Store Reporter

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

Rockville Pike

Attman’s and Subway exit Cabin John — plus furloughs, Forever 21 and more food options

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Attman's exits Cabin John

Attman’s has closed its doors after eight years at Cabin John Village — but not for the reason you might think. Although the timing happened to coincide with other coronavirus closings, owner Marc Attman says he’s known for several months that his lease would not be renewed. Attman, who also owns Potomac Village Deli, says he’s about to take over another space nearby with indoor/outdoor seating and plenty of room for his catering operation. Where will it be? We’ll have the answer very soon. Meanwhile, Attman’s isn’t the only restaurant that exited Cabin John this week: The Subway next to Gregorio’s is out of business.

Normandie Farm
Hanna's Connection

Forever 21 fades away

When the doors finally reopen at Westfield Montgomery mall, it’s impossible to predict which stores will be coming back. But here’s one thing we know for sure: Forever 21 has reached the end. The teen clothing retailer, in bankruptcy since last fall, will be permanently shuttering its stores at all Westfield malls including Montgomery, Wheaton and Annapolis.

Wintergreen Plaza

Retail staffers wait and wonder

Elsewhere in the retail world, national chains have been taking drastic steps to curb their losses. Hundreds of thousands of employees already have been furloughed from their jobs at Macy’s, Kohl’s, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, with no idea when they’ll be back at work. Most retailers are continuing to do business online, and many are extending the time frame for returns until their stores reopen.

Shin Orthodontics

We're Open! Local food, shopping & Zoom classes

Our “We’re Open!” Guide is growing like crazy as locally owned businesses find new ways to serve you. Support our stores and restaurants — and give yourself a much-needed break — with takeout meals, no-contact delivery, shopping, Zoom classes and more. (Want to advertise in our guide? Email us: publisher@storereporter.com.)

 

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.

SPONSORED CONTENT
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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.

SPONSORED CONTENT
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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More changes for Congressional Plaza, goodbye Gordon Biersch, Art & Chemistry on the move

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Congressional Plaza "inks" new deal

Another new tenant on the way to Rockville’s Congressional Plaza: Custom Ink, the Virginia-based logowear company, will open its third brick-and-mortar store in the newly empty Baskin-Robbins space. While Custom Ink does most of its business online, Rockville customers will be able to meet with a designer and get some advice about the best way to plaster their photos and logos onto T-shirts, hats, bags, tumblers and tech accessories. Custom Ink is the latest addition to Congressional’s reinvigorated north side, joining upcoming newcomers Madison Reed Color Bar, Orangetheory Fitness, CorePower Yoga and Barnes & Noble. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for opening dates.

Shin Orthodontics

Gordon Biersch empties out

Rockville Town Square took another big hit this week with the closing of one its oldest tenants, Gordon Biersch. The brewery’s parent company has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy and shuttered multiple locations, including those in D.C. and Baltimore. In Rockville, the closing comes just a month after the loss of nearby Bar Louie — yet another victim of Chapter 11.

Taff & Levine

Double dose of Walgreens

Walgreens has completed its conversion of the Rite Aid store in Potomac Village, giving the drugstore chain a double presence on either side of River Road. The newly renovated location offers wider aisles and a streamlined layout that will likely make for quicker shopping (see our interior photos on Facebook and Instagram). For the time being, we’re told that Walgreens plans to keep both stores in business.

Wintergreen Plaza

Art & Chemistry on the move

After 25 years at Kensington’s White Flint Plaza, Art & Chemistry is moving north. On April 1 the salon will relocate to Downtown Crown, where it replaces the blow dry bar Blo at 317 Ellington Blvd. “This opportunity literally fell into our lap, and we loved the location,” says Nikol Paez, who co-owns the salon with husband Diego. “It has great parking, great foot traffic, and it’s really a destination where our clients can go shopping or out to eat after they’re done.” Also making the move is Rayna Badwey Matz of R Boutique, who subleases space inside the salon and will continue to sell her clothing, accessories and jewelry at the new location.

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Home Depot Design Center, Barnes & Noble, Pike & Rose boutique and a 7-Eleven update

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Hello Home Depot Design Center

Construction has begun on Rockville’s new Home Depot Design Center, which is taking over the long-empty Golf Galaxy space at Montrose Crossing. This will be the second store of its kind in the country, featuring kitchen and bath showrooms, high-end appliances and an army of designers to plan and execute your project. Meanwhile, what’s going on with the Barnes & Noble store next door? Scroll down.

Realtor Mimi Arnold of Century 21 Redwood Realty

New look for the books

Lots of construction at Congressional Plaza this week as the upcoming Barnes & Noble store gets a grand new facade. So…. does this mean we’re getting two whole floors of books? Sadly, no. Despite what it looks like, Federal Realty tells us the new store will not have a second level. Doors are supposed to open this summer, but a peek inside reveals that not much progress has been made. Check it out for yourself on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza

The luxe life

Newly open at Pike & Rose: Evoluxxy, a locally owned boutique carrying brands like Vince, Theory, Stuart Weitzman, Citizens of Humanity and Mother — plus a selection of pieces by the store’s own designers. You’ll find it in the former Francesca’s space, between Olive & Loom and the Lucky store.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

Mall moves: Stationery, Sheepskin & Slurpees

These are the final days for Papyrus at Westfield Montgomery mall, and last weekend the store was packed with bargain-hunting shoppers. Also departing is the Sheepskin Gifts store, which trots into the mall every fall and goes out to pasture every spring. Meanwhile, the new 7-Eleven is set to open on Friday, March 13th.

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Lego Store, the future of Macy’s and a closing date for Pizza CS

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Hello Lego

A Lego Store is on the way to Westfield Montgomery mall, opening next fall just in time for the holiday shopping season. This will be the first dedicated toy store at the mall since Marbles went out of business in 2017. Where will it be? On the lower level, replacing Patrizia Luca which will relocate. If you missed last week’s issue about the mall’s changing restaurant scene (bye bye Bobby’s Burger Palace), click here to catch up.

Sugo
Sky Squad

The future of Macy's and more at the mall

The parade of bad retail news continued this week when Macy’s announced plans to shutter 125 stores over the next three years. What does this mean for the future of Macy’s at Westfield Montgomery mall? Probably nothing. The company says it intends to close its “least productive” locations at “lower tier” malls — a description that really doesn’t apply here. If anything, we will likely see a consolidation of Macy’s and Macy’s Home into a single renovated store when the mall finally moves forward with its redevelopment plan. Meanwhile, the past few weeks have brought some changes on the mall’s salon scene: Uasis Day Spa has closed its doors, Infinite Beauty has shuttered one of its two locations, and newcomer Luxury Beauty & Nails is now open across from Chick-fil-A. Also new is a photography shop, Pinnacle Pictures, on the lower level next to Haagen Dazs.

Wintergreen Plaza

Closing date for Pizza CS

You only have a few more months to enjoy the Neapolitan pies at Rockville’s Pizza CS. Owners Jonathan Allen and Ankur Rajpara tell us their final day in business will be Sunday, June 14th. As we reported back in November, Allen and Rajpara have decided not to relocate after the Twinbrook Metro Center is demolished to make way for Wegmans. Their other restaurant, New York-style CSNY, will remain open on Rockville Pike. See our Nov. 14th edition for more on Pizza CS. See our Sept. 11 edition  for more on Wegmans. And see our Jan. 30th edition for news about Frank Pepe, another Neapolitan pizzeria that’s heading to Westfield Montgomery mall.

Mimi Arnold
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New Chinese restaurant for Rockville Pike, goodbye Bose & Papyrus, more closings ahead

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Hot pot on the Pike

Finally a new tenant for the onetime REI space at 1701 Rockville Pike: Da Yu, a high-end chain of Chinese hot pot restaurants, is moving in this spring. This will be the second U.S. venture for the China-based company, which has hundreds of locations overseas and debuted in New York last fall. Plans call for 190 seats in the former REI space, which has been empty since 2017 when the outdoor retailer moved to Pike & Rose. For more detailed renderings of the future Da Yu, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Shin Orthodontics
Taff & Levine

Sounds of silence

Audio manufacturer Bose, an early pioneer of “experiential” shopping, is closing all 54 of its U.S. showrooms. Many of these stores have been open since the early 1990s, when Bose made a bet that audiophiles would pay more for its products if they could hear the difference for themselves. These days the company’s speakers, earbuds and noise-canceling headphones are mostly sold online. The Bose store at Westfield Montgomery mall is expected to close in June.

Wintergreen Plaza
Bender JCC

Papyrus signs off

That’s a wrap for paper chain Papyrus, which is closing its 254 retail stores and will exit Westfield Montgomery mall in the next few weeks. The 70-year-old company, known for its elaborate greeting cards, gift wrap and stationery, has faced an ever-shrinking market in the 21st century. Although the stores are closing, Papyrus says its products aren’t going away; they will still be sold online and at other retail outlets.

International School of Music

Color Bar for Congressional

Madison Reed Color Bar, an up-and-coming chain of hair salons, is on the way to Congressional Plaza. The shop will open this spring next to the new Barnes & Noble store, selling its own brand of hair color products and offering on-site coloring services for $30 to $60. (What won’t it offer? Haircuts.) This will be the second Montgomery County location for Madison Reed, which arrived in downtown Bethesda last month. Meanwhile, there may be more shakeups ahead on the hair scene: Hair Cuttery and Bubbles will be closing multiple locations in the next few weeks.

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Park Potomac restaurant update, Pier 1 ships out, sneak peek of the new Hank Dietle’s

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Time's up for Zoës — is sushi on the way?

Zoës Kitchen, one of the first tenants to open at Park Potomac, will close its doors for good on Jan. 26th. The departure, first reported by The Moco Show, comes a year after the Mediterranean chain was purchased by D.C.-based Cava. What’s next? Rumors are flying about a well-known sushi restaurant, but landlords tell us no leases have been finalized. Meanwhile, we’re also hearing buzz about a possible juice shop in the empty space around the corner. Stay tuned to Store Reporter as these deals get firmed up.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Lisa Nasar

Sneak peek of Hank Dietle's

Here’s a glimpse of the scene inside Hank Dietle’s, the century-old Rockville Pike dive bar that’s been closed since a 2018 fire. New owners are completely rebuilding the interior with plans to reopen in late spring. Lisa White, who will be booking acts at the venue, says she hopes to draw local and regional bands from rockabilly, roots rock and blues to country, swing, Cajun and zydeco — plus performances by local music students. “We’re doing a lot of work to this place, but the footprint will stay the same,” she says. “It’s still going be a small, really cozy roadhouse.” For more photos of the work in progress, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Normandie Farm

Pier 1 ships out

Pier 1 Imports, which is shuttering half of its 942 stores amidst rumors of impending bankruptcy, will close up shop in Montgomery County by spring. Markdowns are already in progress at the Rockville Pike and Rio stores, with some of the best deals already gone. Both locations will be out before the end of March.

International School of Music
Power Hour Editing
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Coffee, cocktails and a mancave for Rockville Pike; three more stores say goodbye

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Java and cocktails on Rockville Pike

Here’s a first look at Java Nation, which arrived on Rockville Pike this week in the former Addie’s/Helen’s space next to Hank Dietle’s. The cafe will open early in the morning and stay that way until 9:30 or 10 most evenings, with a moderately priced menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and crepes plus a few dishes from El Salvador and Peru. Owner Simona Cabana, who also has a location in Kensington, imports her coffee beans from small suppliers and roasts them right behind the bar. Coming soon: a signature menu of caffeine-infused cocktails. For a closer look at Java Nation, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Bender JCC
Park Potomac Yoga

Mancave at Montrose

Boardroom Salon for Men, a posh barbershop chain from Texas, is heading to Rockville’s Montrose Crossing. It will fill the long-empty space between Slapfish and Five Guys, offering haircuts, shaves and spa services amidst a manly decor complete with chessboards and pool tables. Signature service is the $60 “Benchmark Haircut,” which includes scalp massage, face massage, hand massage and skin-softening paraffin hand dip. Also on the way to Montrose Crossing: a Home Depot Design Center. More on that in our Dec. 19th edition.

Mimi Arnold
Wintergreen Plaza

Two stores out at the mall

Closing soon at Westfield Montgomery mall: Destination Maternity, home to the Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity clothing brands. The New Jersey-based retailer, which filed for bankruptcy last fall, had dominated its niche for decades until chains like The Gap, Old Navy and Target started moving in on moms-to-be. Also out at the mall is Yvonne Ex, which opened last summer with a colorful array of clothes and accessories from Ghana. More info on post-holiday closings in our Jan. 2nd edition.

Potomac Physical Therapy
Wink Eyecare Boutique

Boutique closes at Congressional Plaza

The pop-up boutique Sheyla closed up shop this week after a three-month run next to Chico’s at Congressional Plaza. Owner Sheyla Difo Voye, who opened a second location in Arlington at the same time, says the northern Virginia market was a better fit for her merchandise. Wondering what else has been happening at Congressional Plaza? Click here. (Editor’s update on Sheyla: The boutique reopened a few weeks after this post, extending its stay at Congressional Plaza.)

International School of Music
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First closings of 2020: a gym, a jewelry store, A.C. Moore & more

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Who didn't survive the holidays?

They say January is the cruelest month — and that’s certainly true in the world of retail and restaurants. Every year, longtime businesses start disappearing as soon as the holiday rush is over. In this week’s issue: three stores, a gym and a burger joint that won’t be joining us in 2020.

Shin Orthodontics

A.C. Moore is out the door

The next few weeks will be the last for A.C. Moore. The New Jersey-based chain, a haven for artists and crafters, is going out of business after 30 years. At the Montrose Crossing location in Rockville, doors will close in February unless the merchandise sells out faster. If you’re planning a visit, don’t wait too long: Shelves are emptying fast.

Lisa Nasar

Bye bye Blanca Flor

Jewelry store Blanca Flor, which specialized in fine silver, will exit this weekend after 22 years at the Wildwood shopping center. Owners say they’re retiring and have no plans to open elsewhere. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for news about who may be moving in.

OTGbaby

Gold's Gym throws in the towel

Gold’s Gym on Randolph Road closed its doors at the end of December. The club had been under pressure these past few years as competitors like Soldierfit, Club Pilates, Fit Body Boot Camp and Title Boxing Club moved into the surrounding neighborhood. Gold’s Gym still has locations at Wintergreen Plaza and Rockville Town Square.

Bender JCC

So long Shoppers

Shoppers Food Warehouse has been retreating from the D.C. area, selling some of its stores to rival grocers and shuttering others for good. The store at White Flint Plaza falls into the latter category. It will be empty by mid-January.

International School of Music

Bye bye burgers at Fallsgrove

Retro diner Cheeburger Cheeburger has closed its doors at the Fallsgrove shopping center. The Rockville location was the last Cheeburger Cheeburger in Montgomery County; another one in Olney closed two years ago.

Power Hour Editing

Congrats to our raffle winners

Congratulations to Carolyn Kolben, Charlene Disler, Daphne Bloomberg, Jennifer Okun, Lauren August, Lawrence Green, Michael Reiser, Sari Britz, Shoshana Rosenthal and Tracy Rezvani. They are our raffle winners from last month’s Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction sponsored by the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation. Their winnings include: gift cards from Lavaloka and Trio Jr., design services from Elana Designs, home accessories from Crystal Luxe Lighting Plus, fun kitchen tools from Q.D. Foodie, kids’ books from Barefoot Books, photos from Photos by Freddie and jewelry from Austyn Parker and Sweet Charma.

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New Home Depot for Rockville, Quincy’s heads to Potomac, shooting range closing at the mall

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Home Depot has designs on Rockville Pike

A Home Depot Design Center, second of its kind in the country, is on the way to Rockville’s Montrose Crossing shopping center. The Washington Business Journal reports that the store will take over the onetime Golf Galaxy space, which has been sitting empty for two years next to Barnes & Noble. The interior will feature kitchen and bath showrooms, high-end appliances and flooring, and an army of designers to plan and execute your project. It’s not clear whether this store will encompass part of the Barnes & Noble space after the bookstore moves out next year. (More on that in our Dec. 12th edition.)

Wintergreen Plaza
The Grilled Oyster

Quincy's expands to Potomac

Quincy’s is heading to Potomac Woods Plaza, opening next year in the former Amici Miei space between Wink Eyecare Boutique and Brooklyn’s Deli. The new sports bar/restaurant, first announced by Bethesda Beat, will join three other Quincy’s locations in Gaithersburg, Damascus and North Bethesda. (Another Quincy’s, owned by a separate group of investors, had a short-lived run in downtown Bethesda.) Co-owner John Sahakian, who also operates the Title Boxing Clubs in Rockville and Kensington, says he hopes to open at Potomac Woods Plaza by next fall.

Shin Orthodontics
Mimi Arnold

New shooting range gets the boot

Well, that was fast. The Aim Point shooting range, which opened just before Thanksgiving at Westfield Montgomery mall, is making a hasty exit after numerous complaints from mall shoppers. The storefront was largely empty for much of its brief run. Westfield management declined to comment on the closing.

Taff & Levine
International School of Music

Travel gifts from The Container Store

At this time of year, we always rely on The Container Store for last-minute gift inspiration. The store sent over a boxful of products, and we chose three favorites for the travelers on your list. At press time, these were all in stock at The Container Store’s Congressional Plaza location.

  • Eagle Creek Packing Cubes. These collapsible mesh cubes, starting around $9, keep your travel outfits organized and can be tossed right into the laundry when you get home.
  • Lug Porter Wheelie Luggage: We love the smooth rollability of this lightweight bag, with a sleek grey exterior and extra-roomy side pockets for all your gadgets.
  • Diamond Dazzle Stik: This pen-sized cleaner is perfect for touching up your jewels on the way out the door. Slip it into your travel bag, or keep it in your purse for some extra sparkle.

Find these gifts and more at The Container Store at Congressional Plaza, or click here to shop online.

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Barnes & Noble update, more changes at Congressional Plaza, Red Door rebrands at Pike & Rose

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Barnes & Noble & more at Congressional Plaza

Wondering what’s happening with the new Barnes & Noble store at Congressional Plaza? From what we hear, it’s not going to be ready until next summer at the earliest. That timing should coincide with the opening of the two new gyms — CorePower Yoga and Orangetheory Fitness —  that are now under construction in the former Thomasville space right next door. The north side of Congressional Plaza has seen plenty of upheaval this year: White House Black Market, Modern Market and Baja Fresh all closed their doors in that section, while Chico’s and Lebanese Taverna (now LebTav) relocated to smaller spaces. And Baskin-Robbins, one of Congressional’s oldest tenants, will serve its final scoops this Sunday (Dec. 15th). Owners say they could no longer afford the rent.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Lisa Nasar
Dawson's Market

Makeover for the Red Door

If you’ve been to Pike & Rose this holiday season, you may have noticed something new next to the Canopy Hotel. The Elizabeth Arden Red Door spa, which relocated from Wildwood in 2018, has replaced its iconic red door and changed its name to Mynd Spa & Salon. All 26 Red Door locations are converting to the new Mynd brand, which is dropping its image of old-school glamour in favor of millennial buzzwords like “mindfulness,” “wellness” and “self-care.”

FiberArt Studio
Chocolate Moonshine

Feeling gifty?

This year we’re doing some holiday shopping at two of our area’s newest stores: West Elm at Pike & Rose and Lands’ End at Congressional Plaza. Both retailers sent us a selection of gifts to review and recommend to our readers. Below are four of our top picks.

Sleek and modern at West Elm

  • This Mid-Century Jewelry Box is an Art Deco stunner. From the champagne lacquer finish to the soft canvas interior, it’s spacious enough for all your favorite pieces and looks great on any dresser. The box seen here is $199, but holiday sales are frequent and smaller sizes are available. See it in person at the Pike & Rose store, or click here to find it on the West Elm website.
  • The milky-white wave makes this Wood + Resin Tray a standout, perfect for displaying a few items or adding some interest to your table. Regular price is $69 — and for $29 more, you can throw in a set of matching coasters. Check it out in person at the Pike & Rose store, or click here to find it on the West Elm website.

Ready for the road at Lands' End

  • This Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag gets the thumbs-up from our frequent flyers, who appreciate details like the padded shoulder strap, mesh pockets and snazzy zipper pulls. Regular price is $159.95, but 50%-off sales are common. See the bag in person at Congressional Plaza, or click here to find it on the Lands’ End website.
  • We also love this company’s flannel Plaid Totes, which are roomy enough for all your winter essentials and pack a special pocket for your cell phone. $59.95 and up in red/brown or blue/green (but again, watch for sales). See the bags in person at Congressional Plaza, or click here to find them on the Lands’ End website.

Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique

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The Lord & Taylor lowdown

Lord & Taylor, under new ownership this fall, is closing its stores at Tysons Corner and Dulles Town Center just months after exiting Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall. So what about the North Bethesda store, which stands alone at the site of the former White Flint Mall? Not to worry. A company spokesman assures us that the White Flint store will remain open, along with the one in Chevy Chase. If you happen to stop by, don’t miss the newly expanded second-floor clearance section with a smattering of designer bargains directly from Manhattan. Next year, we’re told, all Lord & Taylor stores will begin integrating merchandise from new owner Le Tote. More on the acquisition in our Aug. 29th edition.

Shin Orthodontics
Moda Optic
Lisa Nasar

New Haven pizza on the way

New Englanders were cheering this week when WTOP reported that Connecticut pizzeria Frank Pepe is heading to Westfield Montgomery mall. This will be the first Maryland location for the family-owned business, which was founded almost a century ago in New Haven. On the menu: Neapolitan-style pizzas with thin crusts and charred edges, including a signature pie featuring littleneck clams, garlic and olive oil. The mall won’t say when or where Frank Pepe will be opening. (We’re betting on the former Crave space, which has been empty since last April.) Hopefully this new arrival will help fill the void left by the upcoming closure of Rockville’s Pizza CS. More on that in our Nov. 14th edition. (Editor’s update: We now know that Frank Pepe will be replacing Bobby’s Burger Palace. Details in our Jan. 30th edition.)

Chocolate Moonshine
Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction

Shopping, fun and a free Store Reporter raffle

Head to Potomac this weekend for the annual Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction sponsored by the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation. The show will be held Sunday and Monday inside the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center, at the corner of Falls Road and Tuckerman Lane. Stop by the Store Reporter table, say hello and enter to win one of our fabulous raffle prizes from show vendors: gift cards for clothes from Lavaloka and Trio Jr., design services from Elana Designs, home accessories from Crystal Luxe Lighting Plus, fun kitchen tools from Q.D. Foodie, photos from Photos by Freddie and jewelry from Austyn Parker and Sweet Charma. There’s no charge to enter our raffle; just visit the show and drop your name in the Store Reporter jar.

Wintergreen Plaza

French bakery debuts this weekend

Saturday (Dec. 7th) is opening day for French bakery Patisserie Manuel, the newest addition to the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall.  Owner Claudia Olea, a Chilean-born chef with classical French training, will be serving croissants, soups, sandwiches and crepes as well as cookies, pastries, macarons, specialty cakes, Illy coffee and a bit of Chilean cuisine. Look for it in the former Wicked Waffle space next to McDonald’s.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

The Block is open

Asian food hall The Block opened its doors Thanksgiving weekend at Pike & Rose. Some of the eateries aren’t up and running yet, but the options so far include a poke bar, Korean barbecue, bubble tea, ice cream and snocream desserts. Also: Peruvian-style chicken. For more photos, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

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Holiday shopping kickoff, Black Friday deals and the end of A.C. Moore

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Let the shopping begin

Just about the time you’re finishing that last piece of pumpkin pie, lots of stores are opening their doors for the earliest Black Friday shoppers. This year, national retailers like Macy’s, Target and Best Buy will be opening at 5 p.m. Thursday and staying open until midnight or later. Westfield Montgomery mall will be back in business at 6 p.m, although some stores (including Nordstrom) do not participate in the Thanksgiving evening shopfest. For those who prefer a stress-free shopping experience, be sure to visit our locally owned retailers for some terrific holiday deals. Scroll down for more.

2019 Hanna's Connection Holiday Shopping
Occasions
Toy Castle

No more A.C. Moore

Sad news for artists and crafters this holiday season: A.C. Moore is going out of business. The New Jersey-based chain, which has been around for 30 years, will be shuttering 105 stores and selling another 40 to Michaels. It’s unclear when the stores will close or what will happen on Rockville Pike, where both retailers have a presence but A.C. Moore has the larger space.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
2019 Scout & Molly's Black Friday

Shooting range at the mall

Surprising new addition to Westfield Montgomery mall: Aim Point, a shooting range game that just opened around the corner from the Dining Terrace. Customers pay $10 for a chance to shoot military-style Airsoft rifles and win prizes for hitting the targets. Is this really a good idea? Our readers are weighing in. Join the conversation on the Store Reporter Facebook page.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction

New at Rockville Town Square

Something new to try this weekend at Rockville Town Square: Kyota Matcha, serving green tea and desserts in the onetime Mellow Mushroom space at 33 Maryland Avenue. Two other restaurants — a Japanese BBQ spot and a Taiwanese sweet shop — also will be opening inside the former pizzeria. Meanwhile, a huge new Asian food hall is about to make its debut at Pike & Rose. More on that in our Nov. 21st edition.

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

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Check out The Block

Asian food hall The Block is set to make its long-awaited debut next week at Pike & Rose. We got a sneak peek of the expansive space, which will include everything from fried street food and Taiwanese snocream to a noodle bar, a poké bar and a coffee bar — not to mention a huge cocktail bar in the center of it all. The Block, which has a sister location in Annandale, is the third Asian food hall to open in Rockville in the past 18 months. (Click here for more on Pike Kitchen, which opened in October 2018, and here for more on The Spot, which opened the previous June.) For more photos of The Block, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Moda Optic

First look at Playa Bowls

Saturday (Nov. 23rd) is opening day for Playa Bowls at Cabin John Village. The shelves are lined with pineapples, the walls are filled with beachy murals and the blenders are ready to serve up all those bowls, juices and smoothies. You’ll find Playa Bowls in the former Robeks space, right next door to Goldberg’s Bagels. For more photos — and a close-up of the reeeeally big menu — check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Mimi Arnold
Potomac Physical Therapy

Oh no, Five Below

Discount retailer Five Below made national news this week with the revelation that it can no longer live up to its name. The teen-oriented company is adding sections called “Ten Below” and “Just Wow” — filled mostly with tech products — with prices above five bucks. The reason: increased tariffs on Chinese goods. Rockville’s Five Below store, one of 900 nationwide, relocated last summer from Federal Plaza to the Congressional North shopping center next to Aldi. Will local customers push back on the new pricing? We’ll see how this plays out.

Shin Orthodontics

Pizza CS, Corned Beef King, hello Eerkin’s and goodbye Golden Samovar

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Pizza CS: Get it while you can

Sad news for local pizza fans: Pizza CS, the Rockville restaurant known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pies, will only be around for a couple more months. Partners Ankur Rajpara and Jonathan Allen, who opened CS in 2011, had originally planned to relocate after their Rockville Pike shopping center is demolished in 2020. But Rajpara says they have changed their minds and will be taking a break after so many years of working around the clock. He says the partners will keep their New York-style pizzeria, CSNY, which focuses on takeout and “requires less of us.” Pizza CS is one of the last remaining tenants at the Twinbrook Metro Center, which is coming down to make way for a massive new Wegmans-anchored development. More on that in our Sept. 11th edition.

Normandie Farm
The Grilled Oyster

New palace for the Corned Beef King

The Corned Beef King has a new palace in Rockville: The deli counter at Dawson’s Market, where CBK owner Jon Rossler just opened a satellite location. Corned beef, pastrami and brisket sandwiches sell for $11.99, topped with Russian dressing, sauerkraut, coleslaw, cheese and other traditional deli fare. Rossler, who’s best known for his food trucks, says he’ll continue to operate his other Rockville location inside a Liberty gas station.

Wintergreen Plaza
Lisa Nasar

Something new for Rockville Pike

Eerkin’s Uyghur Cuisine opened its doors this week in the former Rolls ‘n Rice space at 1701 Rockville Pike. The name isn’t the only thing that’s unusual: The restaurant blends Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, from shakshuka, baba ganoush, falafel and naan to kebabs, rice bowls, hand-pulled noodles and pot pies. The menu is halal and doesn’t include alcohol, but there are 50 types of tea as well as non-alcoholic beer. This is the third restaurant for Eerkin’s, which has earned excellent reviews for its locations in Fairfax and Washington.

Moda Optic
URBNMarket

Golden Samovar washes away

This week we say goodbye to Golden Samovar, the Russia/Central Asian restaurant that had a three-year run at Rockville Town Square. The eatery closed this week after sustaining flood damage for the second time in two years. Owners say they hope to reopen at a new location.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique and Silent Auction

Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville

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Fresh from the oven

Just in time for holiday shopping at Westfield Montgomery mall, French bakery Patisserie Manuel is about to arrive in the Dining Terrace. Owner Claudia Olea, a graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine, will be serving up pastries, macarons and specialty cakes along with croissants, soups, sandwiches, crepes and a few dishes from her native Chile. And to drink? Illy coffee. You’ll find Patisserie Manuel in the former Wicked Waffle space — possibly as early as next week.

The Grilled Oyster
O'Donnell's Market

Thai cuisine at Wintergreen

Newly open at Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza: Bangkok Garden Thai Street Eats, a sister to Bangkok Garden in downtown Bethesda. The brightly painted restaurant, in the old Kino Spoon space, serves up a fast-casual menu inspired by the markets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. What to try first? Owner Nina Laohapant recommends the mussel pancakes, crispy rice with cured pork, grilled squid skewers, mango with sticky rice and pandan buns.

Taff & Levine
Shin Orthodontics

Jambalaya & empanadas

Gumbo Ya Ya, a quick-serve restaurant relocating from Germantown, just opened its doors at Rockville Town Square. The menu reflects the backgrounds of its two chef/owners, featuring New Orleans cuisine alongside traditional Puerto Rican dishes. In other words, you can order jambalaya, po’ boys and Cajun food or go for the empanadas, wings and tostones. Gumbo Ya Ya replaces Lab Cafe at 101C Gibbs Street, across the street from First Watch.

Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market
URBNMarket

Alpacas are back

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too is back for the winter at Westfield Montgomery mall. The seasonal shop snagged a prime location this year: the former Invisalign space between Madewell and Apple. (Wondering what happened to the Invisalign store? Click here.)

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

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Playa Bowls rolls into Cabin John

After you’ve had your fill of Halloween candy, it’s time to start counting the days until a new sweet treat arrives: Playa Bowls is set to open in mid-November at Cabin John Village. This Jersey Shore favorite is known for its bowls, juices and smoothies featuring custom blends of apples, acai berries, bananas, dragonfruit, chia seeds, coconut, kale, peanut butter, oatmeal, granola and honey. At the Cabin John location, you’ll also find nitro coffee and New Orleans-style cold brew with chicory.

Lisa Nasar
Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market

Coffee and a comeback

Coffee lovers, take note: The much-anticipated Java Nation is targeting a Nov. 20th opening in the former Addie’s/Helen’s space on Rockville Pike. This will be the second location for the popular Kensington shop, known for its tasty brews and European-style menu. Meanwhile, right next door, a new group is trying to revive the burned-down Hank Dietle’s Tavern and turn it into a local music venue. Stay tuned.

Normandie Farm

Wok's cooking in Potomac VIllage

Fire Wok, the Chinese restaurant that’s been under construction since last spring in the former Fortune Garden space, just opened its doors next to SunTrust in Potomac Village. The menu features typical Americanized Chinese favorites: beef with broccoli, basil chicken, shrimp with lobster sauce and the like. For a peek inside, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Toy Castle
Bender JCC of Greater Washington

What's the future of Forever 21?

Forever 21 is looking pretty shabby at Westfield Montgomery mall these days, with racks of clothes in disarray and much of the inventory marked down to $3. The struggling retailer is in Chapter 11 and has announced plans to close 200 stores, but employees insist that this one is going to stay open. We’ll see.

The Game Gym

Escape from Pike & Rose

Just when you thought the escape room craze had run its course, a new one just opened at Pike & Rose. Escapology, an Orlando-based chain, offers four different hour-long adventures: two murder mysteries, a Secret Service mission and a chance to save the world from chemical warfare. You’ll find Escapology on Old Georgetown Road next to BiBiBop.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique and Silent Auction
Capital Area Food Bank
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First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in

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First look at Lands' End

Here’s a peek at the new Lands’ End store, now open at Congressional Plaza with the most impressive collection of plaids on Rockville Pike. The spacious, brightly lit interior looks a lot like L.L.Bean, with clothes for men, women and kids along with cozy pajamas, slippers, outerwear, tote bags and home goods. Grand opening festivities will be happening all weekend. For a closer look inside the store, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Hanna's Connection

New boutique on the Pike

Also new at Congressional Plaza is Sheyla, a pop-up boutique that just moved into the empty space between Child’s Play and Chico’s. The shop specializes in dressy suits and partywear from brands like Elie Tahari, Jones New York and Worth, including a deep selection of petite sizes. Another new boutique, Chaliskan, made its debut last week at Westfield Montgomery mall — and a third is on the way to Pike & Rose. Click here for more in our Oct. 17th edition.

Shin Orthodontics

Boxing in, sushi out at White Flint Plaza

Title Boxing Club, a popular workout spot at the Travilah Square Shopping Center, is about to open its second Montgomery County location. You’ll find it at the White Flint Plaza, two doors down from The Big Greek Cafe. In between: an empty space left by the recent departure of longtime tenant Hiro Sushi. No word yet on who’s going to fill it.

Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Power Hour Editing

Get your skates on

Ice skating is back for the season at Rockville Town Square. The outdoor rink opened last weekend, priced at $13 for kids and $14 for adults including skate rental. Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for the three new Asian restaurants that are supposed to 0pen across the way in the former Mellow Mushroom space. More in that in our June 6th edition.

Capital Area Food Bank