Pizza

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

July 25, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New restaurant for Wildwood

Promising new restaurant on the way to the Wildwood shopping center: Piccoli Piatti, a fresh concept from Fish Taco founder Francis Namin. The fast-casual eatery will take over the Oakville Grille space with a family-friendly atmosphere and a moderately priced menu of thin-crust pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Namin is no stranger to pizza restaurants: His family once ran Bethesda’s much-missed Red Tomato Café. Tentative opening date for this one: March 2020.

Lands' End in, Baja Fresh out at Congressional Plaza

Congressional Plaza gained a store and lost a restaurant this week, as Lands’ End confirmed rumors that it’s joining the lineup while Baja Fresh made a quiet exit. This will be the second full-sized Lands’ End store in Maryland, part of the retailer’s ambitious plan to forge into the brick-and-mortar world while cutting ties with the failing Sears chain. At Congressional, doors will open this fall in the old Performance Bicycle space — just about the time that next-door neighbor Saks Off 5th closes its doors. (More on that in our June 27th edition.)

New at the mall

Interesting new addition to Westfield Montgomery mall this week: Yvonne Ex, now open next to Lenscrafters with a dazzling array of clothing and accessories from Ghana. This is the first U.S. venture for owner Yvonne Tawiah, who produces her own tie-dyes and batiks for men and women. What else is new at the mall this week? Clothing store Windsor has opened its doors in the Old Navy wing, Kicks USA has changed its names to Snipes, and Shilla Bakery will now be known as Syd’s. More on that in an upcoming issue.

Comeback for Taylor Gourmet

Sandwich chain Taylor Gourmet, on the comeback trail after a 2018 bankruptcy, has announced plans to reopen three locations including the one at Pike & Rose. The North Bethesda restaurant was just four months old when Taylor Gourmet filed Chapter 11 last September. Its new owners, who bought the company’s assets in bankruptcy court, plan to bring back all three locations by the end of the summer.

Did you miss these issues?

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

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

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

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

So long Saks, hello Lands’ End, yoga at Park Potomac and Fu Shing fades out

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

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

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

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

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

December 20, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New chapter for Barnes & Noble

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

New pizza on the Pike

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

Realtor Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty

Santa's been busy

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

Biker Barre cycles in

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

Angry Mama & more at The Container Store

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

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

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

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Did you miss these issues?

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

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

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

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

So long Saks, hello Lands’ End, yoga at Park Potomac and Fu Shing fades out

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

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

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

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Hello Flower Child, goodbye Mellow Mushroom, new sushi from Raku chef

September 27, 2018 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Sept. 27th, 2018.

Flower Child’s almost ready to bloom

Buzzy new restaurant about to make its Montgomery County debut: Flower Child, opening Nov. 7th at Travilah Square Shopping Center and next spring at the Wildwood Shops. The Phoenix-based chain, from the founders of True Food Kitchen, has a similar focus on healthy, flavorful dishes that accommodate various special diets. (Vietnamese Crunch Salad or Thai Cashew Quinoa Bowl, anyone?) Decor is casual and hippie-chic (click here for photos on our Facebook page). The restaurant should pair well with the new Trader Joe’s at Travilah Square — but complaints about the small parking lot are only going to get worse.

Mellow Mushroom exits Rockville Town Square

Funky pizzeria Mellow Mushroom has closed its doors after just two years at Rockville Town Square, where it replaced original tenant Oro Pomodoro across from the ice rink/performance stage. Co-owner Danny Trehan had complained over the years that parking fees were deterring foot traffic at Rockville Town Square. Trehan, who also operates franchised Mellow Mushroom restaurants in Herndon and Adams Morgan, says those two locations will remain open. “The (Rockville) restaurant was not doing so good,” he says, “and I wanted to get on with life.”

Painting & sipping at Rockville Town Square

Hammer & Stain, a do-it-yourself sign-painting studio, is heading to Rockville Town Square this fall. Owner Robyn Rutland plans to offer group workshops, parties and drop-in gatherings where people can turn unfinished wood into wall decor, personalized signs, holiday gifts and more. Also: She’ll be serving wine and beer so you can sip while you paint. “We’ll walk you through the whole thing,” says Rutland, who will provide stencils and plenty of tools to assist the non-artistic. “Even someone like me, who is not really crafty, will walk out of there with a finished piece that’s creative and unique,” she says. Doors will open in the next few weeks on Gibbs Street across from First Watch, at the former home of Pigtails & Crewcuts.

New sushi from Raku chef

Here’s a fresh sushi spot that might be worth a drive to Gaithersburg: Kenaki Sushi Counter, a new venture from former Raku sous chef Ken Ballogdajan, just opened its doors at Kentlands Market Square. “We’re only doing lunch for right now, but we’re hoping to add dinner in the next few weeks,” says Aki Ballogdajan, who co-owns the restaurant with her brother. Signature rolls include the Black Magic (black rice, spicy tuna, tempura flakes and crispy leeks) and the White Tiger (seared scallops, salmon, eel and Granny Smith apples). Hours will vary for the next few weeks, click here for more.

Did you miss these issues?

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

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

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

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

So long Saks, hello Lands’ End, yoga at Park Potomac and Fu Shing fades out

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

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

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

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

New restaurant for Westfield Montgomery, Sugo’s secret chef, new picks on the Pike

June 28, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New restaurant for Westfield Montgomery

Big news for the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall: Urban Plates, a modern take on the classic cafeteria, is taking over the empty Naples space with plans to open next year. The California-based chain offers a variety of chef-driven food stations, allowing customers to choose from freshly tossed salads and bowls, hand-carved sandwiches, side dishes and scratch-made desserts. Foodies should be happy with this place, where the beef is grass-fed, the chicken free-range, the seafood sustainably sourced and the produce mostly local. Want a peek at the menu? Click here or head over to Tysons Galleria, where Urban Plates will open in mid-July. Want to know what other restaurants are on the way to the mall? Click here.

Sugo’s secret chef

New talent in the kitchen this summer at Sugo: Sasha Felikson, a respected young chef who has worked at top D.C.-area restaurants from CityZen to Minibar, has been quietly revamping dishes at the Park Potomac eatery. Felikson, known for his adventurous choices, has been raising the bar at Sugo with new additions like small-batch mozzarella cheese and homemade pastas. (The crab gnocchi is a knockout). He’s now working on recipes for Julii, the new venture from the founders of Sugo and Cava, where he’ll be running the kitchen when doors open this fall at Pike & Rose. The Julii menu will be French-Mediterranean, with a few surprises. (Ever seen ice cream prepared tableside? Felikson tells us he’s working on it. Stay tuned.)

CAVA, Honeygrow, Slapfish and Five Guys at Montrose Crossing 2

New picks on the Pike

The summer outdoor dining scene is starting to shape up at Montrose Crossing, with three new restaurants already open and two more nearing completion. Slapfish and Five Guys will soon join Cava and Honeygrow at the center’s new restaurant row, while Honey Pig Korean BBQ is now open near Old Navy. What’s missing from the lineup? Pieology. The make-your-own pizza chain has dropped out of the project, and we’re still waiting to hear who will fill the last few spaces. As soon as we know, you’ll know.

Rooftop crops at Pike & Rose

Remember the rooftop farm at Pike & Rose that we told you about last January? The first summer is off to a good start, with 17,000 square feet of crops including greens, root vegetables, herbs, tomatoes and peppers. Up Top Acres is overseeing the farm, which is said to be the largest of its kind in the Washington metro area. The food is being distributed to Pike & Rose restaurants, farm share members (maxed out for this year) and customers at the Saturday farm markets. For more info on Up Top Acres, click here.

Did you miss these issues?

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

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

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

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

So long Saks, hello Lands’ End, yoga at Park Potomac and Fu Shing fades out

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

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

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

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

New food & new stores for Westfield Montgomery mall, Karma opens at Park Potomac

May 24, 2018 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

New eats at the mall

Lots of new food on the way to Westfield Montgomery Mall, where several restaurants and a trendy new dessert place are set to open in the next few months. In the Dining Terrace, the Spice 6 Indian eatery is shooting for a late-June opening while newcomer EG Ramenis taking over the former Boardwalk space. Upstairs, across from the ArcLight Cinema, Viva Steakhouse & Asian Fusion should be open by early fall. Owner Calvin Yang tells us the restaurant will have a pan-Asian menu (Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese) plus several Japanese hibachi tables, an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet, and a full bar that overlooks the Dining Terrace. And another Asian food craze, Thai rolled ice cream, is on the way to the Sears wing in the spot just vacated by Menchie’s.

What’s new, what’s coming to the mall

What else is happening at Westfield Montgomery Mall? Furniture Place has opened in the former Victoria’s Secret/Pink space near Nordstrom. The Dormify showroom is now open as well (click here for more in our May 10th edition). And Zumiez, featuring skateboards and skater-inspired fashions, will be moving into the former VIP space.

Karma opens at Park Potomac

Karma by Erwin Gomez, the newest venture from the D.C.-based celebrity makeup artist, made its debut this week at Park Potomac. Located across from Addie’s in the ground floor of The Perry, Karma offers hair, makeup and nail services, lash and brow styling and an array of skin treatments — plus the chance to schedule a session with Gomez himself. For more on Karma, click here.

Did you miss these issues?

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

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

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

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

So long Saks, hello Lands’ End, yoga at Park Potomac and Fu Shing fades out

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

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

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

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

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

November 30, 2017 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Did you miss these issues?

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

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

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

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

So long Saks, hello Lands’ End, yoga at Park Potomac and Fu Shing fades out

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

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

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

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

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

June 22, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Four new restaurants for Rockville

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

A Taste of New Orleans on Rockville Pike

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

Gift shop to exit Cabin John

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

Carluccio’s exits Pike & Rose

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

New at the mall: beanbags and Peloton bikes

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

Amazon in the news

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

New farmers market at Cabin John – plus ramen, hotpot, Honeyfish Poke and a closing for Potomac Village Deli

June 15, 2017 By Store Reporter 3 Comments

Fresh produce, specialty foods every Thursday

Summer is the season for farmers markets, and Cabin John Shopping Center is finally getting one of its own. Starting this week and continuing through early fall, the center will showcase fresh produce from several local farms as well as specialty goods from vendors like Ruby Scoops (ice cream and sweets), Groff’s Content Farm (meat, poultry and eggs), District Spice (salt-free and vegan blends), Craft Kombucha (fermented health drinks) and Buffalo & Bergen (New York-style fare). The market will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursdays in the front parking lot at Tuckerman Lane and Seven Locks Road, moving to the back parking lot in August and September. The farmers market is the first major initiative from Cabin John’s new owner, Edens, which is working to turn the shopping center into a community gathering place.

Aloha Honeyfish Poke

The long-awaited Honeyfish Poke opened its doors this week at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. On the menu: Raw fish or tofu served Hawaiian-style with customized Asian toppings and sauces. “What really makes the flavors are the marinades, ” says Honeyfish CEO Duke Park. “You can have it on the sweet side with eel sauce, or for traditional sushi flavor you can have it with ponzu, soy sauce or wasabi.” Park, who co-founded the chain in California, has relocated to Maryland with plans to expand in the D.C. area. For more on Honeyfish Poke, click here.

New Ramen for Rockville

Two new Asian restaurants — Urban Hot Pot and Akira Ramen — are moving into the Galvan complex on Rockville Pike. The side-by-side concepts, complete with conveyor belt, will take the vacant space between Ethan Allen and Dunkin’ Donuts. This will be the second hotpot restaurant to open in the area this year, following four-month-old Little Dipper at Rockville Town Square (see our Sept. 8 edition for more). “There’s a great demand for all these Asian concepts in the Rockville area,” says broker Shang Wang, who’s handled several such deals for JBG Companies. “Whether it’s hot pot, ramen, poke or bubble tea, all of them are doing really well.”

Potomac Pizza exits The Kentlands

The Potomac Pizza/Potomac Village Deli chain is calling it quits on The Kentlands. Doors will close June 18th at the 18-year-old restaurant, which converted from pizza to deli fare just last year. “We made some mistakes, including having two pizza places so close together in The Kentlands and Rockville,” says co-owner Adam Greenberg. “We thought that having a breakfast/deli-type concept out there would be awesome, and our regulars all thought it was great, but obviously the other people didn’t.” The Potomac Pizza restaurants in Rockville, Chevy Chase and Potomac Village will not be affected by the closing, Greenberg says, and a new location planned for College Park is still scheduled to open in August. He says the company plans to continue its deli catering business.

Gymboree files for bankruptcy

Gymboree is the latest retailer to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy, announcing this week that it plans to restructure debt and close 375 stores across the country. Gymboree also operates the value-oriented Crazy 8 chain and the higher-end Janie and Jack, for a combined total of 1,300 children’s clothing stores nationwide. Gymboree and Janie and Jack are both tenants at Westfield Montgomery Mall. No word yet on which locations will be closing.

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

June 1, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Raw fish is all the rage

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

Weekend plan: URBNmarket

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

Will Blaze ever be back?

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

One less store for Appalachian Spring

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

Michael Kors closing stores

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

New French bakery, New York-style pizza, flowers & fun at the mall, bye bye Bebe

May 11, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New French bakery for Rockville

Fresh Baguette, a Bethesda bakery with a stellar reputation, is heading to Rockville this summer with a new location at 804 Hungerford Drive. What to expect? Scratch-baked French bread, croissants, tarts, macarons, Viennese pastries, custom-made sandwiches and a dozen other reasons to leave your skinny jeans at home. The Rockville location, featuring a picture window where you can watch the bakers at work, will fulfill orders for wholesale clients like Ritz-Carlton and the Watergate Hotel. “Most of our bakers were trained in France,” says wholesale director Vincent Mathieu. “We do things the traditional way, exactly the same as it’s done there.” To see what’s in the oven, click here.

New York pizza on the Pike

CSNY Pizza, the long-awaited spinoff to Rockville favorite Pizza CS, quietly opened for lunch this week at 1020 Rockville Pike. Hours will be expanded in the next week or two, says co-owner Ankur Rajpara, who runs the six-year-old business with partner Jonathan Allen. The pair have a reputation for perfectionism, having traveled to Italy and deeply researched Neapolitan cooking techniques before they launched their first restaurant at Twinbrook Metro Center. The new place, in tighter quarters at Edmonston Crossing, offers New York-style pizza with a focus on takeout and delivery. Click here for more in our Jan 5 edition — and click here if you missed last week’s story on the closings of two nearby Italian restaurants, Pie 360 and Brio Tuscan Grille.

Flowers and fun at the mall

If you’ve ever been to the Macy’s Flower Show in New York City, you’ll like what’s about to happen at Westfield Montgomery Mall. May 16th marks the kickoff of Montgomery in Bloom, a six-week flower party with floral-themed food and tea tastings, perfume samplings, fashion shows, yoga classes, hand massages, makeup tutorials and some dazzling flower displays. It’s all happening on the lower level of the Nordstrom wing, where you can also join Wednesday night paint-and-pour events to benefit Children’s National Medical Center. Click here for dates and details.

Bye bye Bebe

Things are looking pretty bare at the Bebe store at Westfield Montgomery Mall, which will close its doors at the end of this month. Bebe, a retail darling of the ’90s, is shuttering all of its 160-plus locations after years of declining sales. The company initially said it would stay in business as an online retailer, but it’s now unclear whether that will actually happen.

News splash

Aardvark Swim & Sport, a fixture at Wintergreen Plaza for more than two decades, is heading into pool season with a new name and a new owner. The store was purchased by Virginia businessman Lee Cassel, a longtime sporting goods retailer who operates a similar store in Herndon as well as a sports complex just down the road. “I’ve known Aardvark owner Bob York for years, as he and I had competing stores in Virginia,” Cassel says. “When I got wind that he was going to retire, we worked out a deal for me to take over this location.” The Wintergreen store, which will now be called Cassel’s Swim & Awards, will also offer custom plaques, trophies and personalized signs. For more on Cassel’s, click here.

Two restaurants exit Rockville Pike, Peruvian chicken at Westlake, Sears & Bonobos changing hands

May 4, 2017 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

Two restaurants exit Rockville Pike

This week marks the closing of two Italian restaurants off Rockville Pike: Fine-dining fixture Brio Tuscan Grille, which lasted five years, and fast-casual pizza joint Pie 360, which didn’t even make it to five months. Brio, one of the original tenants at North Bethesda Market, was a popular spot for large parties but had trouble filling so many tables on a day-to-day basis. Pie 360, a short-lived experiment from the Coal Fire pizza chain, had been one of the first restaurants to open at the new Galvan complex off Twinbrook Parkway. Pie 360 also closed its seven-month-old location on D.C.’s K Street.

New restaurant for Westlake Crossing

Peruvian chicken chain Don Pollo is heading to Westlake Crossing, the shopping center just outside Westfield Montgomery Mall. Plans call for a fall opening next to Corner Bakery, in the former Roti space that’s been vacant for more than a year. In addition to its juicy chicken, Don Pollo serves traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, ceviche and aguadito soup. Click here to check out the menu.

Sears store changing hands

Chicago-based Sears, which is unloading real estate across the country, has sold its Westfield Montgomery Mall store for $73.5 million. The buyer? Westfield Corp., the mall’s owner. If you think this means the Sears store is finally going to close, think again. The Washington Business Journal says a leaseback deal will ensure that business goes on as usual, at least for the short term. For the long term, Westfield isn’t revealing its plans — but we’re betting the Sears space could eventually become the site of a modern home goods retailer like West Elm or Crate & Barrel.

Pandora for Mother’s Day at Silver Moon

If there’s a mom in your life who loves Pandora jewelry, Silver Moon at Congressional Plaza is the place to check out this year’s Mother’s Day collection. Shown here: The “Tree of Hearts” bangle bracelet, engraved with the words “You are so loved” ($125), and the “Tribute to Mom” gift set with snake chain bracelet in a pink zippered case ($195). Or keep it simple with the “I Love My Mom” charm, in sterling silver with cubic zirconia stones for just $60. Silver Moon Jewelry & Accessories, 1659 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza; (301) 468-1122 or visit www.silvermoonstyle.com.

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Another shoe store heading to the mall

Vinci, a Pennsylvania-based retailer specializing in handmade leather shoes, is moving into the former Sheepskin Gifts space at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Vinci carries styles for both men and women, with prices mostly in the $150 to $200 range. Vinci is the second new shoe store heading to the mall this year; see our April 6th edition for details on the upcoming Kicks USA.

Walmart buying Bonobos?

Bonobos, the upscale men’s clothing retailer known for its well-fitting pants, is expected to be acquired by Walmart in the next few months. This pairing is not as odd as it may seem: Walmart has been diversifying its holdings with the purchase of several trendy e-commerce sites — including Shoebuy, Moosejaw and ModCloth — that give it access to fashion-conscious customers who likely wouldn’t be caught dead buying clothes at Walmart.com. Bonobos is a web-based business with a handful of physical stores, including the one at Westfield Montgomery Mall, where customers can try clothes in person but still make their purchases online. It’s unclear whether this acquisition would ultimately lead to Bonobos clothes being sold on Walmart’s website.

Gusto to the mall, Noodles & Company update, bankruptcy watch for Gymboree

April 13, 2017 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Gusto to the mall this fall

Gusto Farm to Street, a popular pizza-and-salads concept in downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring, is heading to the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery Mall. This is the restaurant we hinted about in our April 6th issue, but we promised not to name names until the deal was signed this week. Gusto is taking the former Lobster ME location between Cava and Chipotle, with a menu focused on super-fresh salads and quick-serve personal pizzas at a price point below $10. The restaurant also is known for its cauliflower-crust pizzas, which will soon be followed by another gluten-free option made with black beans. CEO Josh Grim says he hopes to have the restaurant open by late September, serving lunch, dinner and extended evening hours.

No more closings for Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company, which exited Bethesda last week with the closing of its restaurants at Westfield Montgomery Mall and 4929 Elm Street, says it has no plans for further closings in the D.C. area. The restaurant company recently announced plans to shutter 55 locations nationwide, most of which have already happened as of this month. The Noodles & Company restaurants in Rockville and Gaithersburg are not expected to close, a rep tells us.

Goodbye Gymboree?

This week we’re on bankruptcy watch for Gymboree, the children’s clothing retailer that’s expected to file any day. The company currently operates about 1,300 stores, including one at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Gymboree hasn’t been profitable since 2011; it’s unclear whether its stores would remain open in the wake of a bankruptcy filing.

New pizza in Rockville, a closing at Pike & Rose, and which stores didn’t survive the holidays

January 5, 2017 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

New pizza on the Pike

Pizza CS, the Rockville restaurant known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pies, is venturing into new territory for its upcoming second location at Edmonston Crossing on the Pike. “The menu will focus on 18-inch New York-style pizzas with a thin crust,” says co-owner Ankur Rajpara. “We’ll also do subs, wings, and a pan-baked pizza called Sicilian. And we may do the ‘grandma-style’ pizza, which is a thin-crust Sicilian that’s native to Brooklyn and Long Island.” The new restaurant will offer takeout and delivery only, in contrast with its sit-down older sister at the Twinbrook Metro Center. Both restaurants will have fresh competition from Pie 360, a make-your-own pizza place that just opened on the ground floor of the Galvan at Twinbrook complex.

Three stores out at Westfield Montgomery Mall

This week we say goodbye to three stores at Westfield Montgomery Mall that didn’t survive the holidays. First to exit was The Limited, which is closing stores across the country as it prepares to file for bankruptcy. Also out is Smart Toys, a longtime tenant that doubled as Halloween Adventure every fall. And R. Riveter, a Shark Tank-backed business featuring handbags sewn by military spouses, has closed its doors after a short run in the former Eileen Fisher space. Even though the concept didn’t appear to catch on with shoppers at Westfield Montgomery, R. Riveter tells us it’s looking to open other pop-up stores in the D.C. area.

Macy’s, Sears and Aéropostale will stay at the mall

This week Macy’s and Sears released their lists of stores that will be closing nationwide. As you might have guessed, the Macy’s and Macy’s Home stores at Westfield Montgomery Mall will not be among the casualties. Neither will the mall’s Sears store, despite its increasingly incongruent presence as Westfield Montgomery moves in a more upscale direction. Also staying put is the teen store Aéropostale, which survived a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and is finally taking down those “Store Closing” signs that were plastered on its windows for months.

Kids’ boutique exits Pike & Rose

Yogaso, a children’s store that was among the first tenants to open at Pike & Rose, will close its doors next week to focus on Internet sales. “We thought it would be great to have a brick-and-mortar store so people could see, feel and touch our products,” says owner Alem Beshir, who carries clothing, toys and accessories from around the world. But with web traffic outpacing foot traffic in her second year of business, Beshir decided to focus on her website with occasional local pop-up shows. Yogaso fans can continue to shop the line at www.yogaso.com.

Changes for Cabin John, Park Potomac restaurant update, Goodbye Jerry’s and The Limited

December 22, 2016 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Changes ahead for Cabin John

Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall has a new owner for the first time in its 48-year history. Carl M. Freeman Cos., which developed the center in the 1960s and ’70s, has sold it for $165 million to Edens, a national firm with extensive holdings in the D.C. area. The likely result: a new look and hopefully some new tenants to fill the center’s empty spaces. Stay tuned for more after the holidays.

Park Potomac restaurants: Who’s opening when?

Restaurant construction has been moving along s-l-o-w-l-y at Park Potomac, where two new eateries that were supposed to arrive before the holidays have been delayed until next year. Filicori Zecchini, the Italian coffee house and cafe, is now looking to open in January or February. Gringos & Mariachis, a Mexican concept from the owners of Bethesda’s Olazzo, is tentatively set for March. And Addie’s, the new incarnation of the beloved Rockville Pike restaurant, should follow sometime this spring.

Goodbye Jerry’s and The Limited

If you were planning to order takeout from Jerry’s Subs & Pizza this winter, you’re out of luck: The restaurant closed its doors inside Cabin John Mall at the end of last week. And we’ll soon say goodbye to The Limited at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The retailer is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and our local store is expected to close shortly after Christmas.

The gold standard at Kaufmann Jewelers

The gift of gold is always welcome, and Kaufmann Jewelers at Park Potomac has some great selections in stock for the holidays. The store carries gifts in every price range (including some lovely pieces under $100) as well as custom designs by third-generation jeweler Corey Kaufmann, who runs the business with father George. Shown here: a cable-chain ring for $225 (or $295 with pavé diamonds) and a triple-band ring with two-tone gold for $750. Kaufmann Jewelers, 12500 Park Potomac Ave., #107-S, open through 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Call 301-978-7778 or click here.

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Stocking stuffers from The Container Store

When we’re in a holiday rush, we always count on The Container Store for last-minute gifts. We tested a box of stocking stuffers and chose our favorites. The U-Dock by Umbra (currently on sale for $8.99) is a sturdy tablet holder with a minimalist design that collapses flat for easy storage. The Scoop That ($19.99) uses your hand’s own body heat to dish out some Ben & Jerry’s in a hurry. And then there’s the Chipolo Item Finder ($24.99), which uses your phone to find your keys or your keys to find your phone. Every year we try these “find-your-keys” gadgets in search of one that works. This year, for the first time, we were not disappointed. Click here to check it out.

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We’re taking a winter break

This is the last issue of Store Reporter for 2016. We’ll be back in January with news about who’s coming, who’s going, and which stores and restaurants didn’t make it through the holidays. (In case you missed last week’s issue: Rockville’s American Tap Room is already out, and Timpano is closing on New Year’s Eve.) Want to find out what else you might have missed? While we’re taking a winter break, catch up on back issues at www.storereporter.com.

Goodbye Vince & Dominic’s, hello Chipotle; B Scene’s teen scene

June 12, 2014 By Store Reporter

Goodbye Vince & Dominic’s

Many Store Reporter readers were saddened by the May 30 closing of Vince & Dominic’s Pizzeria, site of countless sports team parties and family outings for more than three decades. Home Depot, which owns the shopping center across from Westfield Montgomery Mall, took some heat when the restaurant’s owners publicly blamed the company for not renewing their lease. But Home Depot spent a year trying to work with the owners after they fell behind in their rent, says company spokesman Stephen Holmes. The departure of Vince & Dominic’s leaves the property with several vacant storefronts. Holmes says no decisions have been made about what to do with all the empty space.

Hello Chipotle

We were the first to tell you that Chipotle was coming to Potomac Village. (See our Feb. 6 and April 3 editions.) Now we’re here to tell you when you can get in line for your first burrito. Mark your calendars for June 23.

Welcome back Talbots and Konplott

Talbots, the classic women’s clothing chain that joined the mass exodus from White Flint Mall several months ago, opened its big red doors last week on the lower level of Westfield Montgomery Mall. And Konplott, the European jewelry store that vacated its space near Macy’s last month, has returned in the form of a kiosk outside Nordstrom.

Teen Scene at B Scene

B Scene, the trendy clothing boutique at Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall, is expanding its product line to appeal to kids and teens. “We have a lot of customers who have been with us since the time they had babies, and now those babies are 10, 12, 14 years old — so it’s fun for them to come in with mom and get something for themselves,” says Ilana Kashdin, who runs the store with her own mom, Robin Greger. The change is also a natural result of the store’s relocation two years ago from an outside storefront to an inside space near Shoe Train, Toy Castle, My Gym and other child-focused businesses. “There are a lot more kids now walking by and looking through our windows,” Kashdin says. So she makes sure they’ll spot something they like: boys’ lacrosse shorts from Flow Society, for example, and girls’ clothes from companies like Malibu Sugar, Dori Creations and Les Tout Petites. Not to mention the kitschy socks of the season from Living Royal ($8 a pair), featuring photo-realistic images like the jellybeans shown here.

Blazing fast pizza, Burton’s Olympic buzz, goodbye China Jade

February 20, 2014 By Store Reporter

Pizza in a flash at the mall

Blaze Pizza, a hot new concept from the founders of Wetzel’s Pretzels, will make its Maryland debut this summer at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The California-based chain, which has attracted such high-profile investors as Maria Shriver, is known for its Chipotle-style assembly line: Customers watch as their ball of dough is flattened into a crust, topped by their choice of 40 fresh ingredients, then flash-fired for two minutes in a super-hot oven. The Montgomery Mall location, which will open near Old Navy, is just the beginning for Blaze in this market. Virginia and D.C. locations are in the works.

Olympic buzz for Burton

Excitement about the winter Olympics has been great for business at Burton, the Vermont-based snowboarding company. At its Westfield Montgomery Mall store, which opened last August with a broad selection of boards, boots and winter clothes, “jacket sales have been up crazy amounts” since the Olympics began, says assistant manager Cory Brown. But there’s one item in high demand that the store just can’t provide: the patchwork jackets worn by the U.S. snowboarding team. “Only the athletes can wear them right now,” Brown says. Not for long, though. A civilian version is coming later this year.

No more mu shu

It looks like we’ve seen the last of China Jade Bistro at the Cabin John Shopping Center. Doors have been closed for more than a week at the neighborhood eatery, which replaced the similarly named Jade Billows just a few years ago.

Toy story

Also closing in the next few weeks, after two decades as a Potomac Village fixture, is the charming toy shop Toys Unique. “I’ve never carried computer games, Xbox or things like that — just good basic toys that don’t get outdated,” says owner Jarunee Chantraparnik, who is retiring. The mix of shops in Potomac Village has changed a lot in 20 years, she says, and her customers’ buying habits have changed too. “Now the younger parents seem to be doing everything through the Internet.”