Store Reporter

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

Mexican Food

Twenty-five restaurants and two dozen stores that won’t be back

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Saying goodbye to some favorites

As we approach the first anniversary of pandemic-related closings, we’re taking a moment to look back at some stores and restaurants that we’ve lost along the way. The sheer size of this list is shocking — but it’s also important to remember a few key things: 1) Some of these businesses were already struggling before any of us had ever heard of the novel coronavirus. 2) Several on this list had not been open long enough to develop a loyal customer base, which might have been willing to support them through the pandemic. 3) A few longtime retailers decided that 2020 was a really great year to retire.

 

Westfield Montgomery mall, which was forced to close for several months last spring, has lost more businesses over the past year than any other shopping center in our area. About half of the mall’s eateries have gone dark since March 2020, along with more than a dozen chain stores: Abercrombie & Fitch, Alex & Ani, Bose, Clarks, David’s Tea, Eyebobs, GNC, Godiva, Hanna Andersson, Marmi, Microsoft, Steve Madden, The Art of Shaving and The Walking Company.

 

Lord & Taylor also closed up shop in 2020 (more here), as did the entire Pet Valu chain (more here) and Lucky Brand at Pike & Rose (more here).  Also gone are ABC’s & 1-2-3’s at Wintergreen Plaza, GameStop at Fallsgrove and It’Sugar at Rockville Town Square (more here). And Cabin John’s beloved Toy Castle closed its doors last summer after 41 years (more here).

 

On the restaurant scene, here are 25 notable losses of the past 12 months.

 

  • Addie’s at Park Potomac: This three-year-old reboot from Black Restaurant Group never seemed to regain the fan base of its predecessor on Rockville Pike. Most of its sister restaurants managed to survive the pandemic, but Addie’s didn’t make it. The prime corner space already has been filled by a new place: King Street Oyster Bar. More on that in our Jan. 28th edition.

 

  • Aroma at Westfield Montgomery mall: This popular Israeli coffee chain had a seven-year run at the mall, but it couldn’t seem to woo the crowds away from Starbucks. Aroma closed at the beginning of the pandemic and never reopened.

 

  • Bagel City on Rockville Pike: This beloved local landmark was originally expected to reopen for takeout, but a family health challenge made the logistics too difficult. Co-owner Stephanie Kavadoy tells us she hopes to return in the future with a smaller operation.

 

 

  • Breadsmith at Cabin John Village: This kosher and nut-free bakery, a franchise owned by locals, was a go-to in Potomac for 12 years. Owners blamed the pandemic when they closed last September.

 

  • Chuy’s on Rockville Pike: The Mexican chain had already announced closings just before the pandemic, shuttering its Federal Plaza location in March. In this case, coronavirus was not to blame.

 

  • Cold Stone Creamery at Westfield Montgomery mall: The ice cream chain had been a centerpiece of the Dining Terrace since 2015. Cold Stone closed in December.

 

  • CiCi’s Pizza on Rockville Pike: This longtime chain, known for its all-you-can-eat pizza buffets, was unable to survive on takeout business alone. Its parent company has since filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

 

  • Flower Child at Travilah Square: The two-year-old eatery closed at the beginning of the pandemic and was initially expected to reopen, but the company changed its mind. The Wildwood location, always much busier, is still in business.

 

  • Gumbo Ya Ya at Rockville Town Square: This locally owned eatery, offering a mashup of New Orleans-style cuisine and traditional Puerto Rican dishes, had only been open for a few months before the pandemic.

 

  • Gusto at Westfield Montgomery mall: This pizza and salad spot closed at the beginning of the pandemic and never returned to the Dining Terrace. Gusto eventually shuttered all its Maryland locations.

 

  • Honeyfish Poke at Congressional Plaza: This California-based concept was among the first local eateries to specialize in the Hawaiian-style raw fish dish. Honeyfish went dark early in the pandemic after a three-year run in Rockville.

 

  • La Tasca at Rockville Town Square: The Spanish-style tapas chain, one of the last original tenants at Rockville Town Square, filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy last May and closed all its locations.

 

  • Le Pain Quotidien at Cabin John Village: LPQ was already struggling before the pandemic, and its U.S. division filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy last May. The Cabin John and Wildwood locations both went dark, but Wildwood made a surprise comeback in late 2020. It doesn’t look like that will be happening at Cabin John.

 

  • Mirch Masala at Westfield Montgomery mall: The Indian restaurant spent a decade at the mall, but owner Poonam Chopra opted not to renew her lease in the current environment.

 

  • Möge Tee at Westfield Montgomery mall: This New York-based bubble tea chain debuted at the mall in 2019 and disappeared last spring.

 

  • Nantucket Reef at Traville Village Center: This Cape Cod-style eatery said it was closing “temporarily” last March. It never reopened.

 

  • Panera in downtown Rockville: While other Paneras have remained open throughout the pandemic — including the one at Federal Plaza — this location did not survive.

 

  • Pizza CS on Rockville Pike. In this case, coronavirus only accelerated a closing that would have happened a few months later. The Neapolitan-style pizzeria lost its home to a planned Wegmans-anchored redevelopment project. (More on Wegmans in our Aug. 13th edition.)

 

  • Poké Papa at Westfield Montgomery mall: This Hawaiian-style eatery had been in business for just six months when the pandemic began. It closed last spring and never reopened.

 

  • Roti at Pike & Rose: While other Pike & Rose restaurants have survived the pandemic, this Mediterranean fast-casual chain gave up early.

 

  • Spice 6 at Westfield Montgomery mall: This Indian fast-food chain arrived at the mall in 2018 and closed last spring. Other Spice 6 locations remain open.

 

  • Subway restaurants in Rockville and Potomac. The sandwich chain closed its locations at Cabin John Village and Federal Plaza. The reasons are unclear.

 

  • Sweetly Anchored Patisserie at Cabin John Village: This bakery continued filling cake orders while the Cabin John mini-mall was closed, but owner Lindsay Miniaci said the space was so quiet that it wasn’t worth reopening to foot traffic. She moved out last fall.

 

  • Thai Pavilion at Rockville Town Square: After a long run at the Square, this restaurant closed in August. It was the fifth eatery to exit the Town Square in 2020.

 

  • The Wine Harvest at Park Potomac: This ten-year-old restaurant and wine shop, known for its convivial atmosphere, closed its doors on New Year’s Eve. Andrew Meyrowitz, whose family also closed their Kentlands location in 2019, said it was too difficult to turn a profit in the current environment.
Wintergreen Plaza
Lisa Nasar

The return of J. Chow's

Here’s one restaurant that isn’t going away after all: It’s been a week since we wrote about the closing of J. Chow’s at Westfield Montgomery mall, and we’re happy to report that the restaurant has now reopened. J. Chow’s is something of a local institution, with a fan base dating all the way back to its days in the food court at White Flint Mall. Owners tell us those signature California Chicken Salads aren’t going anywhere.

Power Hour Editing
Little Pearl

The Store Reporter Guide

A weekly guide sponsored by some of our favorite local businesses

 

Want to make sure that your favorite restaurants don’t close? You can do your part by supporting them as often as possible. Shown here: pizza from Gregorio’s, which also offers personal chef services and catering. Other local pizzerias include Potomac Pizza in the Village and newcomer Piccoli Piatti at Wildwood. Find these — and much more — in this week’s Store Reporter Guide.

 

DINING & DELIVERY

 

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

 

  • CAVA MEZZE is excited to offer our delicious family meals, salads, mezze, drinks & more at 10 percent off when you do contactless curbside pickup. Try our specialties like scallop risotto, fried calamari, opa opa shrimp, lollipop chicken, spicy lamb sliders, steak souvlaki, spanakopita & much more. We’re also excited to launch our new neighborhood food drops. Follow us on Instagram (@cavamezze) to see where we’re headed next. Website and ordering info: cavamezze.com.

 

  • DENIZENS BREWING COMPANY delivers beer, hard seltzer, wine & cocktails directly to your doorstep in Rockville, Potomac, Bethesda, Gaithersburg & Germantown! Our contactless “Beermobile“ delivery service was just named as a Bethesda Magazine‘s 2021 Editor’s Pick. Order now to find out why. Weekly ordering begins every Wednesday; delivery days are Thursday-Sunday. Orders placed by 11 a.m. go out the same day. Get stocked up for the weekend and place your contactless delivery order now! denizensbrewingco.com.

 

  • FISH TACO: Let’s catch up! We are family-owned and we source our food seasonally, sustainably & locally. We take pride in using the highest quality ingredients to bring our guests delicious, hand-crafted meals & empower them to connect with what’s important in life. We offer our famous fish tacos, as well as an assortment of Baja-inspired favorites. Visit us at multiple area locations, or order online at www.fishtacoonline.com.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Full menu and weekly specials featuring pizzas, pastas, seafood, meats, salads & more. Open indoors & outdoors for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Check out our new Bethesda location on Sangamore Road! Call for personal chef services & catering: (800) 749-8894. Menu for all locations: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • JULII is excited to now offer 25 percent capacity indoor dining along with our private heated igloos daily. Come enjoy our crispy trout, Julii Burger, decadent French onion soup, and weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday. We open at 4 p.m. on Monday-Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Curbside pickup & delivery are still available. Top off your meal with our cocktail pouches, beer & wine to go. To reserve a bubble: Email info@julii.com or call (301) 517-9090. Menu: julii.com.

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. We’ve got grilled chops, steaks, salads, sandwiches & more. Also: Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas & bloody Marys. Discounted beer and wine to go, carry-out, curbside pickup, outdoor dining options. Call us: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

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

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE: Seasonal, French-inspired cuisine in Rockville. Happy new year! Beautiful modern dining room & bar. Steak frites, boeuf Bourguignon, lobster bisque, shitake mushroom potage, fried chicken waffle sandwich, Nutella waffles, crêpes & much more. Open Tues.-Sun. for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road, delivery with Grubhub& Postmates, or heated outdoor dining. Easy online ordering or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

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

 

  • ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE, the first name in pancakes. Whatever you want for breakfast or lunch, we’ve got it: eggs & omelettes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, sandwiches, French toast, waffles, wraps, burgers, salad & crepes both sweet & savory. Bethesda: 7703 Woodmont Ave., (301) 986-0285. Rockville: 12224 Rockville Pike, (301) 468-0886. Open for limited dine-in plus outdoor seating, takeout, curbside pickup, & deliver via third-party apps. Menu: ophrestaurants.com.

 

  • PICCOLI PIATTI PIZZERIA: Authentic. Neapolitan. Greatness. We use high-quality imported Italian flour & tomatoes, locally sourced meats, organic produce & spectacular domestic cheeses to create exceptional, affordable dishes that please the whole family. Our pizza is crafted to order in the classic Neapolitan style & finished in our 900-degree brick oven. Great pastas, small plates & lunch sandwiches too! 10257 Old Georgetown Road in the Wildwood center. Call us: (240) 858-6099. Order online: piccolipiattipizzeria.com.

 

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

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

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

 

  • QUINCY’S POTOMAC BAR & GRILLE: Newly open at Potomac Woods Plaza off Montrose & Seven Locks. 35 flat-screen TVs, 20 beers on tap, American bar fare: hand-cut sirloins, filets & ribeyes, chicken pot pie, fried chicken & beef stew. Happy hour menu from 4-7 p.m. weekdays, with specials every weekend. Now offering takeout & outdoor dining in our large heated tent, with sports on our huge outdoor TVs. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram. Phone: (240) 500-3010. Menu: quincyspotomac.com.

 

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

 

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

 

  • THE BOTTLE SHOP WINE & BEER: Looking for a new neighborhood wine & beer shop? We have a great selection of exceptional wine, craft beer & artisan snacks — chilled & ready to go — to make your evenings special. You’ll find us at Potomac Woods Plaza, 350 Fortune Terrace, around the corner from Park Potomac (Montrose & Seven Locks). Check our weekly wine & beer discounts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Stop in to browse our aisles, or call ahead for curbside delivery: (301) 738-9463. Website: mybottleshop.net.

 

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

 

  • WINTERGREEN PLAZA has the stores, restaurants & services businesses you need — all in one place, with free & easy parking. Besides Food Lion, Classic Beer & Wine, Dunkin’ and Starbucks, this is the home of Chipotle, Habit Burger, Jersey Mike’s, Mission BBQ, Niwano Hana, Paisano’s Pizza, Sweet Frog, Ten Ren Tea Ginseng, The Halal Guys & Wingstop. Also: salons, professional practices, Bray & Scarff, The UPS Store, Pure Hockey, Rockville Soccer, TennisTopia & much more. For a full list, click here.

 

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

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

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

 

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

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique, inside the Cabin John mini-mall. Sweater trunk show! More than 100 sweaters to fit your style: prints, solids & turtlenecks. Mix & match them with your loungewear sets. Come on in for a private appointment, or schedule a virtual shopping session. Curbside/limited delivery/shipping available. Shop new arrivals on Facebook and Instagram. Call us: (301) 704-0264. New website: hannasconnection.com.

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels, custom baskets & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday & 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

  • KAUFMANN JEWELERS: Fine jewelry, custom jewelry, large & small repairs. Father & son George & Corey Kaufmann are carrying on the family tradition: offering an upscale shopping experience while preserving the handshake-generation, family-business mentality. Whether we’re designing your custom piece, showing you our collection or handling your repairs, Kaufmann Jewelers strives to build lifelong clients. Call us: (301) 978-7778. Visit us at Park Potomac, 12500 Park Potomac Avenue. Website: kaufmannjewelers.com.

 

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

 

  • SCOUT & MOLLY’S BOUTIQUE, your North Bethesda fashion destination at Pike & Rose. This winter we are all things chic & cozy! New arrivals almost daily: Spanx leggings, loungewear, tie dye styles, rock band tees, Zoom-friendly tops, messenger bags with guitar straps & jewelry. End-of-season clearance sale & Flash Sale Fridays happening now. Ask about private shopping & curbside pickup. Shop Instagram, shop Facebook, shop online, shop in-store or call us: (301) 348-5047. Website: northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

KIDS & TEENS

 

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

 

  • TIPS ON TRIPS AND CAMPS: What will your kids be doing this summer? We’re here to offer ideas, expertise & plenty of options. Tips on Trips and Camps has been around for half a century, guiding families like yours to the best summer options for their students ages 7-18+. All our services are FREE to families. No need to figure this out alone — we are happy to help, with plenty of ideas for 2021! To get started on your summer plan, call Lisa Bulman Mullen: (561) 703-6448 or email lisa@tipsontripsandcamps.com.

 

FITNESS

 

  • FITNESS FOR HEALTH: Dedicated to the special needs community, we offer an unparalleled evidence-based approach to therapeutic exercise, occupational therapy & physical therapy. We help our clients improve their gross & fine motor capabilities, fitness, visual motor function, self-confidence & self-esteem in our state-of-the-art facility — all while having fun! Conveniently located in Rockville, we’re open 7 days a week for in-person & telehealth services. In-network provider for Tricare & Kaiser Permanente. Call (301) 231-7138. www.fitnessforhealth.org.

 

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

 

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

CELEBRATIONS

 

 

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

 

  • JAMIE KRAMER EVENTS is dedicated to crafting authentic, memorable & customized experiences for private & corporate events. Celebrations & milestones, conferences & board meetings, team building, corporate retreats, networking & more. Whether your event is virtual, socially distanced or you’re planning ahead for in-person, we promise to make it unforgettable. Check us out on Instagram & Facebook, and email jamie@jamiekramerevents.com to start planning. Website: jamiekramerevents.com.

 

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

 

FURNITURE, ART, JEWELRY & COLLECTIBLES

 

 

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

 

HOME SERVICES

 

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

 

  • MIKE’S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY, commercial, residential & emergency. Lock repair & replacement, re-key services, touchscreen locks & high-security locks. Now offering security cameras, video doorbells & monitored security systems accessible on any device, so you can talk to visitors & unlock doors remotely. All at a low monthly fee. Labor & materials guaranteed for as long as you own your home. Appointments & after-hour emergencies: (240) 506-7500. Email: mike@mikes-locksmith.com. Website: mikes-locksmith.com.

 

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

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

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

 

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

 

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New taqueria for Rockville, Quincy’s debuts in Potomac, Walking Company walks away

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New taqueria for Rockville

Northern Virginia taco chain Taco Bamba is making its move into Maryland, taking over the former Modern Market space at Congressional Plaza. Chef/owner Victor Albisu, a one-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Chef Awards, says he’s had his eye on Rockville Pike for years. He hopes to have the new location up and running by spring, offering takeout and delivery as well as outdoor seating in the courtyard shared by LebTav, Chopt and Starbucks. In addition to tacos, the menu will include wings, enchiladas, vegetarian options and some Maryland-inspired dishes — plus local beer, Mexican beer and agave-infused cocktails. “This will be a place where you can get a really good, inexpensive meal in a fun environment,” Albisu says. And when the pandemic is over, “we hope our bar will become a Rockville destination.”

Wintergreen Plaza

Quincy's debuts in Potomac

After a year of construction at Potomac Woods Plaza, the newest Quincy’s sports bar made its debut this week in the former Amici Miei space near Brooklyn’s Deli. The menu features classic American fare, from wings to salads to steaks, with 20 beers on tap and 32 flat-screen TVs — including three outside. Eventually, there will be game nights and live music. For now, you can order takeout or enjoy your meal in the outdoor heated tent. Scroll down for further details in our Store Reporter Guide.

Lauren Kline

The Walking Company steps out

The Walking Company, a mecca for stylish active footwear, has walked away from its longtime home at Westfield Montgomery mall. This is the third shoe store to exit the mall’s Nordstrom wing since March: Steve Madden went dark at the beginning of the pandemic, and Marmi disappeared last fall. In a corridor that was home to five shoe stores pre-pandemic, Stuart Weitzman and Aldo now stand alone. Is everyone buying their shoes online these days?

International School of Music

The Store Reporter Guide

A weekly guide sponsored by some of our favorite local businesses

 

This week we welcome three new additions for your drinking pleasure: Denizens Brewing Co., offering weekly delivery of its locally brewed beers and hard seltzer; The Bottle Shop, your neighborhood spot for all things beer and wine; and just down the sidewalk, the brand new Quincy’s Potomac Bar & Grille. Read on for more.

 

DINING & DELIVERY

 

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

 

  • CAVA MEZZE is excited to offer our delicious family meals, salads, mezze, drinks & more at 10 percent off when you do contactless curbside pickup. Try our specialties like scallop risotto, fried calamari, opa opa shrimp, lollipop chicken, spicy lamb sliders, steak souvlaki, spanakopita & much more. We’re also excited to launch our new neighborhood food drops. Follow us on Instagram (@cavamezze)to see where we’re headed next. Website and ordering info: cavamezze.com.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Full menu and weekly specials featuring pizzas, pastas, seafood, meats, salads & more. Outdoor seating for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Also check out our new location at 4611-A Sangamore Road, Bethesda. Menu for all locations: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • JULII at Pike & Rose, now offering heated outdoor seating — or reserve one of our heated private outdoor igloos. We’ve added new family meals (chicken kabobs, chicken parmesan, rigatoni bolognese & family burgers) that feed four people for $55 to $65. Top off your meal with our cocktail pouches, beer & wine to go. Get 10 percent off when you choose contactless curbside pickup, or choose free delivery from DoorDash. To reserve a bubble: Email info@julii.com or call (301) 517-9090. Menu: julii.com.

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. We’ve got grilled chops, steaks, salads, sandwiches & more. NFL Ticket: Catch all the games on Sundays with Sunday brunch, bottomless mimosas & bloody Marys. Discounted beer and wine to go, carry-out, curbside pickup & outdoor dining options. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

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

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE: Seasonal, French-inspired cuisine in Rockville. Happy new year! Beautiful modern dining room & bar (when we’re allowed to reopen it). Steak frites, boeuf Bourguignon, lobster bisque, shitake mushroom potage, fried chicken waffle sandwich, Nutella waffles, crêpes & much more. Open Tues.-Sun. for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road, delivery with Grubhub & Postmates, or heated outdoor dining. Easy online ordering or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

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

 

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

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

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

 

  • QUINCY’S POTOMAC BAR & GRILLE: Newly open at Potomac Woods Plaza off Montrose & Seven Locks. 35 flat-screen TVs, 20 beers on tap, American bar fare: hand-cut sirloins, filets & ribeyes, chicken pot pie, fried chicken & beef stew. Happy hour menu from 4-7 p.m. weekdays, with specials every weekend. Now offering takeout & outdoor dining in our large heated tent, with sports on our huge outdoor TVs. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram. Phone: (240) 500-3010. Menu: quincyspotomac.com.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  • WINTERGREEN PLAZA has the stores, restaurants & services businesses you need — all in one place, with free & easy parking. Besides Food Lion, Classic Beer & Wine, Dunkin’ and Starbucks, this is the home of Chipotle, Habit Burger, Jersey Mike’s, Mission BBQ, Niwano Hana, Paisano’s Pizza, Sweet Frog, Ten Ren Tea Ginseng, The Halal Guys & Wingstop. Also: salons, professional practices, Bray & Scarff, The UPS Store, Pure Hockey, Rockville Soccer, TennisTopia & much more. For a full list, click here.

 

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

 

BEER & WINE

  • DENIZENS BREWING COMPANY delivers beer, hard seltzer, wine & cocktails directly to your doorstep! Our contactless “Beermobile“delivery service was just named as Bethesda Magazine‘s 2021 Editor’s Pick for “Best Door-to-Door Services for Six-Packs.” Order now to find out why. Weekly ordering begins every Wednesday; delivery days are Thursday-Sunday. Orders placed by 11 a.m. go out the same day. Get stocked up for the weekend and place your contactless delivery order here: denizensbrewingco.com.

 

  • THE BOTTLE SHOP WINE & BEER: Looking for a new neighborhood wine & beer shop? We have a great selection of exceptional wine, craft beer & artisan snacks — chilled & ready to go — to make your evenings special. You’ll find us at Potomac Woods Plaza, 350 Fortune Terrace, around the corner from Park Potomac (Montrose & Seven Locks). Check our weekly wine & beer discounts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Stop in to browse our aisles, or call ahead for curbside delivery: (301) 738-9463. Website: mybottleshop.net.

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

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

 

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

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique, inside the Cabin John mini-mall. Cozy up for the winter! Capes, scarves, wraps, sweaters, loungewear & more, all in stock now. Gloves, scarves, headbands & masks starting at $10. Come on in for a private appointment, or schedule a virtual shopping session. Curbside/limited delivery/shipping available. Shop new arrivals on Facebook and Instagram. Call us: (301) 704-0264. New website: hannasconnection.com.

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels, custom baskets & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday & 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

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

 

  • SCOUT & MOLLY’S BOUTIQUE, your North Bethesda fashion destination at Pike & Rose. This winter we are all things chic & cozy! New arrivals almost daily: Spanx leggings, loungewear, tie dye styles, rock band tees, Zoom-friendly tops, messenger bags with guitar straps & jewelry. End-of-season clearance sale & Flash Sale Fridays happening now. Ask about private shopping & curbside pickup. Shop Instagram, shop Facebook, shop online, shop in-store or call us: (301) 348-5047. Website: northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

 

 

FURNITURE, ART, JEWELRY & COLLECTIBLES

 

 

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

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

 

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

 

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

 

HOME SERVICES

 

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

 

 

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

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

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

 

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

 

FAMILY FITNESS

 

  • FITNESS FOR HEALTH: Dedicated to the special needs community, we offer an unparalleled evidence-based approach to therapeutic exercise, occupational therapy & physical therapy. We help our clients improve their gross & fine motor capabilities, fitness, visual motor function, self-confidence & self-esteem in our state-of-the-art facility — all while having fun! Conveniently located in Rockville, we’re open 7 days a week for in-person & telehealth services. In-network provider for Tricare & Kaiser Permanente. Call (301) 231-7138. www.fitnessforhealth.org.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Gameworks to the mall, Wildwood restaurant reopens, Mexican food for Rockville

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Let the games begin

Something to look forward to post-COVID at Westfield Montgomery mall: a Gameworks “esports lounge” is on the way. Much like Dave & Buster’s, this chain offers a mix of the latest live-stream games, virtual reality, arcades, tournaments and old-school favorites like PacMan, Skee-ball and pinball machines. GameWorks also hosts birthday parties and corporate events, with a menu focused on burgers, pizza, milkshakes and alcohol. Opening date TBD across from Cheesecake Factory, next to the future Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Haven’t heard about Frank Pepe? Click here.

Wintergreen Plaza
Lisa Nasar

Wildwood restaurant makes a comeback

It’s not often that we get to tell comeback stories these days,  but Le Pain Quotidien is the happy exception. The Belgian restaurant/bakery chain has begun reopening some locations, including the one at Wildwood. LPQ’s U.S. arm, which had been losing money even before the pandemic, filed Chapter 11 last spring and sold off all 98 locations for just $3 million. The new owner, New York-based Aurify, is now making a careful comeback in certain markets. Will this include the still-closed LPQ at Cabin John Village? That remains to be seen. The Wildwood restaurant (shown here) has been optimized for takeout, but communal and private tables will return when it’s safe to do so. For more photos of the newly reopened space — along with a lovely bûche de Noël holiday log cake — check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Freeman's

Rose's Luxury delivers this winter

When the holidays are over and the last of the festive meals has been eaten, it’s time to start thinking about what’s on the menu for January. The coldest time of the year might be the perfect time to call Rose’s Luxury, one of D.C.’s finest restaurants, for some fabulous food delivered right to your door. Check out the “Holiday Leftovers” menu: stuffed mushrooms, glazed ham, sweet potato casserole and braised greens, followed by Christmas cookies and eggnog. Then there’s the “Smokehouse 2.0” menu, featuring smoked everything: onion dip with winter veggies, do-it-yourself roast beef sandwiches, even a smoked apple tart. And you can never go wrong with “Rose’s Classics” like farro salad with lamb sausage and preserved lemon; Japanese fried chicken with napa cabbage, eel sauce and kewpie mayo; and tres leches cake for dessert. Rose’s offers no-contact dropoff of everything you need, with easy-to-follow instructions for assembly and reheating — all in the comfort and warmth of your own kitchen. Menus change every two weeks; pricing starts at $40 per person per night. Click here for all the details.

Taff & Levine

New Mexican restaurant for Rockville

Good news this week for Rockville Town Square: A new Mexican restaurant is taking over the former La Tasca space on Gibbs Street. Plaza Oaxaca, a new venture from two Mexican restaurateurs, will offer traditional fare, margaritas, and eventually live music and dancing. This is the second new restaurant planned for Rockville Town Square, where D.C.-based HalfSmoke is also under construction. For more on the closing of La Tasca, click here. For the scoop on HalfSmoke, click here.

Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park

MoCo dining ban stands

Last week’s prohibition on indoor dining is still in place after a Montgomery County judge ruled in favor of the measure. The Restaurant Association of Maryland, along with a group of local businesses, had filed a lawsuit arguing that the ban unfairly penalized their industry. But the court found that the measure was necessary to protect public health — and judges in neighboring Prince George’s County and Baltimore City came to the same conclusion. Local opinions are sharply divided on this matter. To join the debate on our Facebook page, click here.

The Store Reporter Guide

A weekly guide to some of our favorite local businesses

 

The holidays have arrived, and local restaurants and stores are here to make your time with family special. Check out this week’s Store Reporter Guide for a great selection.

DINING & DELIVERY

 

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

 

  • CAVA MEZZE is excited to offer our delicious family meals, salads, mezze, drinks & more at 10 percent off when you do contactless curbside pickup. Try our specialties like scallop risotto, fried calamari, opa opa shrimp, lollipop chicken, spicy lamb sliders, steak souvlaki, spanakopita & much more. We’re also excited to launch our new neighborhood food drops. Follow us on Instagram (@cavamezze)to see where we’re headed next. We’ll be open New Year’s Day offering brunch/lunch service starting at 11 a.m. Website and ordering info: cavamezze.com.

 

  • DOWNTOWN CROWN now offers curbside pickup for many stores and restaurants. Dining options include &pizza, Asia Nine, BurgerIM, Coastal Flats, Downtown Crown Wine and Beer, La Madeleine, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, Paladar, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Starbucks & Ted’s Bulletin. 123 Crown Park Ave., Gaithersburg. Call (301) 330-5400 or click here for the latest info.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Full menu and weekly specials featuring pizzas, pastas, seafood, meats, salads & more. Outdoor seating for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Also check out our new location at 4611-A Sangamore Road, Bethesda. Menu for all locations: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • JULII at Pike & Rose, now offering heated outdoor seating — or reserve one of our heated private outdoor igloos. We’ve added new family meals (chicken kabobs, chicken parmesan, rigatoni bolognese & family burgers) that feed four people for $55 to $65. Top off your meal with our cocktail pouches, beer & wine to go. Get 10 percent off when you choose contactless curbside pickup, or choose free delivery from DoorDash. To reserve a bubble: Email info@julii.com or call (301) 517-9090. Menu: julii.com.

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. We’ve got grilled chops, steaks, salads, sandwiches & more. NFL Ticket: Catch all the games on Sundays with Sunday brunch, bottomless mimosas & bloody Marys. Discounted beer and wine to go, carry-out, curbside pickup & outdoor dining options. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

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

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE, modern French cooking in Rockville. We have a fabulous easy-to-serve holiday menu with beef Wellington, sole fillet, yule log, etc. Enjoy a waffle sandwich, steak frites, shiitake mushroom soup & much more. Curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road, delivery with Grubhub or outdoor dining. Order online or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

  • NORMANDIE FARM, pop on over for fine cooking in the heart of Potomac, 10710 Falls Road. Open for curbside & carry-out service for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Outdoor dining, family-style meals to-go, á la carte to-go & of course our famous popovers. Phone: (301) 983-8838. Menu: popovers.com.

 

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

 

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

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  • WINTERGREEN PLAZA has the stores, restaurants & services businesses you need — all in one place, with free & easy parking. Besides Food Lion, Classic Beer & Wine, Dunkin’ and Starbucks, this is the home of Chipotle, Habit Burger, Jersey Mike’s, Mission BBQ, Niwano Hana, Paisano’s Pizza, Sweet Frog, Ten Ren Tea Ginseng, The Halal Guys & Wingstop. Also: salons, professional practices, Bray & Scarff, The UPS Store, Pure Hockey, Rockville Soccer, TennisTopia & much more. For a full list, click here.

 

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

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

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

 

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

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique, inside the Cabin John mini-mall. Cozy up for the holiday season! Capes, scarves, wraps, sweaters, loungewear & more, all in stock now. Gloves, scarves, headbands & masks starting at $10 — plus a gift with purchase through the end of the year. Come on in for a private appointment, or schedule a virtual shopping session. Curbside/limited delivery/shipping available. Shop new arrivals on Facebook and Instagram. Call us: (301) 704-0264. New website: hannasconnection.com.

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Our custom baskets in all price ranges are better than a fruit basket for family gifts! Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday & 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

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

 

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

 

 

FAMILY FITNESS

 

  • FITNESS FOR HEALTH: Dedicated to the special needs community, we offer an unparalleled evidence-based approach to therapeutic exercise, occupational therapy & physical therapy. We help our clients improve their gross & fine motor capabilities, fitness, visual motor function, self-confidence & self-esteem in our state-of-the-art facility — all while having fun! Conveniently located in Rockville, we’re open 7 days a week for in-person & telehealth services. In-network provider for Tricare & Kaiser Permanente. Call (301) 231-7138. www.fitnessforhealth.org.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

FURNITURE, ART, JEWELRY & COLLECTIBLES

 

 

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

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

 

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

 

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

 

HOME SERVICES

 

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

 

 

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

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

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

 

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

Thirteen local restaurants that won’t be back, sneak peek of the Amazon store, Peruvian chicken debuts, CPK files bankruptcy

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Thirteen unlucky restaurants

In the flurry of restaurant shutdowns these past few months — some pandemic-related, some not so much — it’s been difficult to keep track of which places are temporarily closed and which are gone for good. As we approach the end of summer, here’s a list of local eateries that likely won’t be back.

 

  • Addie’s at Park Potomac. This three-year-old reboot never seemed to regain the fan base of its fondly remembered predecessor on Rockville Pike. Other restaurants in the Black Restaurant Group portfolio have reopened since the pandemic began, but Addie’s won’t be among them.

 

  • Bagel City on Rockville Pike. This longtime favorite closed in March, and owner George Kavadoy originally expected to return. But as the pandemic dragged on, he changed his mind to protect the health of his ill wife.

 

  • Beefsteak at Westfield Montgomery mall. José Andrés’ veggie-centric restaurant pulled back during the pandemic, leaving only one location in the D.C. area. Beefsteak never did draw much of a crowd at the mall, where it faced tough competition from the Cava across the hall.

 

  • Chuy’s on Rockville Pike. The Mexican restaurant shut down in March after a four-year run at Federal Plaza. The Texas-based chain already had announced some closings before the pandemic, so the timing here was likely just a coincidence.

 

  • CiCi’s Pizza on Rockville Pike. This chain restaurant was a longtime tenant at the Pike Center strip mall, which also had been home to the departed Bagel City.

 

  • Gumbo Ya Ya at Rockville Town Square. This locally owned eatery across from First Watch featured a mashup of New Orleans-style cuisine and traditional Puerto Rican dishes. It didn’t even last six months in a spot that appears to be cursed, having been home to at least six failed restaurants in the past decade. (Remember Bobby’s Crabcakes, Tippy’s Taco House, 82 Steak Out, Ev & Maddy’s and Lab Cafe?)

 

  • Honeyfish Poke on Rockville Pike. This California-based concept was among the first local eateries to specialize in the Hawaiian-style raw fish dish. Owners had planned to open more locations in the D.C. area, but the expansion never happened. Honeyfish Poke went dark early in the pandemic  after a three-year run at Congressional Plaza.

 

  • La Tasca at Rockville Town Square. The Spanish-style tapas chain filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in May and closed all its remaining locations. La Tasca had been of the last remaining original tenants at Rockville Town Square.

 

  • Le Pain Quotidien at Wildwood and Cabin John Village. LPQ was already struggling before the pandemic, and its U.S. division filed Chapter 11 in May. Some LPQ restaurants have since reopened, but these two won’t be back. (Update: A few months after we published this story, Le Pain Quotidien made an unexpected comeback at Wildwood. More in our Dec. 24th issue.)

 

  • Mirch Masala at Westfield Montgomery mall. The Indian restaurant reached its 10th anniversary in June, but the pandemic convinced owner Poonam Chopra not to renew her lease.

 

  • Nantucket’s Reef at Traville Village Center. It looks like we’ve seen the last of this Cape Cod-style eatery, which “temporarily” closed in March but hasn’t been heard from since.

 

 

  • Subway restaurants in Potomac and Rockville. The sub chain recently closed its doors at Potomac’s Cabin John Village and Rockville’s Federal Plaza. It’s unclear whether the closings were pandemic-related.
Wintergreen Plaza

Amazon store almost ready for prime time

Here’s a sneak peek of the new Amazon 4-Star store, set to open next month at Westfield Montgomery mall. The shelves will be filled with an ever-changing selection of Amazon’s most popular and top-rated products in several key categories: books, toys, electronics, housewares and kitchen goods. You’ll also find plenty of Amazon gadgets, from Echos to Kindles, and Prime members will enjoy the same pricing they’d find online. This will be the first Amazon 4-Star store in the D.C. area. (The Amazon bookstores in Bethesda and Georgetown are a different concept.) For more photos of what’s in stock so far, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Shin Orthodontics

Trouble for CPK

California Pizza Kitchen filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, blaming the pandemic for its troubles. So far, it doesn’t sound like our area will be impacted: Staffers at Rio and Westfield Montgomery mall say they’ve been told those locations will stay open.

Zohra Salon & Zohra Men

Peruvian chicken at Fallsgrove

With all this news of restaurants closing, we do have one opening to report: Poyoteca, serving Peruvian chicken and sides, makes its debut this weekend at Rockville’s Fallsgrove shopping center. You’ll find it in the former Cheeburger Cheeburger space, next to Mamma Lucia. This is the second restaurant for Poyoteca, which also has a location in Baltimore.

The Store Reporter Guide

A local guide sponsored by some of our favorite stores, restaurants and service businesses. Check out this week’s new additions.

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

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

 

  • DAZZLE PARTY GIRLS, creatively decorated chocolate-dipped treats for any occasion. Birthdays, graduations, college/grad school acceptance celebrations, corporate & client thank-you gifts, holidays, bar/bat mitzvahs, wedding favors, teacher gifts, thank-you gifts for hospitals & essential workers… If there’s someone you’d like to thank or celebrate, we’ll dazzle them. Visit us on Instagram and Facebook, or email us at dazzlepartygirls@gmail.com.

 

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

 

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

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

  • AUSTYN PARKER, fun jewelry for kids & cute clothes for moms. For kids: Make-your-own jewelry kits & online parties where everyone works on a project together. For moms: We’ve got your favorite brands like LNA, Monrow, Perfect White Tee, Generation Love, Chrldr & Comune. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram. For gift ideas, party planning & what’s in stock, call us: (301) 706-8122 or email us: randi@austynparker.com.

 

  • BOWS ETC. has the face masks that you & your loved ones need plus hair fashions for girls & women. Don’t let social distancing stop you from showing your personality! Our triple-layered masks are 100% cotton, reversible & washable. Shipping or porch pickup available. Loads of colorful patterns & themes: florals, sports, swirls, mah jongg, unicorns, college designs & solids for students returning to school. Visit us: Facebook and Instagram. Call (301) 442-6707. Website: bowsetc.com.

 

  • GYM & TONIC, luxury athleisure apparel, now in the comfort of your own home. DM us for virtual shopping appointments and delivery in the DMV. Don’t forget to ask about our cute masks with filters. Shop @lovegymandtonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800. Text us: (202) 744-0169.

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique, now open at the Cabin John mini-mall. Fully stocked with new styles to fit your lifestyle, free designer face masks with your purchase. Call for a safe, sanitized one-on-one shopping appointment. We still offer virtual shopping and online orders with free limited delivery. Curbside pickup & shipping on orders over $50. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

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

 

  • KAREN’S ROCKS AND RAGS, new & gently used women’s boutique with on-trend, affordable clothing & accessories. 212 Main Street, Gaithersburg. Now accepting luxury designer bags on consignment for a 50/50 split. Check out our $10 face masks, $10 racks & 20% off racks. Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Phone: (240) 631-2565. eBay store: ebay.com/str/karensrocksandrags.

 

  • MY BEST FRIEND’S CLOSET, a fun & exciting shopping experience with the best selection of junior, young contemporary & women’s clothing at very reasonable price points. 9735 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville. We receive new merchandise daily, so stop in often to find fun pieces to add to your wardrobe. Don’t miss our very popular $10 racks. Open Monday-Saturday noon to 4 p.m., with private appointments on Sunday. Shop Instagram. Call (301) 340-3233. Website: mybffcloset.com.

 

  • R BOUTIQUE, a sophisticated & modern clothing store, now open inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry & accessories. Tons of casual wear, tie-dye sets, shorts, tank tops, sandals & sneakers. Boutique hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or call Rayna at (301) 943-2000 for a private shopping appointment. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. To purchase masks, visit rboutique.shop.

 

  • SANS SKINCARE, luxurious, locally crafted spa-quality products. Beautiful skin starts with healthy skin. Our moisturizers, serums, cleansers, masks, balms, scrubs & more are 100% natural, plant-based formulations that contain no water, no preservatives & no harmful chemicals. Because sometimes what you leave out of a product is just as important as what you put into it. Visit us on Instagram, Twitter. and Facebook. Website: sansskincare.com.

 

 

 

 

FOOD, DRINKS & MEAL DEALS

 

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

 

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

 

  • GYROLAND casual Greek food, cooked fresh seven days a week. 1701 Rockville Pike in the Shops at Congressional Village, right under the Verizon store. Dine-in service, cashless transactions only. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pork, chicken, beef and lamb gyros, plus mixed grill and vegetarian options. Free delivery in a 5-mile radius with $30 minimum. 1/2 off all wine with your order. Call us: (301) 816-7829. Menu: gyroland.com.

 

  • HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: (301) 299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, choose no-contact curbside carryout, or enjoy our patio for outdoor dining plus limited seating indoors. Reservations recommended. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. New menu featuring split grilled bangers, Guinness-battered fish & chips, corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, chops, steaks & sandwiches. Discounted beer and wine to go. Delivery, carry-out, curbside pickup or enjoy outdoor dining in our new socially distanced patio & have a cocktail at our new outdoor bar. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

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

 

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

 

  • MYKONOS GRILL, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Outdoor patio, plus limited indoor dining & carry-out from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations strongly recommended. Cashless transactions only. Free delivery in a 5-mile radius with $50 minimum, or use the major delivery apps. Try our branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. Ask about our daily specials. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call (301) 770-5999. Menu: mykonosgrill.com.

 

  • NORMANDIE FARM, pop on over for fine cooking in the heart of Potomac, 10710 Falls Road. Outdoor patio now open, plus limited indoor seating. Full menu service, fine wines & spirits, live music Thursday-Sunday evenings, and of course our famous popovers. Also open for carry-out service. Phone: (301) 983-8838. Menu: popovers.com.

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • QUARTERMAINE COFFEE ROASTERS, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call (301) 718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

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

 

 

  • YEKTA Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Our restaurant is open during construction 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call (301) 984-0005. Market open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with curbside pickup available. Email info@yekta.com or call (301) 984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

FOR THE KIDS

 

  • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

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

 

FURNITURE, ART & COLLECTIBLES

 

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

 

  • ISI FURNISH, lightly used furnishings & decor at a fraction of the cost. Our white-glove service makes it easy to sell your fine furniture discreetly & professionally. If you’re looking to buy, we offer a wide range of affordable luxury furnishings to match your design and budget.  Call us: (971) 337-4403. Shop with us for new items every week: isifurnish.com.

 

HOME SERVICES

 

  • ISOLDIT, the easy way to turn your stuff into cash. We do the work, you cash the check. Get top dollar for your unwanted electronics, music equipment, jewelry, collectibles & furniture. Looking to reduce equipment or inventory for your business? We can help. Call us: (301) 990-2040. Email us: info@isolditmd.com. Safety is our priority — no contact, no worries. More info: www.isolditmd.com.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

  • SHIN ORTHODONTICS — Drs. Debra and Richard Shin believe everyone should be able to afford an amazing smile. We offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, clear braces or traditional metal braces, and lingual braces. All PPO insurance plans accepted. Free consultations and custom financial plans with no large payments or hidden fees. Cabin John mini-mall and 4701 Randolph Road in Rockville. Call 301-770-7770. Website: shinorthodontics.com.

 

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

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Is this the last of Lord & Taylor?

Lord & Taylor bankruptcy rumors started swirling this week after Reuters reported that the retailer plans to liquidate all inventory when its stores reopen. The report has yet to be confirmed, but locals already are speculating about the fate of the White Flint property if Lord & Taylor indeed goes out of business. The venerable department store chain was sold last year to Le Tote, a clothing rental company that had pledged to bring back its elegant reputation. The pandemic, of course, has changed everything. The White Flint Lord & Taylor store, which has been the subject of much litigation over the years, is one of 38 remaining locations nationwide. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for what’s next.

Wintergreen Plaza
Normandie Farm

More on the bankruptcy beat

In the current bleak retail landscape, bankruptcies are happening so fast that it’s getting tough to keep up. This week’s Chapter 11 filings include the parent company of J. Crew and Madewell, both of which have a presence at Westfield Montgomery mall. The two chains are expected to survive the bankruptcy process without closing any stores. Gold’s Gym also filed Chapter 11 this week and is planning to reorganize, but 30 of its corporate-owned locations will be closing permanently. This bankruptcy filing does not affect the two Gold’s Gyms at Wintergreen Plaza and Rockville Town Square, both of which are independently owned by franchisees. But we do expect some closings for the Vienna-based Hair Cuttery chain, which also filed Chapter 11 and is now changing hands. All Hair Cuttery locations, along with sister chains Bubbles and Salon Cielo, will be under new ownership by summer. It’s unclear how many of them will reopen.

Game on at Game Gym

With schools closed for the rest of the year and many summer camps already canceled, Rockville-based Game Gym is offering all-new programming “From Home.” The three-year-old esports studio coaches kids and teens in games like League of Legends, Rocket League, Minecraft and Valorant. Even though they can’t be together at Game Gym headquarters right now, owner Josh Hafkin says the transition to online offerings has been smooth — and also surprisingly social, as kids get to know each other while chatting and playing virtually. All Game Gym camps include morning fitness training with live feedback from coaches or special guests, followed by coach-led online gaming in the afternoons. “The main thing for parents to know is that this is an active camp,” Hafkin says. “We have meaningful conversations about hot-button issues, we’re coaching, we’re providing community and life lessons. We’re doing a lot more than just playing games.” Interested in Game Gym’s online programs? To save $20 on afternoon classes: click here and use code REPORTER20. To save $30 on summer camps: click here and use code REPORTER30. Have questions? Email josh@gamegym.com.

International School of Music

"We're Open!" on Mother's Day & every day

Mother’s Day will look a little different this year, but we’re here to help you make it special. Shop our local stores and restaurants for quick gift delivery, special Mother’s Day menus and much more. Our “We’re Open!” Guide is adding new businesses every week. Read on for our latest lineup.

 

GIFTS

 

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

 

 

 

FASHION

 

  • Bows Etc., now making face masks with personality for men, women & kids. Your smile may be hidden, but you can still rock fun designs and show off your favorite sports teams & colleges. All our masks are reversible & washable, with three layers of 100% cotton fabric & pocket for an additional filter. Masks are $14 plus $5 shipping, or porch pickup in the Shady Grove area. Shop Facebook or email arlen.groban@yahoo.com.

 

  • Gym & Tonic, luxury athleisure apparel, now in the comfort of your own home. 20% off all clothes right now. DM us for virtual shopping appointments and delivery in the DMV. Don’t forget to ask about our cute masks with filters. Shop @lovegymantonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800. Text us: (202) 744-0169.

 

  • Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Soon to reopen at the Cabin John mini-mall, now offering virtual shopping and online orders with free delivery. We carry designer face masks, free with purchase. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • On Cloud 9, trendy boutique for babies, girls and adults. Offering virtual shopping & online orders. We deliver by mail, drop off in a 10-mile radius, or you can pick up curbside by our Potomac Woods Plaza store. 20% off everything right now. Call 301-251-1331 or email oncloud9potomac@gmail.com. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • R Boutique, a sophisticated & cute clothing store, soon to reopen inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry & stylish masks. Free delivery for Mother’s Day within a 10-mile radius. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Or call Rayna Badwey Matz for a Facebook shopping appointment, 301-943-2000. To purchase masks, visit rboutique.shop.

 

  • Scout & Molly’s Boutique, your North Bethesda fashion destination at Pike & Rose. Surprise mom with a fun Mother’s Day delivery from Scout & Molly’s! Shop online or contact us for a virtual shopping experience. 25% off your purchase (use LOVEMOM code) with free shipping, curbside pickup or local delivery. Also check our Instagram for weekly giveaways. Call us: 301-348-5047. Shop: northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

 

FOOD

 

  • Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Brooklyn’s Deli would like to thank Eagle Bank for getting us through this extremely rough time. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Phone: 301-340-3354. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • Cava Mezze, Greek comfort food. Family meals starting at $50 include kabobs, rice, salad, sandwiches & more. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with multiple apps, or 10% off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 309-9090. Menu: cavamezze.com.

 

  • Downtown Crown online services, restaurant takeout and delivery options at Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, Gaithersburg. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here. For a complete list of what’s available now, visit ShopDowntownCrown.com.

 

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

 

  • Gyroland casual Greek food, cooked fresh seven days a week. 1701 Rockville Pike in the Shops at Congressional Village, right under the Verizon store. Pork, chicken, beef and lamb gyros, plus mixed grill  and vegetarian options. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $30 minimum. 1/2 off all wine with your order. Call us: (301) 816-7829. Menu: https://gyrolandmd.com/

 

  • Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, or choose no-contact curbside carryout. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

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

 

  • Lahinch Tavern and Grill, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. Featuring a daily menu with family-style dining options. Offering delivery, carry-out and curbside pickup. 1/2 off beer and wine to go, mixed drinks to go at happy hour prices. Stop by and say hi! Call: 240-499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

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

 

  • Mykonos Grill, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Carry-out & free delivery in a five-mile radius with $50 minimum. We also work with the major delivery apps. Specialties include branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call 301-770-5999. Menu: https://mykonosgrill.com/

 

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

 

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

 

  • Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call 301-718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

 

 

  • Yekta Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Tuesday-Sunday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

FOR THE KIDS

 

  • Austyn Parker, fun jewelry for kids and cute clothes for moms. Now offering make-your-own jewelry kits and online parties where everyone works on a project together. We have great mom/daughter options for Mother’s Day. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram. For gift ideas and party planning, call us: (301) 706-8122 or email us: randi@austynparker.com.

 

 

  • International School of Music, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

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

 

SERVICES

 

  • iSoldIt, the easy way to turn your stuff into cash. We do the work, you cash the check. Get top dollar for your unwanted electronics, music equipment, jewelry, collectibles & furniture. Looking to reduce equipment or inventory for your business? We can help. Call us: 301-990-2040. Email us: info@isolditmd.com. Safety is our priority — no contact, no worries. More info: www.isolditmd.com.

 

  • Normandy Carpet, excellence in carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning & installation. We’re essential & here to serve you. Spilled wine on your carpet? Dog peed in the house? Flooding from the rain? We follow CDC safety guidelines, and our cleaning method removes dangerous viruses & bacteria. Call 301-741-2005 or email info@normandycarpet.com. www.normandycarpet.com.

 

 

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

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

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

 

DINING

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

SHOPPING

 

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

 

 

ZOOM CLASSES

 

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

 

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

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Lisa Nasar

Chuy's checks out for good

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

Shin Orthodontics

Meanwhile... some businesses are booming

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

Power Hour Editing Virtual Workshops
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Thanksgiving shopping, Black Friday specials, new restaurants for the holidays

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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
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New eateries for Pike & Rose, Westfield Montgomery and Travilah Square — plus a fabulous holiday boutique show

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New restaurants & more for Pike & Rose

This fall will be a busy one for Pike & Rose, with the Mexican restaurant Nada arriving this month and the much-hyped Julii not far behind. Nada, which calls itself a “taco and cocktail joint,” is set to open Nov. 19th across the street from Pinstripes. We’ll keep you posted on the opening date for Julii, a new venture from the founders of Cava that should be here before the holidays. Meanwhile: Seasons Oil & Vinegar Taproom, one of the first tenants to open at Pike & Rose, will be exiting after four years. Taking its place will be Olive & Loom, a gift shop specializing in Turkish towels and olive oil bath products. Opening is set for next spring.

Wintergreen Plaza
Moda Optic Mykita trunk show
Viva and Urban Plates

Mall restaurant update: From the steakhouse to 7-11

This week we checked in on the dining scene at Westfield Montgomery mall, where Urban Plates and Poke Papa are now under construction in the former Naples space. But what’s up with Viva Japanese Steakhouse, which was supposed to have opened months ago across from the ArcLight Cinema? A peek through the windows reveals that little progress has been made since last summer, and the restaurant’s owner has not returned our messages. The mall says Viva will open around Christmas, but we have our doubts. Moving along to the other side of the Dining Terrace: A 7-11 (of all things) will be opening next to Chick-fil-A, and the gourmet popsicle shop we told you about last month is changing its name from Pop Culture to Frozen Stuff on a Stick. That one should be open in a few weeks.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Explore Kensington

Flower Child blooms at Travilah Square

Flower Child has opened its doors at the Travilah Square shopping center on Darnestown Road, offering a health-conscious menu in a fast-casual setting just across from the new Trader Joe’s. Created by the founder of True Food Kitchen, the restaurant caters to special diets from vegetarian and vegan to paleo, sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten-free. Flower Child will open a second MoCo location next spring at the Wildwood Shops. For a look at the menu, click here.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique

Join us for shopping, fun & a chance to win our raffle

The holiday season kicks off in Potomac this week with the annual Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction sponsored by the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation. The show is just two days this year — Sunday, Nov. 11 and Monday, Nov. 12 — at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center at Falls Road and Tuckerman Lane. We’ll be there both days at the Store Reporter table near the entrance. Stop by, say hello and enter to win one of our fabulous raffle prizes from show vendors. Participants this year include The Boho Eye, Elana Designs, Faye Mendelsohn Cosmetics, R Boutique, Stella M’lia, Susan Koehn Designs, Sweet Charma and Valerie Nahmani Designs. There’s no charge to enter our raffle, just drop your name in our jar at the show.

Adiós Mi Rancho, goodbye Taylor Gourmet, so long Silver Moon… and hello to Sweetgreen & a new boutique

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Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Sept. 20, 2018.

Taylor Gourmet out, Sweetgreen in at Pike & Rose

Last week it was speculation, this week it’s a done deal: North Bethesda’s Taylor Gourmet will exit Pike & Rose just four months after it opened. Doors are scheduled to close Sept. 27th, although it could happen sooner. Last week the D.C.-based sandwich chain said it wanted to reduce real estate costs by ditching some of its larger locations, but this week it became clear that the entire chain is shutting down. Meanwhile, salad chain Sweetgreen announced plans to open at Pike & Rose next year on the ground floor of the new Canopy by Hilton/930 Rose hotel/condo complex. The health-oriented chain will provide a welcome counterpoint to its upcoming neighbors, BurgerFi and Sunday Morning Bakehouse. (Details on those in our July 26th and Aug. 30th editions.)

1-800-GOT-JUNK
Second Chance Addiction Care

So long Silver Moon

One of our last remaining local gift shops, Silver Moon Jewelry & Accessories, is closing its doors at Congressional Plaza. Originally known as Tiara Galleries & Gifts, the 60-year-old retailer specialized in housewares and collectibles from the likes of Lladro, Swarovski and Waterford. As figurines and formal place settings fell out of fashion with younger buyers, the store rebooted in 2015 with a new name and a new focus: handbags from Vera Bradley and Spartina, jewelry from Pandora and Alex & Ani. With the recent passing of Irv Losman, son of founder Ruth Losman, Tiara/Silver Moon has run its course. The store will close on or before Nov. 30th.

Eyeland/Luxoptics
My Best Friend's Closet
Gym & Tonic athleisure boutique is now open at Park Potomac

Athleisure boutique opens at Park Potomac

Park Potomac has a new boutique: Gym & Tonic, featuring high-end workout wear and clothes that transition from the barre to the bar. The store opened last week next door to Addie’s, where it’s well-positioned to capture the crowds from Orangetheory Fitness on one side and Life Time Athletic on the other. For more on Gym & Tonic, click here.

Fallsgrove Orthodontic Center
Congregation B'nai Tzedek

Adiós Mi Rancho

Tex-Mex restaurant Mi Rancho has closed its red and green doors after a decade on Rockville Pike, where it sat between Party City and Yekta. Owners said they failed to reach a new lease agreement for the Rockville location, but they have no plans to close their other restaurants in Silver Spring and Germantown.

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Indian food & sushi for Pike & Rose — plus bubble tea and more mall closings

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More new restaurants for Pike & Rose

Pike & Rose is adding two more restaurants to its lineup, filling the empty spots left by the recently departed La Madeleine and Carluccio’s. Moving into the former La Madeleine space on Old Georgetown Road: Commonwealth Indian, serving beer, wine and cocktails along with a selection of Indian dishes. The Carluccio’s space next to Owen’s Ordinary will be home to Kusshi Sushi and Sake Bar, a new venture from the owners of Bethesda’s Hanaro Sushi. What else is scheduled to open at Pike & Rose this year? A ramen bar called Jinya (click here for more); a Mexican restaurant called Nada (click here for more); and Julii, a new concept from the founders of CAVA (click here for more).

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Kung Fu Tea and Tutti Frutti at Pike & Rose

Kung Fu Tea kicks butt

The Tutti Frutti yogurt shop at Pike & Rose is now a Tutti Frutti/Kung Fu Tea combo. That makes three Montgomery County locations for the fast-expanding bubble tea chain, which also can be found in downtown Rockville and Westfield Montgomery Mall. A competitor, Boba Station, closed its doors at the mall last week. But another New York bubble tea chain is coming to test the waters: Gong Cha will open in Rockville this year as part of an all-Asian food court called The Spot. For more on The Spot, click here. For info on other bubble tea stores in our area, click here.

Wintergreen Plaza
M. Gemi shoe bus at Westfield Montgomery Mall

Latest exits at the mall

More changes in store at Westfield Montgomery Mall, where some of the last remaining independent retailers will be among those exiting before summer. Shafa Blends, which opened three years ago under the name Rumi Tea and Spice, has relocated to Gaithersburg. Boba Station also is out (see story above), and other longtime tenants like Solstice and Pen Boutique are getting ready to leave. Hoamgar, an Asian chain that was testing the U.S. market, will close its doors this spring. Some of those empty spaces will likely be filled with attention-getting pop-up shops — like this minivan filled with Italian shoes.

Toy Castle Lego Building Challenge
Vince & Dominic's

Vince & Dominic’s no more

See that empty space to the right of the Bubbles hair salon? That’s where the Vince & Dominic’s pizzeria used to be. Home Depot, which owns that shopping center, has torn down some of the empty storefronts to make room for more parking.

Herbert Hoover Beauty and the Beast
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Thai restaurant for Cabin John, Greek food for Rockville, Gringos & Mariachis arrives

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Another new restaurant for Cabin John

Sisters Thai, a hipster eatery from Fairfax, is the latest addition to the new restaurant lineup at Cabin John. The buzz on this place is quite good — not only for its food, fruit drinks and desserts, but also for its cozy “living room” atmosphere with mismatched furniture and overstuffed bookshelves. (Click here for a preview). Construction is already under way in the parking lot at Tuckerman Lane and Seven Locks Road, where Sisters will join Shake Shack, CAVA and Le Pain Quotidien for a late 2018 debut. Cabin John, which was sold last year to the Edens development group, also is planning a name change after 50 years. Say goodbye to Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall; it’s now Cabin John Village.

Filicori Zecchini
Gringos & Mariachis

Gringos & Mariachis arrives

This week brought the long-awaited debut of Gringos & Mariachis at Park Potomac. The Mexican restaurant had been under construction seemingly forever (but really about two years) across from MoCo’s Founding Farmers and next to the new Addie’s. This is a sister to the three-year-old Gringos & Mariachis in Bethesda, serving casual food and cocktails amidst striking murals inspired by Mexican street art. Owners Roberto and Riccardo Pietrobono are also behind the popular restaurants Alatri Bros.and Olazzo. More photos on our Facebook page; click here to see them.

Park Potomac Winterwilds Market
Wildwood Shops

Welcome the holidays at Wildwood

Stop by the Wildwood Shops this Saturday (Dec. 9th) for a holiday open house featuring live music, giveaways, strolling entertainment and plenty of gift inspiration. Register to win a $100 gift card to Buredo or Balducci’s, and snag a free copper insulated travel bottle with any $150 purchase. (Redeem your receipts at Belina Boutique, Coco Blanca, Buredo, Irresistibles, Red Orchard, Secrete Fine Jewelry or Yves Delorme.) Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Wildwood Shopping Center, 10241 Old Georgetown Road. Click here for details.

Norman's Farm Market
JT Interiors

Rediscover your favorites at JT Interiors

JT Interiors closed its doors last summer, but the Potomac Village gift shop is alive and well on the Internet. All those charming holiday gifts that the store was known for –  from embroidered table runners and painted guest towels to festive candles and party accessories — are available all season at www.jtinteriorspotomac.com. Snow globes like the one shown here are $30 and up, silk scarves are available in 10 colors for $40, and lighted glass vases with winter scenes are $12 to $30. Click here to visit the JT website, or email your inquiries to hello@jtinteriorspotomac.com.

New Greek restaurant for Rockville

Gyroland, a casual spinoff of the longtime Greek restaurant Mykonos, opened its doors this week in the former Maria’s Bakeryspace in the Shops at Congressional Village, 1701 Rockville Pike. The menu features gyros, wraps, souvlaki and other Greek specialties, along with salads and the honey donuts known as loukoumades. For a peek at the menu, click here.

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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.

Mexican restaurant for Pike & Rose, new look and new bakery for Cabin John

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Cocktail from Nada

 

New Mexican restaurant for Pike & Rose

Nada, an up-and-coming gourmet Mexican restaurant chain, will make its Maryland debut this winter at Pike & Rose. This will be the fifth location for the Ohio-based company, which also has restaurants in Cincinatti, Columbus, Indianapolis and Nashville. The menu strays a bit from the usual Mexican fare, featuring quirky taco fillings like pot roast, fried avocados and mushu pork — plus a bounty of signature cocktails. For a preview of what’s on the way, click here.

 

 

Wednesday Meal Deals at O'Donnell's Market: https://odonnellsmarket.com

 

 

 

Occasions Anniversary Sale: https://www.occasionsgiftstore.com

 

 

 

Specialty cakes from Sweetly Anchored Patisserie

 

Sweet news for Potomac

A new bakery and coffee shop is joining the lineup of fresh dining options heading to Cabin John Shopping Center. Sweetly Anchored Patisserie will start construction this fall in the former Orange Leaf space near the mini-mall entrance, with an opening planned for early 2018. Baker Lindsay Miniaci, who’s been selling custom cakes online for the past two years, says she’ll offer much more at the new store  — from brownies and cookies to pies and seasonal tarts, as well as teas, coffees and espresso drinks. “This will be a place where you can come in for a yogurt and coffee in the morning, then come back later for a box of pastries to take to a dinner party,” she says. For a peek at what Sweetly Anchored has to offer, click here.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Cabin John Mall with newly painted exterior

 

New look for Cabin John’s mini-mall

A makeover was in progress at the Cabin John mini-mall this week as painters began covering the dated facade with a fresh coat of white paint and sprucing up details like the M’s on the McDonald’s windows. This is just the beginning for what’s to come at Cabin John: Scroll down through our September issues for reports on the upcoming additions of Cava and Shake Shack. More info in the next few weeks.

 

 

Potomac Village Farmers Market: https://www.facebook.com/PVFM20854

 

 

 

Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks

 

Starbucks syrups off the market

One bit of unexpected fallout from last week’s shutdown of the online Starbucks store: Although the company’s mugs and tumblers will still be available at its brick-and-mortar locations, Starbucks has entirely discontinued sales of its bottled flavored syrups. Fans have been complaining, but the company says it wants customers to pick up their pumpkin spice lattes in person instead of making them at home. “Every retailer that is going to win in this new environment must become a experiential destination,” CEO Howard Schultz told investors last spring. “Your product or services, for the most part, cannot be available online and cannot be available on Amazon.”

 

 

Capital Area Food Bank Empty Bowls Event: https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org

 

 

 

Email news and advertising 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.

 

 

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La Limeña and Lucky Strike, game over for Marbles, last chance to win dinner at Chuy’s

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Peruvian on the Pike

La Limeña Grill, a new spinoff of the popular Peruvian restaurant, is set to open next month in the former Potomac Grill space at 1093 Rockville Pike. Owner Emma Perez says the new place will be a bit more formal than its older sister at nearby Ritchie Center, with twice as much indoor seating plus a spacious outdoor patio. Unlike the original La Limeña, this restaurant will focus solely on Peruvian food with no Cuban dishes in the mix. The new menu is still being finalized, but you can see what’s cooking at the original La Limeña by clicking here.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Marbles The Brain Store

 

Game over for Marbles

Another week, another retail bankruptcy to report. This time it’s Marbles: The Brain Store, which has filed Chapter 11 after nearly a decade in business. The Chicago-based company carried a carefully edited selection of games and puzzles, with a hands-on approach that encouraged customers to play before they purchased. All 37 Marbles stores will be closing in the next month or two, including the one in the Nordstrom wing at Westfield Montgomery Mall. To see what’s still for sale, click here.

 

 

Sculpt Studio: http://sculptstudio.com

 

 

 

Lucky Strike bowling alley

 

Bowling alley opening delayed again

The debut of Lucky Strike Social at Westfield Montgomery Mall has been delayed yet again. Grand opening events that were scheduled for February have now been pushed back to early March — about nine months later than originally planned, as the company tinkered with its new bowling alley/game center/party venue concept. For more on Lucky Strike Social, click here for our Jan. 19 edition.

 

 

 

 

 

DXL men's shirts

 

New men’s store on Rockville Pike

DXL, the new incarnation of Casual Male XL, recently moved into the former Ethan Allen space at 12137 Rockville Pike. The store carries big-and-tall men’s apparel and accessories from Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, True Religion, Lacoste, Nautica and other popular brands. Ethan Allen can now be found on the ground floor of Galvan at Twinbrook, the retail/residential complex that opened last year on the Pike at Chapman Avenue.

 

 

Chuy's platters

 

Last chance to win dinner at Chuy’s

Have you weighed in yet in our reader poll about the best new restaurants in the greater Rockville/Potomac area? From burgers and beer to Irish and Russian cuisine, Store Reporter has covered the openings of some two dozen new restaurants in the past 12 months. Tell us which ones you like best, 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

Click here to email us with the names of your favorites (choose as many as you want) or click here to comment on our Facebook page. We’ll tally up the votes and draw the winning name in an upcoming issue.

 

 

Please 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.