Store Reporter

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

Movie Theaters

Mod Pizza moves in, Silver Diner makes its debut — plus, is the curtain coming down for iPic?

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Mod Pizza moves in

Opening next week on Rockville Pike: Mod Pizza, offering quick-serve personal pies with 30 customizable toppings – not to mention gluten-free and cauliflower crusts, salads, milkshakes, draft beer and wine. Mod is the latest addition to the new restaurant row at Montrose Crossing, joining neighbors Cava, Honeygrow, Slapfish and Five Guys. You’ll find them all in the spot where Timpano once stood.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Taff & Levine

Is the curtain coming down for iPic?

The iPic movie theater chain filed Chapter 11 this month, announcing plans to restructure its debt and seek a potential buyer. It’s unclear what this means for Pike & Rose, where iPic and its adjoining City Perch restaurant were among the first tenants to open in 2014. iPic says its 16 theaters will operate as usual despite the bankruptcy filing. (But if you happen to be holding onto any movie passes, now would be a good time to use them.) iPic made a splash a decade ago with its ultra-posh theaters featuring cushy recliners, cocktails and fancy food delivered right to your seat. But other movie chains soon upped their game, and many theaters now offer similar perks at a considerably lower price point. At Pike & Rose, a pair of iPic’s “premium plus” seats will set you back $56.

International School of Music
TGIF

Diner debut

The new Silver Diner has opened its doors at Rio — the latest piece of the center’s $30 million renovation project. This is the 16th restaurant for the D.C.-area chain, and the first to include an indoor/outdoor patio and bar. (Check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.) This has been a busy summer for Rio, with the recent opening of Dave & Buster’s and the unveiling of a snazzy new boardwalk and performance stage. Grand opening events are planned for September.

Power Hour Editing
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

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

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Rio's new backyard

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

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

Latest on Lord & Taylor

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

Wink Eyecare Boutique

New restaurants for Rockville Town Square

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

Shin Orthodontics

Yoga at Park Potomac

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

International School of Music
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New seafood on Rockville Pike, new boutique for Park Potomac, Rio movie theater revamp

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Slapfish on the way to Rockville

Opening next month at Montrose Crossing on Rockville Pike: Slapfish, the fast-casual seafood restaurant that’s expanding to the D.C. area. The California-based chain offers a moderately priced menu ranging from fish tacos to shrimp salad to a seafood/grilled cheese mashup called the Clobster. Slapfish is set to open July 13th next to CAVA and newcomer Honeygrow, part of the new restaurant row that’s rising where Timpano once stood. Also on the way: Five Guys , relocating from its longtime home on the other side of Rockville Pike. For more on Slapfish in our Feb. 8th edition, click here.

Wintergreen Plaza
1-800-GOT-JUNK
Gym & Tonic

New boutique for Park Potomac

New boutique on the way to Park Potomac: Gym & Tonic, featuring high-end workout wear plus blazers, sweaters and cute tank tops that can transition from day to night. The store is a new venture from longtime local retailer Wendy Abelman, who previously worked for Lucky Brand and My Best Friend’s Closet, and business partner Amy Morgan Block, who once ran a similar store in Miami. The duo are hoping to open by early fall next to Addie’s — right in the sweet spot between Life Time Athletic and Orangetheory Fitness.

Grilled Oyster
Norman's Farm Market
AMC Loews movie theater at Rio Washingtonian Center

Revamp for Rio’s movie theater

The AMC Loews theater at Rio Washingtonian Center will be fully renovated by fall, the company tells us, with reclining seats, improved lighting and sound equipment, and an upgraded food and beverage menu. AMC is freshening up its properties across the country to meet the expectations of today’s audiences, who have grown accustomed to posh competitors like iPicand ArcLight.  No word yet on how all these changes will affect ticket prices. For more on what’s happening at Rio Washingtonian, click here for our June 7th edition.

Fallsgrove Orthodontic Center
Wildwood Summer Sidewalk Sale

Summer kickoff at Wildwood this weekend

What’s happening this weekend? The annual Summer Sidewalk Sale at Wildwood Shopping Center. Stop by for great summertime deals at many of your favorite stores and restaurants: Belina Boutique, Blanca Flor, Coco Blanca, Hadlee, Irresistibles, Oakville Grille and Wine Bar, Red Orchard, Salon Nader, Sanctuary Interior Designs, Sandy Springs Bank, Secrete Jewelry, Sequel, [SOLIDCORE], South Moon Under, Voorthuis Opticians, Wildwood Italian Cuisine and Yves Delorme. The fun kicks into high gear on Saturday (June 16th) with live music and giveaways from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — including a chance to win $500 in gift cards to Wildwood merchants. Wildwood Shopping Center, 10241 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-998-8100.

Lucky Strike and Nespresso at Westfield Montgomery Mall, women ditch black at the gym, and a comeback for The Limited

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Lucky Strike Social

 

New bowling alley almost ready to roll

Lucky Strike Social, under construction for nearly a year in the old movie theater space at Westfield Montgomery Mall, is finally set to open its doors next month. This will be the second location for Lucky Strike’s new breed of entertainment centers, which include a full kitchen and bar menu, space for concerts and parties, and a variety of games from billiards to ping pong to old-school arcades. Lucky Strike, like the ArcLight Cinema that came before it, is part of the mall’s long-term strategy to reduce its reliance on retail and boost its image as an entertainment destination. For a preview of what’s on the way, click here.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Nespresso SoHo Boutique

 

A February debut for Nespresso

Also making its debut at Westfield Montgomery Mall next month: The long-awaited Nespresso Boutique, opening across from Swarovski near the new Apple store. This location will be similar to the ones in Tysons Corner and SoHo, New York (the latter shown here), with a full selection of Nespresso machines and coffee samples — but sadly, no food.

 

 

 

 

 

LavaLoka trio of workout pants

 

Print is the new black

Printed leggings are trending at local gyms this winter as women dare to ditch their black pants for bold graphics in vivid shades. At the forefront of this trend is LavaLoka (formerly known as HotPants), a three-year-old line of brightly colored activewear from Potomac entrepreneur Amy Pascal. “The black pants thing is so boring, but it’s a comfort zone that’s hard for many women to get out of,” says Pascal, who sells primarily at boutique shows and online (www.lavaloka.com). Pascal says the trend was first embraced in cities like New York, Miami and L.A. — but it’s clearly catching on in the D.C. area, where women are wearing their eye-popping workout pants everywhere from Starbucks to the supermarket. “It’s all about being comfortable and expressing your individuality,” Pascal says. “People like being able to take their look from the gym to the street.”

 

 

 

Leila Fine Gifts and Jewels January clearance sale: http://leilajewels.com

 

 

 

Sweaters from The Limited

 

A comeback for The Limited?

The Limited, which closed all its stores after the holidays and filed for bankruptcy this week, may be poised for a comeback online. A private equity firm is buying the company’s intellectual property and may relaunch The Limited as a web-only retailer, reports The Columbus Dispatch. The new owner is Sycamore Partners, which also operates the brands Coldwater Creek, Hot Topic, Jones New York and Talbots. The Limited’s website is currently sporting a “we’ll be back soon” message. Stay tuned.

 

 

Email questions to publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

Balls and bowls on Rockville Pike, sushi in Potomac Village

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Coming to Pike & Rose

Pike & Rose, the new “downtown” development slated for Rockville Pike and Montrose Parkway (former site of Toys R Us, Filene’s Basement, etc.) is picking up steam as new tenants climb aboard. Here’s a look at some of what’s to come…

 

 

Pinstripes

 

Bowling, bocce and bistro

Pinstripes, which just made its local debut in Georgetown, is close to finalizing a deal for a second location at Pike & Rose. It will offer a combo of bowling lanes, bocce courts, food, drinks and live music — all in an upscale atmosphere with Jerusalem stone floors and communal outdoor fire pits. Pinstripes also will host weddings, bar mitzvahs and corporate events, says CEO Dale Schwartz. “Each of our locations does about 2,000 parties a year.” But you’ve got plenty of time to plan: Pinstripes is scheduled to open in 2016.

 

 

iPic Theaters with 3D Glasses

 

Best seats in the house

Maryland’s first iPic Theater, part of a new wave of ultra-luxury movie houses, is set to raise the curtain at Pike & Rose this fall. Like the ArcLight Cinema under construction at Westfield Montgomery Mall, iPic will offer swanky decor, state-of-the-art sound systems, reserve-ahead seating, bar service and high-end food. And for a few extra bucks, they’ll throw in even more perks: pillows, blankets and black-clad “ninja” waiters who bring the cocktails and Portobello sliders right to your cushy reclining seat.

 

 

ShopHouse Asian Kitchen rice bowl

 

Chipotle goes Asian

ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen, a new concept from Chipotle, brings the Mexican chain’s assembly-line format to a whole new cuisine. Start with a bowl of rice or noodles, then choose from an array of meat, tofu, fresh vegetables, herbs, spicy sauces and toppings reminiscent of Bangkok, Singapore and Hanoi. ShopHouse already has established a cult following at its D.C. and Bethesda locations. And by the way: The original Chipotle will still be part of the new Pike & Rose — just in a slightly different location. So will the French bakery La Madeleine.

 

 

Sushi Roll

 

Potomac Village on a roll

Just opened in Potomac Village: En Bistro & Sushi, the latest venture from a man who knows his way around a spicy tuna roll. “A lot of people in this area will recognize me from years of catering at country clubs, bar mitzvahs and baseball games,” says owner Billy Ye, who has two other “En” restaurants in Rockville and Germantown. En Bistro offers a full pan-Asian menu. You can find it near Tally Ho, on the back side of the Verizon store. Oh… and did we mention they deliver?

 

Big changes at the mall, Chipotle opening in Potomac Village, no Walmart for Rockville

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Westfield Montgomery Mall new seating area

 

Big changes ahead for Montgomery Mall

Westfield Montgomery Mall will add at least four new restaurants to its dining mix this year, starting with the New York-based pizzeria chain Naples 45. On the heels of recent additions Cheesecake Factory and Bobby’s Burger Palace, the new eateries are all part of the mall’s plan to become a dining and entertainment destination. Topping it all off will be the East Coast’s first ArcLight Cinema, a multi-screen state-of-the-art theater offering reserved seating, gourmet food and alcoholic beverages. Part of the mall’s new look is already in place: Chic new seating arrangements sprinkled throughout, complete with electrical outlets and WiFi. “It’s supposed to feel like the lobby of a boutique hotel,” says marketing director Christa Allen. Guys will be especially happy about the ultra-posh seats in the Nordstrom wing, with a prime view of the Tesla store.

 

 

Chipotle burrito

 

Potomac Village: Chipotle on the way

Speaking of new dining options, Potomac Village will soon have one of its own when Chipotle opens in the former Chicken Out space next to Starbucks. Renovation is under way; opening will be this spring.

 

 

Walmart logo

 

No Walmart for Rockville

You may remember all the hoopla back in 2011, when Walmart announced plans for a new location at Rockville Pike and Twinbrook Parkway. Neighbors were up in arms about replacing a smallish shopping center with 80,000 square feet of big-box superstore. Well, that deal is dead. The original shopping center, which includes the beloved Bagel City, isn’t going anywhere. And its owners have found new tenants to fill the former Office Depot space: Ethan Allen and Pier One, both relocating from elsewhere on the Pike.

 

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