped kick off the athleisure clothing trend. This time around, Wilson apparently overestimated the public’s appetite for $398 turtlenecks.

 


 

Lavaloka workout clothes: https://lavaloka.com

 

 


 

For news and advertising questions, email publisher@storereporter.com

 

 


 

Filed Under: BBQ, Clothing and Accessories, Current Issue, Park Potomac, Wintergreen Plaza

New restaurant coming, Noodles & Company going at the mall — plus, bye bye Bebe and Bethesda’s Barnes & Noble

April 6, 2017 By Store Reporter 3 Comments

 

 

 

Thin-crust pizzas

 

New restaurant heading to Westfield Montgomery

A popular Bethesda restaurant known for its thin-crust pizzas and salads is finalizing plans for a new location at Westfield Montgomery Mall. We can’t reveal the name just yet, but we can tell you that the menu focuses on healthy eating with fresh vegetables, antibiotic-free meats, cauliflower pizza crusts and gluten-free options. Unlike the recently departed Blaze Pizza and Naples Ristorante, this is a locally owned chain that already has a following in our area.

 


 

 

Noodles & Company, Yum Crepes close

Meanwhile, Noodles & Company exited Westfield Montgomery Mall this week along with the short-lived Yum Crepes. Noodles & Company recently announced plans to trim 55 locations; this week’s closings also included the one on Elm Street in downtown Bethesda. The Rockville restaurant at Congressional Plaza remains open, as does the one in Gaithersburg. 

 


 

Taff & Levine D.D.S.: http://www.taffandlevine.com

 

 


 

Air Jordans at Kicks USA

 

Shoe news

Kicks USA, a Philadelphia-based chain specializing in trendy sneakers, will make its Maryland debut this year with a new store at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The retailer will take over two storefronts near Macy’s Home that were previously occupied by Core, which closed this winter, and Voorthuis Opticians, which has relocated to the Nordstrom wing. Kicks sells shoes for men, women and kids, but its marketing is aimed squarely at teen boys who collect and trade the latest editions from Nike, Adidas, Vans and other popular lines. The company publishes a “release date” schedule for each new design, making savvy use of social media and fanboy videos like this one for the latest pair of Air Jordans.

 


 

JT Interiors at Potomac House: https://www.facebook.com/jtinteriorspotomac/

 

 


 

Payless in Rockville and Bebe at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

Spring brings more store closings

Two more waves of store closings were announced this week as the Payless shoe chain filed Chapter 11 and women’s retailer Bebe made plans to move its business online. Say goodbye to the Payless store on Rockville Pike, which had been open for just seven months, and the Bebe store at Westfield Montgomery Mall, which will close by the end of May. Payless is reorganizing and will continue to operate some of its stores, including the one at Westfield Montgomery. Bebe had no other locations in Maryland.

 


 

Bagel City is open for Passover: http://bagelciti.com

 

 


 

Barnes & Noble in downtown Bethesda

 

Barnes & Noble closes the book on Bethesda

Barnes & Noble has announced plans to close its three-story location in downtown Bethesda, an institution for more than two decades at the corner of Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues. The departure, scheduled for the end of this year, will leave the struggling bookseller with just two stores in Montgomery County: one at Montrose Crossing on Rockville Pike, and the other at Rio Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg.

 


 

http://www.lisanasarhomes.com

 

 


 

Sandwich and coffee at Panera

 

New deal brewing for Panera

The Panera restaurant chain was purchased this week by JAB Holding Company, a German firm that also acquired Krispy Kreme and Einstein Bros. Bagels in the past few years. The goal? Brand synergies. JAB also owns a bunch of coffee companies including Peet’s, Caribou and Keurig Green Mountain. The Panera acquisition offers 2,000 new places to sell coffee.

 


 

 

 


REI store at Pike & Rose

 

Did you miss something?

Did you know that Moby Dick is up and running in Potomac Village and Mission BBQ has arrived on Rockville Pike? Wondering about the opening dates for North Bethesda’s new REI store and the new restaurants at Park Potomac? Spring break is a great time to visit our website, www.storereporter.com, and catch up any news you might have missed. Also, Store Reporter is finally on Twitter! Follow us: @store_reporter.com.

 


 

http://www.hopeforhenry.org/hope-henry-run-5k-make-kids-day

 

 


 

Email news and advertising questions to publisher@storereporter.com

 

 


 

Filed Under: Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, BBQ, Clothing and Accessories, Coffee Houses, Italian Food, Montrose Crossing, Park Potomac

Mission BBQ, HHgregg, more mall closings and the scoop on slime

March 9, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

 

 

 

Brisket, fries and beans at Mission BBQ

 

Hello Mission BBQ

The big news on Rockville Pike this week is the opening of Mission BBQ, under construction since November in the former Benjarong space at Wintergreen Plaza. This is the first Montgomery County location for the popular Maryland-based chain, which offers brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork and other traditional favorites in a casual atmosphere with prices mostly below $10. “Mission” refers to the company’s focus on patriotism, which includes lunchtime renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner and frequent fundraisers for veterans, police and firefighters. Grand opening is this Monday (March 13th); click here to check out the menu.

 


 

Taff & Levine D.D.S.: http://www.taffandlevine.com

 

 


 

HHgregg

 

Electronics retailer pulls the plug

Add HHgregg to the ever-growing list of retail bankruptcies in this warm but brutal winter. The electronics chain filed Chapter 11 this week, with plans to close 88 of its 200 stores and sell off the rest. All HHgregg stores in the D.C. area, including the one on Rockville Pike, are expected to close in mid-April.

 


 

JT Interiors: https://www.facebook.com/jtinteriorspotomac/

 

 


 

Slime from Michael's

Got slime?

If you have a child in elementary or middle school this year, you’re probably quite familiar with the slime craze. In the grand tradition of Silly Bandz (2010-11) and Rainbow Looms (2013-14), the preteen obsession du jour is a homemade concoction of borax, food coloring, various forms of glitter and copious amounts of Elmer’s Glue. In fact, that classroom staple has been in short supply at local stores ever since kids started turning their homes into slime factories. “We’ve been scavenging everywhere to get the ingredients and keep up with demand,” says Hadi Hassan, manager of Michael’s on Rockville Pike. “We want to make sure we don’t fall behind the curve when it comes to slime.” Our middle school informants tell us that Hassan can probably relax: Word has it the slime craze has already peaked. Still going strong in your house? Click here for some recipes.

 


 

2017 On Cloud 9 Camp Trunk Show: https://www.facebook.com/On-Cloud-9-252148152907/

 

 


 

Radio Shack and Core at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

More closings at the mall

Still more bad news to report at Westfield Montgomery Mall this week: The two-year-old Core clothing store has closed its doors, and bankrupt-again Radio Shack will soon be out as well. The mall has seen more departures these past few months than at any time in recent memory, from national retailers that went bankrupt (The Limited, American Apparel and Marbles) to smaller tenants like Best Buy Mobile, R. Riveter, American Classic Clothes, Freddy, Smart Toys and Stride Rite. Losses have been heavy on the dining side as well: Splashy new restaurants MET Bethesda and Naples Ristorante each flamed out after less than two years, as did the short-lived Peet’s Coffee bar as well as longtime tenants Wetzel’s Pretzels and Bistro Sensations. Similar scenes are playing out at malls across the country, as internet sales continue to cannibalize physical stores. Just this week, Urban Outfitters CEO Richard Hayne told Bloomberg that the U.S. is oversaturated with retail space after a late-’90s/early-2000s building boom. “Like housing,” he said, “that bubble has now burst.”

 


 

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster: http://www.lisanasarhomes.com/single-post/2016/12/05/The-10-Dumbest-Mistakes-Smart-People-Make-When-Buying-or-Selling-a-Home-–-and-How-to-Avoid-Them

 

 


 

East Gate Swim & Tennis Club: https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=recpveggstmd

 

 


 

Hope for Henry's 5K: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/861275/

 

 


 

Email questions to: publisher@storereporter.com

 

 


 

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, BBQ, Clothing and Accessories, Westfield Montgomery mall

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Recent Issues

  • Dog park on the Pike, Korean food at the mall, another shoe store walks away
  • New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away
  • Trading Addie’s for oysters at Park Potomac; closings for Abercrombie and Not Your Average Joe’s
  • Goodbye to Lord & Taylor and three Rockville stores — plus our latest guide to winter takeout
  • Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville
  • Indoor dining is out, new Potomac sports bar is in — plus holiday meals & gift ideas
  • Restaurant restrictions rolling back in, closings at Park Potomac — plus holiday meals, Korean hot dogs & Chick-fil-A
  • More closings at the mall, new salon for men, start the bidding for holiday auctions
  • Black Friday shopping, Call Your Mother Deli, new stores & two surprise comebacks
  • Goodbye Wine Harvest, hello to three new restaurants
  • County cracks down on dining crowds, Fish Taco returns, two more stores go dark
  • Latest on Lord & Taylor, county faces new COVID dining restrictions, Pet Valu goes belly-up
  • Three more restaurants out at the mall, new stores on the way
  • Cabin John update: Who’s moving in, who’s moving out & what’s up with Sisters Thai
  • Athleta to Rockville, Potomac salon closes, two more restaurants that won’t be back
  • Three new openings for Wildwood, closings for H&M and Regal Cinemas
  • Hello Lego, two new sweet spots, Rose’s Luxury delivered to your door
  • Office Depot out, Amazon grocery in, Pike & Rose dog park drags its tail
  • Balducci’s bankruptcy, Lego Store ready to launch, cashing in your jewelry
  • Goodbye Breadsmith, hello Attman’s and cookies to your door
  • Home Depot Design Center, mall dining update and the future of Flower Child
  • New restaurant from the Cava/Julii team, half-smokes for Rockville and the end of Lord & Taylor
  • Under the big top at Park Potomac, dine-in and diamonds at the mall, shakeups on the salon scene
  • Wegmans update, more mall closings & another departure at Rockville Town Square
  • Goodbye Lord & Taylor and Toy Castle, hello new Barnes & Noble

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