Store Reporter

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

Congressional Plaza

Hello Urban Plates and LebTav, goodbye to half The Gap, two more closings at Rockville Town Square

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Urban Plates arrives

The Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall looks a whole lot different this week: Urban Plates officially debuts on Monday (March 11th), but crowds started lining up on Thursday with tickets to pre-opening events. The restaurant offers a fresh-cooked cafeteria-style menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches along with more elaborate entrées, baked goods and juices. For a look at the menu, click here. For a look at the interior, check out our photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

New look for Lebanese Taverna

LebTav, the new version of local favorite Lebanese Taverna, opened its doors this week a few doors down from its longtime home at Congressional Plaza. LebTav is smaller than its predecessor, with a pared-down menu of salads, pita sandwiches, falafel, shawarma, hummus and grab-and-go items. For more on the new format — and lots more about all the changes at Congressional Plaza — check out our Feb. 21 and  Feb. 28 editions.

Trio Jr.

Two more closings at Rockville Town Square

The exodus at Rockville Town Square continued this week when two neighboring businesses on Gibbs Street — Lab Cafe and Little Dipper Hot Pot House — closed their doors within days of each other. Lab Cafe, a bubble tea shop that opened in 2017, is the fifth business to fail at the same address since 2007. (Remember Bobby’s Crabcakes, Tippy’s Taco House, 82 Steak Out and Ev & Maddy’s?) Little Dipper also opened two years ago in the corner spot that once housed Noodles & Company. Add these two to the list of recent RTS closings that now includes Pandora Seafood House & Bar, Mellow Mushroom and LiquidBlue Denim Boutique, along with the neighboring Apollo restaurant. Dawson’s Market also closed last October, but it reopened in December under new ownership.

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty

Rolling into Park Potomac

Roll by Goodyear has rolled into Park Potomac, opening a new store between Elevation Burger and The Wine Harvest. This is the space that once housed the Emily Grace boutique, most recently home to the pop-up Pooch Portrait Studio. Roll, which installs tires wherever you are, has blanketed Montgomery County with a half-dozen stores in the past few months.

Churchill Blast
Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School

Big week for The Gap & Gymboree

Gap Inc. made so many announcements this week that even we found it hard to keep up. Number one, the company said it will close about half of its 500ish Gap stores over the next two years. Number two, it will spin off the thriving Old Navy brand into a separate publicly traded company. Number three, it will purchase the Janie and Jack kids’ clothing chain from bankrupt Gymboree Group. Meanwhile, Gymboree Group got some other good news when rival retailer The Children’s Place announced plans to purchase and “revitalize” what’s left of the Gymboree brand. Does that mean the Gymboree stores are no longer going out of business? The answer isn’t clear yet — and all these plans still have to go through bankruptcy court.

Diener Denim Plus Diamonds
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Another closing at Congressional Plaza, Urban Plates is ready to roll, trouble ahead for Victoria’s Secret

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Another closing at Congressional Plaza

See that empty space next to the Chico’s sign at Congressional Plaza? That’s the former home of White House Black Market, which closed its doors unexpectedly this week after its neighbors on either side moved out. But while Chico’s and Lebanese Taverna have relocated a few doors down (more on that in our Feb. 21st edition), it appears that White House Black Market will not be coming back. That makes three empty storefronts in a row on the ground floor of Congressional Plaza, plus the neighboring second-level space where the Thomasville furniture store just cleared out. As we told you last week, owner Federal Realty is clearly making room for something big. Who will it be? Stay with Store Reporter for the answer.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

Urban Plates is ready to roll

The big news on the food scene this week is the upcoming opening of Urban Plates in the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall. The huge new eatery has been under construction since last summer in the space once occupied by the short-lived Naples Ristorante. Doors open next Thursday (March 7th), and meals will be on the house through that weekend if you sign up in advance (click here to register) and are willing to make a donation to Project HOPE. Recently, we paid a visit to the Urban Plates at Tysons Galleria. What did we think? Click here.

Power Hour Editing
Churchill Blast

Victoria's Secret goes down a size

There’s a cupful of trouble ahead for Victoria’s Secret, which announced this week that it will close 53 underperforming stores in 2019. The company has been criticized in recent years for sticking with its images of airbrushed perfection while other lingerie brands like ThirdLove and Aerie are using more realistic models and courting women of different shapes and sizes. And the competition is about to get even tougher: This week Target announced plans to launch three new lingerie brands of its own.

Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School
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Changes for Congressional Plaza, reboot for Lebanese Taverna, update on Cooper’s Hawk, more closings at the mall

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Change is in the air at Congressional Plaza

There’s a lot of reshuffling at Rockville’s Congressional Plaza this month, with longtime tenants on the move and more changes still to come. Here’s the lowdown:

  • Lebanese Taverna has closed its 20-year-old restaurant and will return next month with a new name, new format and new location between Ulta and Modern Market. Say hello to LebTav, which dispenses with the grill in favor of a fast-casual menu of salads, pita sandwiches, falafel, shawarma, hummus and grab-and-go items. This will be the second location for the Leb Tav format, which also involves more cooking at a central commissary. “If it’s successful, we will probably go this route for all our restaurants in the future,” says marketing manager Pamela Ferreira. For a sneak peek of the Rockville restaurant in progress, click here.
  • Chico’s, which has been closing stores including the one in Potomac Village, is relocating from the north side of Congressional Plaza to a smaller space on the south side. The old Chico’s will close on Feb. 24th and the new one will open a few days later.
  • On the back side of Congressional, new tenant Big Bear Custom Apparel is creating personalized clothing designs for sports teams, businesses, groups and individuals. Click here to check out the Big Bear website.
  • Performance Bicycle has been holding a going-out-of-business sale since its parent company filed bankruptcy late last year. The store will remain open until early March, but most of its inventory is already gone.

All of these changes — plus the recent closing of the Thomasville furniture store — add up to a lot of empty space on the north side of Congressional Plaza. So what’s the plan for all that square footage? For awhile we were hearing talk about a mini Barnes & Noble store, but that seems unlikely now that the bookseller has renewed its lease at Montrose Crossing. Still, it certainly looks like something big is on the way. Watch our upcoming issues for the latest.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Bender JCC of Greater Washington

Cooper's Hawk will take flight soon

With the recent openings of Onelife Fitness and Chick-fil-A at Rockville’s Research Row, anticipation is building for the arrival of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. The Illinois-based chain, which has locations in Reston, Ashburn and Annapolis, is known for its food-and-wine pairings, wine-tasting rooms and in-house gourmet markets. There’s no official opening date for Rockville just yet, but the company tells us it should happen sometime this summer.

Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty
Eyeland/Luxoptics

Who's out at the mall

Add Payless to the list of stores holding going-out-of-business sales at Westfield Montgomery mall. The shoe chain has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time and will close all 2,500 locations by May. Also on the way out of the mall are Gymboree (Chapter 11), Crabtree & Evelyn (downsizing) and Sheepskin Gifts (a seasonal tenant that comes and goes every year). Already gone as of this week: the Kia Stinger showroom. So what’s on the way to Westfield Montgomery? More food. Catch up at storereporter.com for the latest on Cinnabon, 7-Eleven and Urban Plates.

Norman's Farm Market
Churchill Blast
Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School
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Dawson’s returns, bye bye bike stores, vintage market for Potomac and a music school for Cabin John

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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.

Explore Kensington
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Labor Day opening for Cabin John restaurants, Nike store closes at Pike & Rose, Cava’s surprise buy

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Restaurants ready to open at Cabin John

The upcoming Labor Day weekend will be a busy one at Cabin John Village, with the arrival of Le Pain Quotidien and possibly Shake Shack as well. Tables and chairs already have been set up outside Le Pain, which is scheduled to open for business on Monday, Sept. 3. Construction is almost complete at the neighboring Shake Shack, which will make its debut the same day if all goes smoothly. The two restaurants will join Cava, which opened earlier this month, and the upcoming Sisters Thai, which is expected to arrive this fall. What’s next for Cabin John? A major expansion. Click here for more.

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Nike Store

Nike runs out of Pike & Rose

Surprise closing this week at Pike & Rose: The Nike Factory Store is exiting after just two years in the prominent corner spot facing Old Georgetown Road. This is the second sporting goods store to close at that location; original tenant City Sports lasted only a year before its parent company filed Chapter 11 in 2015. At the Nike store, staffers tell us that sales were slow the first year but business picked up in 2018 as Pike & Rose added more tenants and attracted more visitors. Apparently, though, the upward trend wasn’t promising enough for Nike. A company spokesperson declined to discuss Pike & Rose, but said there are no plans to close other nearby Nike stores in D.C., Georgetown and Clarksburg.

North Bethesda Fit Body Boot Camp
Eyeland/Luxoptics
Cava

Cava’s surprise buy

D.C.’s Cava Group surprised the restaurant industry last week when it announced plans to acquire Texas-based Zoë’s Kitchen for $300 million. Cava, founded a dozen years ago by three longtime friends from the Rockville/Bethesda area, has 66 locations nationwide compared with 260 for Zoë’s Kitchen. But Cava is on a rapid expansion path with significant backing from venture capital firms, while Zoë’s has seen its sales decline in recent years. Still unclear: Whether the two restaurants, which serve similar fast-casual Mediterranean menus, will retain separate identities or merge into one big Cava chain after the acquisition.

Second Chance Addiction Care
Fallsgrove Orthodontic Center
Noodles & Company

New look for Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company at Congressional Plaza is closed for renovations, with plans to reopen in mid-September. The Rockville location is one of just three Noodles and Company restaurants left in Montgomery County after last year’s closing of two Bethesda locations.

Bender JCC School fo Dance
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Did you miss these issues?

Aldi update, ins and outs at the mall, new Starbucks and the Supreme store

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Aldi update

This week we checked on the progress of Rockville’s first Aldi store, now under construction in the former H.H. Gregg space next to Petco at Congressional North. You wouldn’t know it by the empty shell seen here, but the company tells us the store is still on track to open this fall as planned. This is one of six new Maryland stores for Aldi, a German grocer that sells high-quality private-label brands at rock-bottom prices. For more on Aldi’s unique business model, click here. For info on Rockville’s upcoming Wegmans store, click here. And for the latest on the new Trader Joe’s in Travilah, click here.

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Bath & Body Works at Westfield Montgomery Mall

Comings and goings at the mall

If you stopped by Westfield Montgomery mall this week and spotted the empty space where Bath & Body Works used to be, don’t panic: There’s a lot of reshuffling going on this summer. Bath & Body Works is getting a facelift and will be operating out of temporary quarters until the work is finished. The Pandora store and Old Navy are doing the same. Meanwhile, the past few weeks have seen the openings of Invisalign, K&I Salon and a Thai rolled ice cream kiosk. What closed? Pen Boutique, after a very long going-out-of-business sale. What’s next for Westfield Montgomery? A major expansion beginning in 2019. For more on that story, click here.

Norman's Farm Market
Girl Power 3
MVP Supreme at Westfield Montgomery

Making the scene at Supreme

While we’re talking about Westfield Montgomery mall, have you ever wondered what’s up with that MVP Supreme store in the Macy’s Home wing? As any teen can probably tell you, the store is a reseller of Supreme and other popular skatewear brands that produce high-priced goods ($78 T-shirts and $158 track jackets) in very, very small quantities. The scarcity means that most items get snatched up the moment they “drop,” and some Supreme stores have set up ticketing systems to handle the overload of shoppers on “drop days.” As for the lucky buyers, they’re less likely to wear their Supreme clothes than to resell them — at school or online — for a sizable profit. Want to see what the brand is all about? Click here.

Fallsgrove Orthodontic Center
Germantown Moving & Storage
Starbucks at Pike & Rose

New Starbucks for North Bethesda

The new Starbucks at Pike & Rose has finally opened its doors in the prime space between H&M and Sur La Table. This location replaces the older Starbucks just off Rockville Pike, which was more convenient for passing drivers but missed out on all that Pike & Rose foot traffic.

Post-holiday closings, farming at Pike & Rose and the return of Amici Miei

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Who didn’t survive the holidays?

With the holidays behind us, we’re heading into the month when long-struggling stores and restaurants often close their doors. The newly renamed Cabin John Village already has seen two exits: Momo Taro Sushi Express and the dry cleaner Fashion Flair. Downtown Bethesda is sadly counting down the days for the closing of Barnes & Noble, soon to be replaced by a massive Anthropologie department store. One unexpected departure was that of L’Academie de Cuisine, the respected local cooking school whose alumni include Rose’s Luxury chef Aaron Silverman, TV personality Carla Hall, and Potomac’s own Once Upon a Chef Jenn Segal. We’re expecting more closings in the next few weeks. If you’re still holding on to any holiday gift certificates, be sure to spend them ASAP.

Bethesda Central Farm Markets
Appalachian Spring

Downsizing for Appalachian Spring

Six months after the closing of its original location in Georgetown, Appalachian Spring is shuttering two more stores as its owners make plans to retire. “Shopping is not the recreational vehicle that it used to be,” says David Brooks, who started the gift store chain 50 years ago with his wife Polly. Today’s customers have less time to browse, Brooks says, and the Virginia store in particular took a hit when Reston Town Center started charging for parking. That store and the one at D.C.’s Union Station will close this month. The Rockville store at Congressional Plaza will remain in business under new ownership, as longtime manager Blair Marra takes the reins.

Wintergreen Plaza
Amici Miei in Potomac and Rockville

Amici Miei is back

Amici Miei, the Italian restaurant that exited Potomac Woods Plaza last November, reopens this week at its new home in downtown Rockville. The new space is smaller and renovations are still under way, says owner Roberto Deias, “but it’s nice and cozy, and the customers really love it.” The menu includes plenty of longtime favorites, along with some new Sardinian dishes. You’ll find Amici Miei at 6 North Washington Street, in the former home of Peruvian restaurant Sazon Inka.

Jenny Camps Personal Training ad: http://www.jocpersonaltraining.com
Up Top Acres

Rooftop garden for Pike & Rose

Coming this spring to Pike & Rose: A rooftop vegetable garden offering farm-share memberships for the North Bethesda area. Up Top Acres, which already operates a half-dozen rooftop farms around D.C., will be growing greens, herbs, carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers and more atop one of the new Pike & Rose buildings. For more on what’s ahead for Pike & Rose — including an ice cream shop/bakery and a new concept from the founders of CAVA— read our Nov. 2 and Nov. 30 issues at www.storereporter.com.

New venture from the Cava team, new closings and our favorite restaurants for 2017

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Cava team cooks up something new for Pike & Rose

Have you been wondering what’s up with that glass-encased building across from the new L.L.Bean store on Rockville Pike? Now we know: It’s the future home of Julii, a new French Mediterranean restaurant from the founders of Cava. This will be a standalone concept created specifically for Pike & Rose, serving an all-day menu that moves from croissants and coffee in the morning to shakshouka, roast chicken and cocktails in the evening. Co-owner Ted Xenohristos tells us he hopes to open the doors by late spring or early summer.

Wintergreen Plaza
Norman's Farm Market
Toy Kingdom at Rockville Town Square

Game over for Toy Kingdom

Toy Kingdom, one of the last original tenants at Rockville Town Square, will close its doors at the end of this month after more than a decade on Maryland Avenue. Toy stores large and small have been struggling to compete with online commerce these past few years; high-end Marbles closed all its stores last winter (including the one at Westfield Montgomery Mall), while Toys R Us filed Chapter 11 this past fall. In our area, Toy Castle in Potomac and Child’s Play in Rockville are now the only two toy stores left standing.

O'Donnell's Market Wednesday Meal Deals
Helen's holiday sign

Trouble for Helen’s

Helen’s, which opened last year in the former Addie’sspace on Rockville Pike, is struggling to stay in business. Owner Helen Wasserman, a longtime D.C. caterer, says it’s been difficult to turn a profit in an aging building that has needed so many repairs. “We’re hoping to stay open if we can work things out with the landlord,” she says. The building’s former tenants, restaurateurs Jeff and Barbara Black, had similar issues that led them to close the original Addie’s in 2013. They recently debuted a new version at Park Potomac — and it’s one of our Store Reporter Favoritesfor 2017. Scroll down to find out who else made the list.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Shanghai Bao Kitchen

Another restaurant closes at the mall

Westfield Montgomery Mall lost another eatery last week with the closing of Shanghai Bao Kitchen, a two-year-old concept from the owners of Bob’s Shanghai 66. The restaurant had made several attempts to revamp its menu in the past few months, adding sushi burritos, poke bowls and other trendy items, but it suffered from its out-of-the-way location plus competition from the neighboring B/Bop/Q.

Park Potomac Winterwilds Market

Our favorite new restaurants of 2017

This has been a tough year for retailers, but a relatively good one for the local dining scene. From Rockville Pike to Potomac to Westfield Montgomery Mall, some terrific new places have opened over the past 12 months. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.

  • Addie’s at Park Potomac: This reincarnation of the beloved Rockville restaurant was one of the most anticipated openings of the year — and many longtime fans say it was worth the wait. Seafood towers are the centerpiece of the high-end menu. Click here for details.
  • Buredo at the Wildwood Shops: This is the first Maryland location for the D.C.-based chain, an early pioneer of the sushi burrito craze. We’re partial to the Beatrix, stuffed with yellowfin tuna and salmon sashimi. Click here for details.
  • CSNY Pizza on Rockville Pike: From the owners of the much-loved Pizza CS, this is about as close as you can get to authentic New York-style pizza in Rockville. Click here for details.
  • Don Pollo at Westlake Crossing: Come for the juicy roasted chicken, stay for the tasty Peruvian dishes. We particularly like the ceviche, yuca and plantains. Click here for more.
  • Filicori Zecchini at Park Potomac: Finally, a neighborhood coffee shop that Potomac can call its own. With sleek European furniture, a stunning copper bar and authentic Italian coffee, it’s worlds away from Starbucks. Click here for more.
  • Honeyfish Poke at Congressional Plaza: Hawaiian-style poke bowls are all the rage, and this place does it right: generous portions, fresh toppings and flavorful sauces. Click here for details.
  • Fresh Baguette on Hungerford Drive: The second location for this popular French bakery is designed to service wholesale clients (think country clubs and ritzy hotels) but is happy to serve you a super-fresh sandwich, a loaf of bread or a single perfect pastry. Click here for more.
  • Gusto Farm to Street at Westfield Montgomery Mall: The pizzas and salads are all very good, but it’s the chewy, gluten-free cauliflower crust that really sets this place apart. Click here for more.
  • Lucky Strike at Westfield Montgomery Mall: The food is surprisingly good at this snazzy bowling alley, where you can sit front-and-center at the sports bar or huddle in a cozy corner for a quiet board game. Click here for more.
  • Mission BBQ at Wintergreen Plaza: This uber-patriotic restaurant has something of a cult following, both for its top-notch barbecue and its dedication to supporting those in uniform. The brisket is a standout. Click here for more.
  • Moby Dick in Potomac Village: A welcome addition to this restaurant-starved neighborhood, offering a reliable Middle Eastern menu that’s well-suited for takeout. Click here for more.
  • Pinstripes at Pike & Rose: Bocce and bowling aren’t the only reasons to visit: The dishes here are among the tastiest we’ve had this year in North Bethesda. Don’t miss the boneless short rib and the crispy calamari. Click here for more.

Shake Shack heading to Cabin John — plus sushi burritos, Last Call, Smoothie King and a Sears update

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Shake Shack joining CAVA at Cabin John

Shake Shack, home of juicy burgers, crinkle-cut fries and the milkshake that made Michelle Obama break her diet, is finally coming to Montgomery County. The company tells Store Reporter that it’s joining the lineup at Cabin John Shopping Center in Potomac, where construction will begin in the next few months at the corner of the front parking lot. Projected opening: mid to late 2018. The Shake Shack deal is the latest coup for Edens, the new owner of Cabin John, which also has lured CAVA as it looks to remake the center’s dowdy image. (More on that in our Sept. 7 edition.) This news also sheds some light on the recent departure of BGR, which closed its doors at Cabin John last month. And there are more changes ahead: This week, Edens execs told the Washington Business Journal that their long-term plans call for an “urban, walkable village” that will serve as “the central gathering place for the neighborhood.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sushi burrito update

The war of the sushi burritos on Old Georgetown Road is over before it began. The winner: Buredo, the D.C.-based chain that opened its first Maryland location this summer at the Wildwood Shops. The loser: Maki Shop, another D.C. restaurant that has called off plans to open right across the street at Georgetown Square. Maki Shop, which also closed its D.C. location, appears to be down to just a delivery service and a food truck.

 

 

Fall Open House at My Gym Cabin John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sears at the mall: One down, one to go

There’s one closing that we neglected to mention in last week’s roundup of summer comings and goings at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The Sears Auto Center shut its doors at the beginning of August, four months after the property was purchased by mall owner Westfield Corp. Westfield also bought the nearby Sears department store, which continues to operate as usual under a lease-back agreement with the troubled retailer. Sears spokesman Howard Riefs says that’s the way things will stay for the foreseeable future. “The store will continue to remain open,” he says. We say: Don’t bet on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last call for Last Call?

This week Neiman-Marcus said it will close 10 of its 37 Last Call stores, which feature discounted merchandise from previous seasons as well as pieces designed specifically for the off-price market. The Potomac Mills and Arundel Mills stores are both on the closing list, but the Rockville store at Congressional Plaza is not. In other Congressional Plaza news: Smoothie King is now under construction near the center’s new outdoor seating area, with plans to open as early as next month.

 

 

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Cava, Pieology & more heading to Montrose Crossing — plus closings at Cabin John and Pike & Rose

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Five Guys, Cava and Pieology

 

Four new restaurants for Rockville

A new group of fast-casual restaurants is heading to Montrose Crossing, filling the now-empty space where Timpano was recently torn down. On the way so far: Five Guys, CAVA Grill, Pieology and a Philly-based stir-fry concept called Honeygrow (click here for more). All are expected to open this winter.

 

 

Norman's Farm Market: http://normansfarmmarket.com

 

 

 

New Orleans Cajun Seafood

 

A Taste of New Orleans on Rockville Pike

Mardi Gras fans and Tulane grads, listen up: A Cajun-style restaurant is heading to Rockville Pike. Live Crawfish & Seafood is set to open this fall at Ritchie Center off Wootton Parkway, home to La Limeña, IHOP and a bounty of international restaurants. This will be a big place: 3,000 square feet with seating for more than 80 people, says owner Thuan Nguyen. Menu will be similar to that of New Orleans Cajun Seafood, a sister restaurant in Falls Church. (Click here to check it out.)

 

 

Big summer sale at JT Interiors in Potomac Village: https://www.facebook.com/jtinteriorspotomac/

 

 

 

Closeout sale at Leila Fine Gifts & Jewels, Cabin John Shopping Center

 

Gift shop to exit Cabin John

Leila Fine Gifts & Jewels, one of the last locally owned gift shops in the Rockville/Potomac area, is closing its doors after five years at Cabin John Shopping Center. “The retail environment is challenging everywhere these days,” says owner Deb Shalom, who is still moving forward with the new jewelry subscription business that we wrote about last month. “Even the most established stores are having a hard time. For someone like me with far fewer resources, it’s tough to make things work.” This has been the worst year in recent memory for local gift shops: As Kindred Spirits closed its last remaining location in March, Ten Thousand Villages exited Rockville and Bethesda soon afterwards, and Appalachian Spring will shutter its Georgetown store this weekend.

 

 

Wintergreen Plaza: http://www.wintergreenplaza.com

 

 

 

Carluccio's

 

Carluccio’s exits Pike & Rose

Carluccio’s Italian Market, the British-owned restaurant that opened just last year at Pike & Rose, has called off plans for a U.S. expansion. The American restaurant business was more competitive than expected, a spokesman told the Washington Business Journal. Carluccio’s, which also shuttered its Virginia location in Alexandria, is the third tenant to close its doors at three-year-old Pike & Rose. The short-lived City Sports departed after its parent company filed Chapter 11, and the children’s boutique Yogaso closed last January.

 

 

 

 

Lovesac and Peloton bike

 

 

New at the mall: beanbags and Peloton bikes

Lovesac has opened its doors at Westfield Montgomery Mall, selling beanbag-style furniture on the second level near Nordstrom. This is the second beanbag store at the mall, joining two-year-old Yogibo. Also new this week: A try-it-yourself kiosk for Peloton, the high-end line of spin bikes with video screens that connect to live instructors. You’ll find Peloton on the mall’s lower level near Guess.  

 

 

Amazon logo

 

Amazon in the news

Amazon deals have been all over the news this past week. First the e-tailer agreed to buy Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. Then it announced Prime Wardrobe, a subscription service for no-hassle, easy-return shipments of clothes, shoes and accessories. And now Bloomberg reports that Amazon will soon start selling Nike goods directly from its site, thwarting counterfeiters and bypassing sporting goods retailers like Dick’s, Finish Line and Foot Locker. What will Amazon gobble up next? Stay tuned.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Sushi burritos & poke bowls, a Blaze Pizza update and more store closings

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Raw fish is all the rage

Sushi burritos and poke bowls are having a moment as we welcome some new restaurants in the Rockville/Bethesda suburbs. Buredo, set to open in the next few weeks at Wildwood Shopping Center, features hand-held rolls stuffed with avocado, cucumber, tempura flakes, sriracha mayo and other ingredients that complement the raw fish. The menu will be similar at Maki Shop, opening later this year at Georgetown Square just across the street. And Honeyfish Poke, scheduled to debut this month at Congressional Plaza, features Hawaiian-style bowls of raw fish with rice and toppings. Meanwhile, Shanghai Bao Kitchen at Westfield Montgomery Mall has dropped its original dumplings-and-veggies concept for a new menu that focuses on… you guessed it, sushi burritos and poke bowls.

 

 

 

 

 

Craft from URBNmarket vendors

 

Weekend plan: URBNmarket

URBNmarket, a two-day showcase of handmade and vintage goods, returns to Park Potomac this weekend with plenty of fab finds as well as music, food and kids’ activities. The show kicks off Friday (June 2) from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., continuing Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grassy square across from Harris Teeter. Be sure to stop by the Store Reporter table on Friday — or the information table on Saturday — for a chance to win some great gift cards from Founding Farmers, Sugo, JT Interiors, O’Donnell’s Market and Orangetheory Fitness. For more on URBNmarket and this year’s vendors, click here.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Will Blaze ever be back?

It’s been a year since Blaze Pizza abruptly closed its doors at Westfield Montgomery Mall, citing poor signage and lack of foot traffic at its tucked-away location across from Aroma. At the time, a company spokesman promised that Blaze would be back with a higher-profile space not far away. This week we checked in to see how those plans are coming along. Sadly for all you Blaze fans, they’re not. “No other location planned for the area at this time,” says spokesman Joshua Levitt. “Sorry!”

 

 

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster: http://www.lisanasarhomes.com/blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vases at Appalachian Spring

 

One less store for Appalachian Spring

Appalachian Spring, one of the longest-running craft and jewelry stores in the D.C. area, is closing its Georgetown location after nearly half a century. “We got to the end of our lease on Wisconsin Avenue, and it was just too expensive to do it over again,” says owner David Brooks. “It’s not a wonderful climate right now.” The Rockville store at Congressional Plaza is having a good year, Brooks says, and the Union Station and Reston stores are at least holding their own. “We may look for another place that doesn’t cannibalize our existing locations,” he says, “but we haven’t found it yet.” To see what’s hot this summer at Appalachian Spring, click here.

 

 

Jenny Camps Personal Training ad: http://www.jocpersonaltraining.com

 

 

 

Michael Kors handbag

 

Michael Kors closing stores

The latest company to announce widespread store closings is luxury retailer Michael Kors, which says it will shutter up to 125 of its 800-plus locations before the end of 2017. Sales of the company’s handbags and apparel have been falling this past year, even as Michael Kors tried to regain its upscale image by reducing its presence at discount-happy department stores. So what does all this mean for the Michael Kors store at Westfield Montgomery Mall? Staffers say they haven’t been told yet. “Those decisions are going to come later,” says one employee. “As far as I know, we’re not going anywhere.”

 

 

For information about membership discounts at Regency Estate Swim Club, email publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

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Moby Dick in Potomac, more retail closings and a ShopHouse successor

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Moby Dick House of Kabob in Potomac Village

 

Moby Dick arrives in Potomac Village

Moby Dick House of Kabob has opened its doors at 9812 Falls Road, ending the winter-long wait for Potomac Villagers who’ve been hungry for some new food options. The tiny restaurant, which once housed a toy store, can seat about 30 people but will likely do most of its business from takeout. Moby Dick exec Ned Daryoush, who runs the restaurant chain with father Mike, says he hopes diners will look beyond kabobs and check out some of the lesser-known traditional Persian dishes. He recommends the weekday lunchtime specials, including khoresht gheymeh (eggplant and beef stew with peas and onions) and ghomeh sabzi (herb beef stew with cilantro, parsley, red beans and leeks). “These dishes are very laborious to make, so we serve a limited supply every day,” he says. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone.” To check out the menu for yourself, click here.

 

 

JT Interiors in Potomac Village

 

 

Bebe at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

Spring bankruptcy watch: Sears, Bebe and Payless

Westfield Montgomery Mall, which has been hammered this winter by a continuing parade of national retail bankruptcies, could face even more closings in the months to come. Sears, which dates back more than 130 years, announced this week that there’s “substantial doubt” it can stay in business over the long term. Meanwhile, discount shoe chain Payless is rumored to be filing for bankruptcy with multiple store closings on the horizon. And women’s fashion retailer Bebe reportedly plans to close all of its physical stores and focus entirely on internet sales. Stay tuned.

 

 

Realtor Lisa Nasar at Long & Foster: http://www.lisanasarhomes.com

 

 

 

 

Last week for local gift shop

Meanwhile, another independently owned shop will exit next week after 20-plus years in the D.C. area. As Kindred Spirits, known for its artsy clothing, unique scarves and handmade jewelry, is shutting down its last remaining location at Westfield Montgomery Mall. “Running this business has been a joy, but all the signs are telling me that it’s time to move on,” says owner Wendy Rukmini Walker. “There’s been a shift in the climate. People aren’t shopping like they did before.” March 27th is the store’s last day of business at the mall, where Walker relocated just four months ago after closing her longtime locations at Washington Reagan Airport and Rockville’s Congressional Plaza. Walker says she may consider hosting some As Kindred Spirits pop-up shops at local events, but for now she plans to concentrate on her other passion: teaching Bhakti yoga.

 

 

Bagel City in Rockville: http://bagelciti.com

 

 

 

 

ShopHouse successor at Pike & Rose

A Korean restaurant chain will take over the 15 ShopHouse locations that closed last week, including the one at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda. Bibibop Asian Grill, a sister chain to Charley’s Philly Steaks, plans to rebrand the existing locations and relaunch them sometime this summer. Bibibop, which currently has a dozen locations in Ohio, serves a Korean-themed menu focusing on mixed rice, grilled meats, tofu and vegetables. An exec tells Nation’s Restaurant News that it’s a similar concept to ShopHouse, “targeting a mostly Millennial market.”

 

 

Blast 28 Infinity: https://events.ticketprinting.com/event/21710

 

 

 

Email questions to: publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

Lucky Strike opens, White Flint update and our restaurant contest winners

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Lucky Strike Social at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

Time to get Lucky

This weekend brings the long-awaited debut of Lucky Strike Social, opening Saturday underneath the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery Mall. At a sneak peek this week, we found an inviting space for bowlers and non-bowlers alike: plush leather couches at each of the 12 lanes, comfy seating areas for pre-and post-game socializing, and a lively bar that’s likely to become a gathering spot for shopped-out sports fans. Lanes can be rented by the hour on weekend evenings for $65 a pop; at other times, the price will be $5 to $6 per person per game (plus shoe rental). We have more photos on the Store Reporter Facebook page; click here for look.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt and Stride Rite at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

Who’s in, who’s out at the mall

Lots of comings and goings at Westfield Montgomery Mall since our last edition. On the food side, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt finally opened across from Build-a-Bear Workshop; meanwhile, Bistro Sensations has vanished from the Dining Terrace and Chocolate Moonshine has closed its seasonal pop-up shop. Also gone is American Apparel, which finally completed its extended bankruptcy sale, and Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too, whose owners say they’ll be back again next fall. Exiting soon: the Marbles game store (going bankrupt) and the Stride Rite kids’ shoe store, which will close at the end of March.

 

 

Bethesda Salt Cave: http://www.bethesdasaltcave.com

 

 

 

Lord & Taylor on Rockville Pike

 

White Flint update

This week there was a new development in the longstanding battle between Lord & Taylor and the owners of the former White Flint Mall. A U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a 2015 verdict that Lord & Taylor, which is still doing business on the property, is entitled to $31 million in damages resulting from the mall’s demolition. The mall’s owners, Lerner Enterprises and The Tower Cos., have said they might not follow through with redevelopment plans if the verdict didn’t go their way. Bethesda Beat reports that their lawyers are now deciding whether to appeal yet again.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Fish Taco platter

 

And the restaurant winners are…

Last month we asked our readers to vote for their favorite new restaurants in the Rockville/Potomac area, drawing from a list of two dozen eateries that have opened over the past year. The results made one thing abundantly clear: The fast-casual segment is where it’s at. Most of the votes went to places where you can take the kids, wear something comfortable, and get a good meal for less than $15 per person.

And the winners are:

  • Fish Taco at Wildwood, the runaway winner of our poll, has earned a loyal following for its distinctive menu, tasty margaritas, striking decor and casual atmosphere that works equally well for couple meet-ups and family dinners.
  • Chuy’s on Rockville Pike is another favorite for its generous portions of Tex-Mex food and drinks, not to mention the excellent service and quirky Elvis-themed decor.
  • The Big Greek Café, a family-owned restaurant that recently added a location off Rockville Pike at Nicholson Lane, is beloved for its delicious home-cooked food and exceptionally warm staff.
  • Chopt and Modern Market, the two newest eateries at Congressional Plaza, both earn high praise for their winning combination of healthy food that tastes great. 
  • The Habit Burger Grill and Jersey Mike’s Subs, both at Wintergreen Plaza, offer an updated take on fast food that’s resonating with many of our readers.

In the fine-dining arena, two restaurants earned the most votes:

  • Helen’s, which took over the former Addie’s space on Rockville Pike, is a favorite for its top-notch cooking and welcoming, intimate atmosphere.
  • Lahinch, in the former Benny’s space at Cabin John Shopping Center, earned high marks for its Irish/American menu and lively ambience.

Other popular choices in our poll were Owen’s Ordinary at Pike & Rose, Mellow Mushroom at Rockville Town Square, and Beefsteak at Westfield Montgomery Mall. And the winner of dinner for four at Chuy’s? Hillary Benson of Potomac.

 

 

Email questions to publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

Moby Dick in Potomac Village, more changes at Rockville Town Square, new restaurants we love

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Moby Dick kabobs

 

Moby Dick update

Moby Dick expects a mid-March opening for its new location in Potomac Village, where it’s nearing the end of construction at the Falls Road storefront that once housed Toys Unique. This will be the 21st restaurant for the fast-casual chain, which has been serving Persian food in the D.C. area for almost 30 years. To see what’s on the menu, click here.

 

 

Kaufmann Jewelers: http://www.kaufmannjewelers.com/aboutus/

 

 

 

Ev & Maddy's and Little Dipper Hot Pot House at Rockville Town Square

 

Who’s in, who’s out at Rockville Town Square

Lots of changes this winter on Gibbs Street at Rockville Town Square, where Little Dipper Hot Pot House is set to open next week while the neighboring Ev & Maddy’s appears to have closed. Little Dipper, which is taking over the corner spot that once housed Noodles & Company, offers flavored broths with noodles, vegetables and meats that you cook right at your table. Ev & Maddy’s, which earned good reviews for its European bistro-style menu, had been open for just two years in the space next door. It’s the fourth restaurant to fail at that address since 2007, following Bobby’s Crabcakes, Tippy’s Taco House and the short-lived 82 Steak Out. Also exiting Gibbs Street is the Ten Thousand Villages gift shop; more on that in our Feb. 2 edition.

 

 

 

 

 

Want to win dinner for four at Chuy's? Scroll down to find out how.

 

 

 

Macy's sign at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

Amazon to buy Macy’s?

This week brought the news that Macy’s, which has been closing stores across the country, is entertaining acquisition offers from several potential suitors. The interested parties are said to include Amazon, which is looking to expand into physical stores, and Hudson’s Bay Company, which already owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

 

Purse from BCBG Max Azria

 

Bye bye BCBG

BCBG Max Azria, which exited Westfield Montgomery Mall last year, plans to close 120 locations across the country in the next two months. The retailer says it will continue to operate some freestanding stores, but will focus primarily on its Internet sales, licensing deals and boutiques inside department stores. The BCBG store in Chevy Chase will be closing in the next few weeks, but staffers tell us the Georgetown and Tysons stores will remain open — at least for now. Like so many clothing retailers these days, BCBG is rumored to be on the verge of bankruptcy.

 

 

2017 Tips on Trips & Camps Summer Opportunities Fair: https://tipsontripsandcamps.com/dc/

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Dinner and margarita at Chuy's

 

Tell us where you love to eat — and win dinner at Chuy’s

From burgers and beer to Irish and Russian cuisine, the Rockville/Potomac area has welcomed some two dozen new restaurants in the past 12 months. As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’d like to know which ones have won a place in your heart. Tell us your favorites, and we’ll enter you into our raffle to win dinner for four at Chuy’s on Rockville Pike. Here are the contenders:

  • Beefsteak at Westfield Montgomery Mall
  • Carluccio’s at Pike & Rose
  • Chopt at Congressional Plaza
  • Chuy’s at Federal Plaza
  • Fish Taco at the Wildwood Shops
  • Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub at Rockville Town Square
  • Habit Burger at Wintergreen Plaza
  • Helen’s on Rockville Pike
  • Jersey Mike’s at Wintergreen Plaza
  • Lahinch at Cabin John Shopping Center
  • Mellow Mushroom at Rockville Town Square
  • Miso Fusion Café at Rockville Town Square
  • Modern Market at Congressional Plaza
  • Owen’s Ordinary at Pike & Rose
  • Pieology on Shady Grove Road
  • Pie 360 on Rockville Pike
  • Samovar at Rockville Town Square
  • Smashburger on Rockville Pike
  • Tara Thai at Westfield Montgomery Mall
  • The Big Greek Cafe on Nicholson Lane
  • Wingstop at Wintergreen Plaza
  • World of Beer in downtown Rockville

To enter, just click here to fill out our survey favorites (choose as many favorites as you want) or click here to comment on our Facebook page. We’ll tally up the votes and draw the winning name later this month.

 

 

LavaLoka workout clothes: https://lavaloka.com

 

 

 

Email advertising and editorial questions to publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

Modern Market eyes Fallsgrove, new tenant for American Tap Room, goodbye Ten Thousand Villages

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Modern Market at Congressional Plaza

 

Modern Market heading to Fallsgrove?

It’s not a done deal yet, but we’re hearing that Modern Market will soon announce plans for a second Rockville restaurant at the Fallsgrove Village Center off Shady Grove Road. The chain made its D.C.-area debut last summer in downtown Bethesda, followed in December by a second location at Rockville’s Congressional Plaza and just this week by a third location in Washington. Modern Market, based in health-conscious Boulder, CO, has earned an avid following for its super-fresh menu (click here), detailed nutritional information, and willingness to accommodate a variety of specialized diets. (At Fallsgrove, though, we might just be tempted to top off all that healthy eating with a hot Krispy Kreme.)

 

 

Sculpt Studio: http://sculptstudio.com

 

 

 

 

New successor for American Tap Room

Six weeks after the closing of Rockville’s American Tap Room, a new restaurant has leased the space with plans to open this summer. Pandora Seafood Restaurant and Bar is a new venture from the owners of China Garden, a longtime fixture in Rosslyn, VA, that’s known for hosting large events. China Garden recently announced plans to close at the end of July, just when this new restaurant is expected to open.

 

 

Catering at Duck Donuts: https://duckdonuts.com/locations/rockville-md/

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages, which sells crafts made by artisans in developing countries, will close its Bethesda and Rockville stores this spring. The company is trimming down “in response to a changing retail environment,” says spokesman Juanita Fox, but will continue to operate stores in Baltimore and Old Town Alexandria. The 11-year-old location at Rockville Town Square is scheduled to exit March 25, followed shortly afterwards by the Bethesda store on Elm Street. If you’re a fan of Ten Thousand Villages and its global mission, you can still shop the website by clicking here.

 

 

Tips on Trips & Camps Summer Opportunities Fair: https://tipsontripsandcamps.com/dc/

 

 

 

Silver Moon Valentine's Day jewelry 2017

 

Valentine’s Day gifts at Silver Moon

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and the Silver Moon gift shop at Congressional Plaza (formerly known as Tiara) is brimming with heart-shaped jewelry from Pandora. Shown here: sterling silver earring and necklace set for $125; pavé heart bracelet with love charm and silver clips for $195; and the “Love Struck” charm gift set for $65. All three come complete with lovely red gift boxes. Silver Moon Jewelry & Accessories, Congressional Plaza, 1659 Rockville Pike. Call 301-468-1122 or visit www.silvermoonstyle.com.

 

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Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

More post-holiday closings at the mall

More closings to report this week at Westfield Montgomery Mall, where January always brings a slew of departures but this year was particularly rough. Best Buy Mobile and Wetzel’s Pretzels are the latest tenants to leave, joining a list that now includes Naples Ristorante, The Limited, Peet’s Coffee, R. Riveter, Smart Toys, American Classic Clothes and Freddy. American Apparel, which recently declared bankruptcy, is also on its way out. But February will bring some fresh tenants into the mix, with Lucky Strike Social and Nespresso both expected to open in the next few weeks. For details on all the recent closings, catch up on our past issues at www.storereporter.com.

 

 

Email questions to: publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

Staples, Shake Shack and Sugo

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Staples

 

Staples: One down, one to go

Staples will close one of its Rockville stores — the one off Nicholson Lane, next to Casual Male XL — as part of the company’s plan to shed some 225 underperforming locations nationwide. Like Office Depot, which is also closing locations (see our May 8 issue for more), Staples has struggled to keep its stores relevant with so many office supplies now being purchased online. The company says its future stores will be smaller and more focused on providing one-stop shopping for small-business owners. That means the addition of things like medical scrubs for doctors’ offices, toys and crafts for child-care centers, hard hats and boots, snack foods, cleaning supplies and travel gear. There also will be a rotating series of new logos, with different products standing in for the “L” (as shown here). At the remaining Staples in Rockville, on the Pike at Congressional North, you’ll begin to see those changes as early as next month.

 

 

Shake Shack BurgerChecking in with Shake Shack

Shake Shack was in the news for all the wrong reasons this week when Philadelphia Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg and New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda blamed its burgers for their food poisoning. But no matter how that situation… um… shakes out, it’s unlikely to be more than a blip on the radar for New York-based Shake Shack, which has earned a cult following for its freshly made burgers, hot dogs, french fries and frozen custards with mix-ins. Store Reporter readers have been asking us to find out when Shake Shack will arrive in Montgomery County. And with three locations in D.C. and two more opening soon in Baltimore and Tysons Corner, we thought perhaps the time had come. But we thought wrong. The company says there will be no more Maryland Shake Shacks for the time being. Probably better for our waistlines anyway.

 

 

SuGo

 

The dish on Sugo

Sugo at Park Potomac, which celebrates its second anniversary this month, has revamped its menu with eight new dishes including Steak Frites, Mac-and-Cheese Carbonara, Chef D Sugo Meatballs and Mushroom Love Pizza. “People never want to lose their favorite items,” says Ted Xenohristos, co-founder of SuGo and its sister chain Cava. “But when they taste the new ones, they’re usually happy.” So which of the new dishes does Xenohristos like best? “I’m a very simple eater,” he says. “My favorite is the hand-cut spaghetti with fresh-crushed tomatoes, basil and olive oil. Every single ingredient was made that day. It’s delicious.”

 

Bankrupt Brookstone, Hamburger Hamlet, denim debut

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Brookstone Massage Chair

 

Brookstone’s bankruptcy

Brookstone filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week, but it looks like the Westfield Montgomery Mall store is safe for now. Plans call for the chain to be acquired by the parent company of Spencer’s gift shops and Spirit Halloween stores. Brookstone’s sales have slipped in recent years as shoppers declined to open their wallets for $4,500 massage chairs and $70 talking remote meat thermometers — the same problem that ultimately killed Sharper Image. Brookstone says it doesn’t plan to close any stores at the moment, but its future growth will be at airports rather than malls.

 

 

Hamburger Hamlet burger

What’s happening at the Hamlet

Three months after the closing of Hamburger Hamlet off Democracy Boulevard and Old Georgetown Road, we hear that two national restaurant chains are looking seriously at the massive space. The Hamlet, a staple at Georgetown Square Shopping Center for nearly 40 years, was a go-to restaurant for locals in the 1970s and ’80s. But its popularity had declined by 2012, when its California-based parent company declared bankruptcy. Another California company, Du-par’s, briefly took over and tried to turn the Hamlet into a 24-hour diner. But that didn’t go well either, and the restaurant closed its doors last December. Stay tuned to find out who’s moving in.

 

 

Mommy & Me with Buzz Lightyear, Congressional Plaza

Mommy & Me times two

Congressional Plaza in Rockville kicks off its spring Mommy & Me (& Daddy Too!) events this week. There will be live performances, craft projects, giveaways, balloon twisting and kids-eat-free promotions throughout the shopping center. And this year the monthly program has been expanded to downtown Rockville, where it will be held at the Town Square through October and inside the library during the colder months. Congressional’s program, which starts today (4/10). Rockville’s program starts next Tuesday, April 15th.

 

 

LiquidBLUE Denim Boutique, Rockville Town Square
Designer denim — and $25 off

LiquidBLUE Denim Boutique, the high-end denim shop we wrote about in our March 13 issue, is putting the finishing touches on its new store at Rockville Town Square. The shop will carry lines like Hudson, Citizens for Humanity, AG, Current/Elliott and True Religion. The official opening is April 19, but you might be able to stop in a few days earlier. And here’s some incentive: LiquidBLUE is offering $25 off to Store Reporter readers. Our coupon is good through May 2014.

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Chipotle in the Village, fresh choices at Starbucks, playgrounds on the Pike

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Chipotle Burrito

 

Chipotle in Potomac Village: Yes or no?

In our Feb. 4 debut issue we reported that Chipotle was heading to Potomac Village, taking over the former Chicken Out space next to Starbucks. But two months have passed now, and that still-empty storefront has seen little action beyond the parade of caffeinated burrito lovers sadly pressing their noses against its window. Meanwhile, Store Reporter has lost count of how many times she’s been emailed, texted and stopped on the street by people who want to know: Is Chipotle still coming? So she checked. And the answer is still yes. But it won’t open in early spring as originally planned; probably closer to late May or the beginning of June.

 

 

Starbucks La Boulange Chocolate Croissant

In with the new at Starbucks

Speaking of Starbucks: If you stopped at one this week, you may have noticed that all the baked goods have suddenly been replaced by a new menu from La Boulange, a gourmet bakery that was acquired by Starbucks in 2012. In other parts of the country where the new menu was rolled out earlier, customer complaints led to the return of a few old favorites like pumpkin bread and lemon loaf cake. And it appears the reception in this market has been decidedly mixed as well: A half-dozen local baristas told us that only the chocolate croissants are getting universally great reviews. So: What do you think of the new Starbucks menu? Tell us your thoughts on Store Reporter’s Facebook page.

 

 

Creative Playthings Swingset, Congressional Plaza

 

Sliding into Rockville Pike

Creative Playthings, the Virginia-based manufacturer of backyard playgrounds, has moved its swings and slides to a new home at Rockville’s Congressional Plaza. The shopping center location marks a new strategy for the company, which previously operated out of a Gaithersburg warehouse space. But the departure of Harry & David opened up a prime spot at Congressional, which caters to families with tenants like The Children’s Place, Child’s Play and Cartoon Cuts. “We certainly are getting a lot of traffic at this location,” says Creative Playthings store manager Dale Rawlings. “All the kids are coming through and pointing us out to their parents.”