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Cabin John Village

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?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Two sneak peeks: Asian food hall at Pike & Rose and Playa Bowls at Cabin John Village
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
Playa Bowls, Java Nation, Hank Dietle’s, Fire Wok & Forever 21
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
Hello Lands’ End, so long Saks, Bethesda Bagels arrives, closings at Pike & Rose

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

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

November 21, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

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

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
Playa Bowls, Java Nation, Hank Dietle’s, Fire Wok & Forever 21
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
Hello Lands’ End, so long Saks, Bethesda Bagels arrives, closings at Pike & Rose
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Coffee Houses, Kids & Teen Stores, Pike & Rose, Rockville Pike

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

October 31, 2019 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

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
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
Hello Lands’ End, so long Saks, Bethesda Bagels arrives, closings at Pike & Rose
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bagels & Delicatessens, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, Bowling & Gaming, Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Coffee Houses, Kids & Teen Stores, Pike & Rose, Potomac Village, Rockville Pike, Westfield Montgomery mall

Hello Lands’ End, so long Saks, Bethesda Bagels arrives, closings at Pike & Rose

October 10, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Hello Lands' End, so long Saks

Oct. 17th is opening day for Lands’ End at Congressional Plaza, one of the first stand-alone stores for the Wisconsin-based company. In addition to the usual assortment of clothing, you’ll also find a selection of cozy home goods: flannel sheets, quilted comforters, sleeping bags, cashmere throws and the like. Next week also marks the end for the neighboring Saks Off 5th store; doors close for the last time on Oct. 20th.

The Rooted Studio

Bethesda Bagels arrives

The Jewish New Year is off to a good start at Wildwood, where Bethesda Bagels finally makes its debut this weekend. This is the fifth location for the family-owned chain and the first to serve the Rockville/Potomac area. Also new at Wildwood: Joe & the Juice, which opened last week with juices, smoothies, coffees and more. Catch up on that in our Oct. 3rd edition.

The Grilled Oyster

Two closings at Pike & Rose

Two of the original tenants to open at Pike & Rose are closing this month after a five-year run. Del Frisco’s Grille, which is shuttering multiple locations after the sale of its parent company, will serve its last steaks on Oct. 20th. The closing, first reported by The Moco Show, comes just months after the arrival of Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão right across the street. The second departure is more surprising: Francesca’s, which survived the early days when few people shopped at Pike & Rose, is exiting now after a company-wide downsizing. The women’s boutique chain has three other nearby stores at Rio, Bethesda Row and Westfield Montgomery mall. “There simply wasn’t enough foot traffic at this location,” an employee tells us.

Potomac Squash Club World Squash Day

Made in the shade at Cabin John

The Shade Store has opened its doors at Cabin John Village, offering a wide assortment of window coverings in the storefront next to Carpet & Vacuum Expo. Next up for Cabin John: Playa Bowls, tentatively opening in late October. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the official date.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

The write move

Bertram’s Inkwell, a gathering place for lovers of the handwritten word, has moved to a new location on Rockville Pike. You’ll find the specialty pen store at the Metro Pike Shopping Center, home of Palm Beach Tan and the Champion boxing gym. Owner Bert Oser, a longtime tenant at the White Flint Mall who spent the past few years inside an office building, says he’s happy to be returning to a retail setting. “I do a lot of sales online, and I thought my business would end up entirely on the internet,” Oser says. “But as it turns out, 80 percent of our sales are from people coming through the door.”

Wintergreen Plaza

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Bagels & Delicatessens, Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Congressional Plaza, Gift Shops, Pike & Rose, Rio Washingtonian Center, Steakhouses, Westfield Montgomery mall, Wildwood Shops

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?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

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

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

August 15, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

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
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, Burgers, Cabin John Village, Coffee Houses, Rockville Pike

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

August 1, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

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.

mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Grocery Stores, Seafood

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

July 4, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Your July dining plan

While you’re enjoying your holiday weekend foodfest, it’s time to start making plans for this month’s restaurant openings. Cooper’s Hawk lands July 15th at Research Row off I-270 in Rockville; we’ll be there a few days early to share some photos. China Garden is planning a July 12th lunchtime opening at North Bethesda Market off Rockville Pike. Sisters Thai is still waiting on final inspections and is thisclose to opening at Cabin John Village. (For a sneak peek, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram). And just in time for the July 4th movie weekend, Dave & Buster’s has opened its doors next to the AMC theater at Rio. (To see what else is happening at Rio, check out our June 6th edition.)

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

What's next for Cabin John

We know you’ve got questions about construction at Cabin John Village. When will they start cutting through the strip center? Which tenants will be displaced, and which ones will be returning? What’s happening with the mini-mall? What else is on the way? Stay tuned for a special issue of Store Reporter with the answers to your Cabin John questions. (Got a few more? Ask us anything via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.)

Shin Orthodontics

Look what's new at the mall

Checking in at Westfield Montgomery mall for the July 4th weekend: Eyebobs, specializing in hip reading glasses, is now open in the Macy’s wing (more info in our April 25th edition). Crabtree & Evelyn is finally gone after an extended going-out-of-business sale. The new 7-Eleven is not ready to serve up Slurpees just yet, but the former Shilla Bakery is poised for a comeback with a new name and new owner. More info in the next couple of weeks.

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, Cabin John Village, Coffee Houses, Rio Washingtonian Center, Rockville Pike, Seafood, Steakhouses, Westfield Montgomery mall

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

June 13, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Sister Thai is looking good

Looks like we’re still a couple of weeks away from the opening of Sisters Thai at Cabin John Village. (Revisions to be made, inspections to be done, yada yada yada.) Anyway, we’ve got up-to-date photos of what’s going on inside. From the marquee-style Magnolia bakery sign to the Instagrammable bathrooms, the whole place is a treat for the eyes. To see for yourself, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

The Grilled Oyster Co.
Realtor Mimi Arnold of Century 21 Redwood Realty

Time to chow at Fogo de Chão

This week we took a preview tour of Fogo de Chão, the Brazilian steakhouse that will open June 24th at Pike & Rose. The showpiece of the menu is the “Fogo Churrasco Experience,” featuring unlimited meats sliced at your table along with cheese bread, polenta, mashed potatoes, caramelized bananas and an all-you-can-eat spread on the center “market table.” (Price: $53.95 at dinner, $37.95 at lunch, $41.95 for weekend brunch.) For a closer look at Fogo’s posh interior, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Realtor Eris Norman of Lee Goldstein Group

Time's almost up for The Big Greek giveaway

It’s almost prize time at The Big Greek Cafe, where one lucky customer is about to win a six-day trip for two to Athens, Greece. Brothers Nikos and Simos Marmaras, who opened the original Big Greek in Silver Spring 10 years ago, are celebrating their first decade in business with a trip giveaway. There’s still time to enter: Just visit any of Big Greek’s four locations (Silver Spring, Rockville, Kensington or Bethesda) and drop your name into the prize box before the drawing on June 22nd. For more on The Big Greek and the family that started it all, click here. For directions to all four locations, as well as weekly specials and a preview of the menu, click here.

Sponsored Content

International School of Music

Mall moves

It’s been a quiet couple of weeks at Westfield Montgomery mall, but change is on the horizon as we roll into summer. Eyebobs, Poke Papa and the Windsor clothing store all will be opening soon. Chevy Chase Acura is moving into the former Kia Stinger space, New York-based Möge Tee is moving into the former B/Bop/Q space, and Shilla Bakery is temporarily closed while a new owner takes the reins. Also: 7-Eleven is on the way. More on all the new food in an upcoming issue.

Bender JCC
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, Cabin John Village, Current Issue, Pike & Rose, Steakhouses, Westfield Montgomery mall

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

May 22, 2019 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Hello Fogo

Next big opening for Pike & Rose: Fogo de Chão Brazilian steakhouse. Plans call for a June 24th debut in the prime corner spot across from Del Frisco’s Grille, formerly home to the Nike Factory Store. This will be the fourth D.C.-area location for the posh restaurant chain, where meats are roasted over an open flame and carved right at your table. The menu also features seafood, soups, charcuterie and Brazilian cocktails — and plans are in the works for weekend brunch and nightly happy hour. For sneak-peek photos of the restaurant’s interior, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Norman's Farm & Market
The Grilled Oyster Co.

Next up for Cabin John

Construction at Cabin John Village has moved from the front parking lot to the area around California Tortilla. New signs have been installed, the second floor offices have gained a balcony, and new lighting is on the way — including decorative string lights that will add some charm to the cross-through between the buildings. What’s next for Cabin John? We’ll have details in a couple of weeks.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
The Game Gym

Is Party City full of hot air?

Have you heard about the global helium shortage? That’s the excuse Party City offered this month to explain its plans to shutter 45 underperforming locations. Lack of helium — and presumably, the inability to fulfill balloon orders — was initially blamed for the company’s deflated profits. Execs later walked back from that story, noting that they’ve found new helium suppliers and all is well in balloon land. But those 45 stores? They’re still going to close. No word yet on whether the Rockville location will be among them.

International School of Music

Payless walks out

After a months-long going-out-of-business sale, this weekend marks the end for the Payless shoe store at Westfield Montgomery mall. The company filed Chapter 11 for the second time last winter, but its stores have stayed open to sell through remaining inventory. At Westfield Montgomery, doors close for the last time on Saturday, May 27th.

Shin Orthodontics
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Cabin John Village, Kids & Teen Stores, Pike & Rose, Rockville Pike, Seafood, Steakhouses, Westfield Montgomery mall

Sneak peek of Sisters at Cabin John — plus Java Nation on Rockville Pike and Eyebobs at the mall

April 25, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

What's shaking at Sisters

This week we got a sneak peek at Sisters, the Thai restaurant that’s set to open in May next to Shake Shack at Cabin John Village. The vibe inside is decidedly artsy/funky, with movie theater-style signage and multiple seating areas, including a cozy living room complete with bookshelves and fireplace. The restaurant will offer a full bar overlooking the outdoor courtyard, as well as a dessert counter serving Thai coffee, shaved ice and baked goods from the Magnolia sweet shop in Vienna. Magnolia is a “sister” to Sisters and a favorite of Instagrammers for its honey toast and elaborately decorated bathrooms. (And the bathrooms at Cabin John will not disappoint: The men’s room is decked out with “windows” overlooking 3D views of New York City.) To see it all for yourself, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
The Grilled Oyster

The scoop on Java Nation

We’re hearing lots of great buzz about Java Nation, the coffee shop/restaurant that’s taking over the old Addie’s/Helen’s space on Rockville Pike. Owner Simona Cabana tells us she’s renovating the building and adding more outdoor seating (which could be tricky, since it’s unclear what’s going to happen to the burned-out shell of nextdoor neighbor Hank Dietle’s). This will be the second location for Java Nation, which has earned an avid following in Kensington for its top-notch coffee and European-style menu. Cabana says she’ll be baking bread and pastries in-house, roasting coffee beans on the premises, and offering a full bar including signature caffeine-infused cocktails. (Espresso martini, anyone?) The menu will be a mix of American, European and Latin cuisine with an emphasis on Peruvian dishes. Doors could open as early as August.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Shin Orthodontics

New at the mall

Two new stores are heading to at Westfield Montgomery mall with plans to open in late summer. Minneapolis-based Eyebobs, which specializes in fashion-forward reading glasses, will open next to Untuckit with an expanded array of prescription lenses, blue-light glasses and sunglasses. Eyebobs cultivates an edgy image, with frames named things like “Peckerhead,” “Butch,” “Not Tonight,” “Kvetcher” and “Haute Flash.” Windsor, a clothing store aimed at teens and young women, is also on the way with plans to open next to the Vans store.

Central Farm Market at Westfield Montgomery
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Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Asian Food, Bakeries, Bubble Tea & Desserts, Cabin John Village, Coffee Houses, Fitness & Beauty, Rockville Pike, Westfield Montgomery mall

Cabin John construction, Flower Child at Wildwood — plus Tesla, Invisalign and a closing on Rockville Pike

March 14, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New round of construction at Cabin John

A large section of the parking lot at Cabin John Village was fenced off this week as workers began installing new lights between CVS and the center’s new restaurants. The lighting project, along with all the updated signage and facades, should be finished before the weather warms up. So what’s next for Cabin John? Sisters Thai, now expected to open in late spring. And after that? Check out our Nov. 1st edition for details on the long-term construction plan.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

One's staying, one's going: Tesla & Invisalign at the mall

This has been a head-spinning week for fans of carmaker Tesla, which announced plans to close all of its retail stores last Thursday and reversed that decision a few days later. Tesla now says it will keep most of its stores after all, including the one at Westfield Montgomery mall. Meanwhile, the Invisalign orthodontic chain is unexpectedly closing all its stores for real. The decision comes after a legal battle with a competitor, SmileDirectClub, which accused Invisalign of violating a non-compete agreement between the two companies. Arbitrators agreed with SmileDirectClub. All Invisalign stores, including the one at Westfield Montgomery, will be gone by April 3rd.

Bullis Summer Programs

Flower Child to bloom this summer

Flower Child, the hippie-chic restaurant chain from the founders of True Food Kitchen, is eyeing a July opening at Wildwood. The Phoenix-based company is known for its healthy, flavorful dishes that cater to special diets, from vegan to paleo to keto to gluten-free. This will be the second Flower Child in Montgomery County; the first opened last fall at Travilah Square Shopping Center.

Washington Hebrew Congregation

Rockville swim store goes under

It looks like local shoppers will have to find somewhere new to buy their swim gear this summer. Cassel’s Swim & Awards, previously known as Aardvark Swim & Sport, has closed its doors after more than two decades at Wintergreen Plaza. The store changed hands two years ago after its founder retired, and the new owners declined to extend their lease. Wintergreen, which has become a hub for sports stores and health-related businesses, is looking for a new tenant.

Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School
Diener Denim Plus Diamonds
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Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Cabin John Village, Rockville Pike, Special Diets, Travilah, Westfield Montgomery mall, Wildwood Shops, Wintergreen Plaza

What’s next for Cabin John, more closings at the mall, new UPS store for Potomac

January 31, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

What's next for Cabin John

Cabin John Village is in mid-makeover this month as construction workers continue stripping away the center’s dated facade in favor of a modern new roofline. Most of the work should be done by spring; click here for a glimpse of what it will look like. Next up for Cabin John: Boutique fitness center Biker Barre opens next month inside the mini-mall. (Want to try it out? Sign up here for free classes from Feb. 6-10.) After that comes Sisters Thai, now scheduled to open in March between Le Pain Quotidien and Shake Shack.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

The party's over at Gymboree

With its parent company in Chapter 11, the Gymboree store at Westfield Montgomery mall has started its liquidation sale. No closing date has been announced yet, but all Gymboree locations are expected to be gone by May. The company is seeking a buyer for its sister chain, Janie and Jack, which also has a store at Westfield Montgomery. Stay tuned.

Adventure Zone
Kensington Shop-Dine-Events

Exit for Crabtree & Evelyn

Also closing its doors at Westfield Montgomery mall: skincare store Crabtree & Evelyn, whose parent company recently filed bankruptcy in Canada. It’s unclear what will happen to the 50-year-old retailer, which is headquartered in Connecticut and has stores all over the world. At Westfield Montgomery, Crabtree & Evelyn faced competition from the likes of Kiehl’s, Kneipp, Lush, L’Occitane en Provence, The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works — not to mention the beauty departments at Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Realtor Margie Halem of Compass
Power Hour Editing

Special delivery for Potomac

To the delight of Amazon Primers near the Rockville/Potomac border, a new UPS Store is headed for Potomac Woods Plaza. It’s moving in next to Seven Locks Barber, taking the space that was recently vacated by Pack-‘n’-Ship.

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Fitness & Beauty, Gift Shops, Park Potomac, Westfield Montgomery mall

New chapter for Rockville Barnes & Noble, new pizza on the Pike, new gym for Cabin John

December 20, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New chapter for Barnes & Noble

Ever since Barnes & Noble closed its doors in downtown Bethesda last winter, we’ve been wondering if the Rockville store would be next. The struggling bookseller has been ditching its big-box format all across the country, closing some stores as their leases expire and relocating others to smaller spaces. So we weren’t really surprised when we started hearing buzz that the Rockville location would be moving and downsizing in 2019. But this month, local book lovers got their holiday miracle: Barnes & Noble changed course and signed a new lease with Montrose Crossing, where it will remain for at least the next five years. (Editor’s note: This story has yet another chapter: Barnes & Noble is still staying in Rockville, but plans now call for a move to Congressional Plaza in 2020. Click here for the latest.)

Wintergreen Plaza
The Grilled Oyster

New pizza on the Pike

More good news for the Montrose Crossing shopping center: Seattle-based Mod Pizza is on the way, joining a Rockville Pike restaurant row that now includes Cava, Honeygrow, Slapfish and Five Guys. Mod replaces Pieology, which originally was supposed to open in that space, with a similar menu of personal-sized pizzas and salads that are made to order as you travel down an assembly line. Also on the menu: cheesy garlic bread, milkshakes, house-made iced tea and lemonade, local craft beer and wine. Doors will open this spring next to Five Guys.

Realtor Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty

Santa's been busy

Santa was having a rare quiet moment when we stopped by Westfield Montgomery mall this week. But things have been pretty busy overall for the big guy: The mall has been bustling this month even on weekdays, with healthy-looking lines at the checkout counters and plenty of customers browsing at the holiday pop-up shops. For a look at this year’s glittery displays, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Breakthrough Test Prep
The Game Gym

Biker Barre cycles in

Looking ahead to the post-holiday fitness frenzy: Boutique gym Biker Barre is eyeing a mid-January opening in the mini-mall at Cabin John Village. This week we got a sneak peek behind the scenes, where whitewashed grey floors have been installed in the future barre room and lighting and sound systems are under way in the future bike room. Members will be able to take cycle classes, belly up to the barre or stay for a double-header. More details in the weeks to come. Meanwhile, stay tuned for an official announcement about Life Time Athletic heading to Westfield Montgomery mall. Check out our Oct. 25th issue for the scoop.

Shin Orthodontics
Explorekensington.com

Angry Mama & more at The Container Store

When we’re out of ideas for holiday gifts, we can always count on The Container Store for inspiration. Every year they send us a box of stocking stuffers to review — and once again, their picks did not disappoint. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Umbra Jewelry Storage Systems: A beautiful way to showcase favorite pieces and keep those chains from tangling. $9.99 to $29.99, click here for details.
  • Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner: Fill this lovely lady with water and vinegar, and she’ll loosen up all that gunk on the sides of your microwave. Plus she’s just fun to look at. $9.99, click here for details.
  • NiteHowl LED Safety Necklace: Add this gadget to your dog’s collar, and you’ll both be more visible on nighttime walks. $11.99, click here for more.
  • Kelly Creates Rainbow Brush Pens: Ten colors and two kinds of brush tips adds up to lots of beautiful lettering for your crafty friends. $29.99, click here for more.

For more great gifts from The Container Store, stop by Congressional Plaza or shop online at containerstore.com.

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OneTest
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Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Cabin John Village, Montrose Crossing, Pizza, Rockville Pike, Westfield Montgomery mall

Dawson’s returns, bye bye bike stores, vintage market for Potomac and a music school for Cabin John

December 13, 2018 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

The ride is over for Performance Bicycle

Sad news for local cyclists: The Performance Bicycle retail chain is riding off into the sunset. The company is in Chapter 11 and plans to close all stores — including the popular Rockville location at Congressional Plaza. Looking to score some deals? You’d better roll quickly; closing sales are going on now.

Eyeland/Luxoptics
The Grilled Oyster

Vintage vibes on River Road

New place to shop on River Road: The Potomac French Market is open Thursdays through Sundays in the weathered barn that once was home to Flora’s Feathered Nest. With a similar mix of new and vintage gifts, home decor, antique furniture and upcycled goods, the store will please those who have missed Flora’s since it closed in 2016. “We were huge fans,” says co-owner Teri Troxell, who notes that she and partner Rene Redfield Shaw were also inspired by vintage markets in Paris and New Orleans as well as Chartreuse & Co. in Frederick. The pair took over the space from the Sonoran Rose boutique, which moved out last summer. (More on that in our July 19th edition.) You’ll find the Potomac French Market at 12211 River Road. Hours vary, so it’s best to call ahead: 301-807-9945.

Wintergreen Plaza
Wink Eyecare Boutique

Dawson's is back

Dawson’s Market, closed since late October, makes a triumphant return this weekend with a new owner and a new commitment to serving as a “one-stop shop” for Rockville Town Square. Longtime manager Bart Yablonsky has purchased the store from its out-of-town owners and is making changes that he says the community has asked for. “We’re expanding the product mix with more national brands that people will recognize and more convenience items like flashlights and batteries,” he says. “We’ll have freshly sliced meats and cheeses at the deli, and a new selection of conventional produce along with the organics.” Yablonsky says the wider range of products will allow for lower prices on some items — but he promises the store will continue to specialize in local and organic foods.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
The Game Gym

Music school moves to Cabin John

The International School of Music, offering voice and instrument classes for kids and teens, is leaving its longtime location near Bethesda’s Home Depot for a new home at Cabin John Village. Classes will begin Jan. 2nd on the second floor of the mini-mall, where students can learn to play everything from piano, guitar and violin to drums, ukulele and harp. The school also trains ensembles that perform at local venues as well as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Click here for more.

Breakthrough Test Prep
OneTest

Gifts for the kitchen

As much as we love writing about restaurants, at this time of year we’re spending lots of time in the kitchen with friends and family. So once again, we’re partnering with our favorite cooking stores to bring you some gift inspiration. Up this week: three great picks from Sur La Table.

  • Chilewich Lace Table Runner: These lace textiles from designer Sandy Chilewich add metallic sparkle to any table, but they’re actually made of high-tech plastics. That means they’re easy to wipe clean and can be used indoors or out. Available in gold or silver for $115; click here for more.
  • Moscow Mule Mugs: For the friend who loves a good cocktail, these copper mugs come in a hammered or plain finish for $19.95 apiece. Click here for more.
  • Dual-Action Potato Masher: This clever tool works as both a masher and a ricer, coming in handy for egg salad and guacamole as well as potatoes. $19.95, click here for more.

For more gift picks from Sur La Table, visit the Pike & Rose store or shop online at surlatable.com.

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Explore Kensington
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Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Cabin John Village, Clothing and Accessories, Congressional Plaza, Downtown Rockville, Gift Shops, Grocery Stores, Rockville Pike, Rockville Town Square Tagged With: Performance Bicycle closed, Performance Bicycle closed Rockville

Thanksgiving shopping, Black Friday specials, new restaurants for the holidays

November 22, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Happy Thanksgiving — and let the shopping begin

Just about the time you’re finishing that last piece of pumpkin pie, lots of stores will be opening their doors for the earliest Black Friday shoppers. Westfield Montgomery mall will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursday — although some of the biggest stores, including Apple and Nordstrom, will be sitting it out until Friday. Most of Rockville’s major retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving, reopening as early as 6 a.m. for Friday morning door-busters. If you prefer a stress-free shopping experience, pay a visit to your local retailers like the ones at Cabin John Village. Many will be offering terrific Black Friday deals, and they’ll even handle the gift-wrapping for you. Scroll down for details.

Toy Castle
Susan Koehn Designs
Occasions
The Grilled Oyster

Last hurrah for Sears and the Macy's Home Store

This will be the last Black Friday for Sears at Westfield Montgomery mall, and likely for the Macy’s Home Store as well. From what we hear, there’s a new Life Time Athletic fitness club and eventually a whole new Macy’s store on the way. More on these plans in our Oct. 25th edition. And stay tuned for next week, when we have some news about a big change happening on Rockville Pike.

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
Eyeland/Luxoptics

New restaurants for the holidays

What’s new on the holiday dining scene? Flower Child, the new fast-casual restaurant at Travilah Square Shopping Center, offers a healthy, veg-heavy menu that makes a great counterpart to all those Thanksgiving calories. Nada, specializing in tacos and cocktails, opened its doors on Monday at Pike & Rose. We haven’t tried it yet, but the interior is lovely. And Julii, a new French/Mediterranean restaurant from the founders of Cava, will be opening down the street in about a week. This week we took a sneak-peek tour with chef Sasha Felikson, who’s supervising every detail from the Moroccan tagine cookware to the chocolate soufflés. Check out our Facebook page for photos of all three places.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Explorekensington.com
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Cabin John Village, Mexican Food, Pike & Rose, Rockville Pike, Travilah, Westfield Montgomery mall

What’s next for Cabin John Village, first look at Aldi, virtual reality at the mall

November 1, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Nov. 1, 2018:

What's next for Cabin John Village

If you’ve been wondering what Cabin John Village is going to look like once all the construction is over, here’s a peek into the future. D.C.-based developer Edens, which bought the property two years ago, shared this rendering along with several others that you can find on our Facebook page. Reconstruction of the facades, new lighting and other upgrades will continue all winter, followed by a parking lot renovation next spring. (More details on what’s changing can be found in our Oct. 11th edition). In the meantime, Edens reps tell us they’re on the lookout for new tenants including professional offices, service businesses and yoga/Pilates studios, plus fresh stores and restaurants that are new to the local market. The next phase of Cabin John’s development — timeline still to be determined — will include housing, new retail buildings and a pedestrian cut-through to the back lot. More on that in our May 17th edition.

Explore Kensington

First look at Aldi

Aldi opened its doors this week at the Congressional North shopping center on Rockville Pike, a few doors down from Petco and Bed Bath & Beyond. Having heard mixed reviews about the no-frills German grocery chain, we were eager to check the place out. What we liked: Easy parking, wide aisles, good selection of regular and organic produce, great values on grocery staples (mostly Aldi’s own brands) without the pressure to buy in Costco-sized quantities. What we didn’t like: Some of the fruit looked tired, you have to bag everything yourself, and you won’t find many familiar brand names. What really shocked us: Paying less than $30 for a heaping bag of groceries. We’ll be back.

Shin Orthodontics

Walk the plank at Westfield Montgomery mall

Just opened across from the Apple store at Westfield Montgomery mall: Virtual Insanity, a virtual reality arcade where you can “experience” everything from walking the plank to kickboxing to painting in 3D. Ten minutes costs $10, or you can book a booth for longer sessions and take turns watching your friends make virtual fools of themselves. “Watching someone else do it is almost as entertaining as doing it yourself,” says co-owner Austin Berk. What else is happening at the mall? Lots of big news in last week’s issue; stay tuned next week for an update on the restaurant scene.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique

Did you miss these issues?

Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose
Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique
Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar
Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville
First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in
Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator
West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21
Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out
Westfield Montgomery mall update: redevelopment stalls, Sears building repurposed, new restaurants on the way

Filed Under: Bowling & Gaming, Cabin John Village, Grocery Stores, Rockville Pike, Westfield Montgomery mall

Sushi at Pike & Rose, construction at Cabin John, a closing on Rockville Pike and the fight to save Dawson’s

October 18, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Oct. 18th, 2018.

Kusshi Sushi & Sake

What's next for Pike & Rose

The first of the new fall restaurant lineup arrives next week at Pike & Rose. Say hello to Kusshi Sushi & Sake, a new venture from the owners of Hanaro Sushi in Bethesda, opening in the former Carluccio’s space next to Owen’s Ordinary. Next up for the neighborhood: the Mexican restaurant Nada, the Indian restaurant Commonwealth, and the new Julii restaurant from the founders of Cava. In other Pike & Rose news, blowout salon Drybar has inked a deal to open next spring alongside the upcoming Sweetgreen, BurgerFi and Sunday Morning Bakehouse.

1-800-GOT-JUNK
Wink Eyecare Boutique
Construction at Cabin John Village

Cabin John facelift begins

Here’s a look at the start of construction at Cabin John Village, which began this week and will continue through next spring. A new roofline, wider walkways, better lighting and improved parking are all on the way. And although it may not look like it, all businesses will remain open through the whole thing. For more details on this project, click here for our Oct. 11 edition.

Realty Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
Al Ha'esh Israel Grill
Sofa from Thomasville Furniture

Thomasville furniture store moving out

The Thomasville furniture store, a longtime tenant at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike, will close its doors this fall after the bankruptcy of its parent company, Heritage Home Group. Two dozen Thomasville stores are closing across the country as bidders vie for what’s left of the century-old furniture brand and and its sister lines, Drexel, Henredon and Broyhill. Also exiting Congressional this fall is the longtime gift shop Silver Moon, formerly known as Tiara. Click here for more in our Sept. 20th edition.

Explore Kensington
Potomac Village Farmers Market
Dawson's Market

Can Dawson's be saved?

Dawson’s Market at Rockville Town Square launched a GoFundMe campaign this week in hopes of raising $100,000 to stay in business. Earlier this month, the six-year-old grocer said it couldn’t make enough money in Rockville and announced plans to close on Oct. 27th. In a post on the market’s