Store Reporter

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

Rockville Pike

West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21

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Mod furniture arrives at Pike & Rose

West Elm made its debut at Pike & Rose this week, kicking off a wave of autumn openings at the North Bethesda city center. The store will please fans of Crate & Barrel and Anthropologie with its modern mix of furniture, home accessories, dishware and decor. The merchandise is displayed in a wonderland of aspirational room vignettes, with tables already set for the holidays and plush velvet couches casually draped in cozy pillows and throws. For more photos, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Lisa Nasar
Pike Central Farm Market

New bakery and the return of Taylor Gourmet

Fall is in full swing at Pike & Rose, where West Elm‘s opening was one of three in the same week. Sandwich shop Taylor Gourmet, which shut down last year when the entire company folded, has reopened under new ownership. And say hello to Sunday Morning Bakehouse, a sleek new space filled with coffee, croissants, sandwiches, sourdough bread and sweets. Owner Caroline Yi, who developed an avid following at the Pike Central Farm Market these past few years, says she’s starting with breakfast and lunch but hopes to expand into the evening hours with wine and cheese. Check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Shin Orthodontics
A Smarter You Tutoring Center

Juicy news for Wildwood

Here’s a peek at Joe & the Juice, newly open at Wildwood with coffee, sandwiches, yogurt and of course an array of juices. Specialties include the Pick Me Up (raspberry, banana and apple); the Prince of Green (cucumber, lemon and pineapple); the Avo Shake (avocado, banana and vanilla milk) and the Choco Shake (raw cacao, banana, chocolate almond milk and vanilla milk). What’s next for Wildwood? Bethesda Bagels. More on that in our Sept. 26th edition.

Power Hour Editing

Fast fashion flames out

Forever 21 finally filed Chapter 11 this week after months of rumors and lots of talk about the fickle teen market and the demise of fast fashion. The massive store at Westfield Montgomery mall,  which occupies two levels near the former Sears building, is among those potentially slated to close. But its fate isn’t certain, as Forever 21 says it’s trying to renegotiate leases in major markets. For now at least, the stores are all staying open and gift cards are still being accepted. Don’t wait too long to use them.

Bethesda Bagels at Wildwood, subs & cycling at Fallsgrove, Modern Market moves out

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Bethesda Bagels: Not schmear yet

A bit of bad news on the bagel front: Bethesda Bagels is not going to arrive at Wildwood for another couple of weeks. Owner Danny Fleishman had hoped to get this location open in time for the Jewish High Holidays, one of the busiest times of year in the bagel biz. But Rosh Hashanah begins on Sunday night (Sept. 29th), and construction isn’t done yet. Fleishman is now aiming to open on Oct. 11th.

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Eris Norman

Modern Market moves out

Notice something missing between LebTav and Chopt? Modern Market has closed its doors in Rockville after a three-year run at Congressional Plaza, where it served up a health-conscious menu of salads, sandwiches and brick oven pizzas. The Colorado-based chain also shuttered its location on Bethesda Row, but it’s still operating restaurants in D.C. and Columbia, Maryland. What went wrong in Montgomery County? A spokesman declined to comment.

A Smarter You Tutoring Center
Ladies Night Park Potomac

Subs and cycling at Fallsgrove

Jersey Mike’s Subs has opened its doors at the Fallsgrove shopping center, taking over the space that previously belonged to Jerry’s Subs & Pizza. This is the second Rockville restaurant for Jersey Mike’s, which also has a location at Wintergreen Plaza. Up next for Fallsgrove: Senz Yoga, Barre & Cycle. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Potomac Squash Club World Squash Day
International School of Music

Tell your friends about Store Reporter. Here's why.

It’s been almost six years since we launched Store Reporter, and we’re looking to expand our reach even further. The more people who read us, the better job we can do covering news in our community. Love what we do? Want to help us grow? Make sure to subscribe to our weekly emails — and send this link to your friends and family so they can do the same.

Dulles Golf Center Red Cross fundraiser
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The wait for Wegmans, Orangetheory to the Pike and a Potomac Village update

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The wait for Wegmans

For everyone who’s counting the days until Wegmans arrives on Rockville Pike, we have some bad news: It’s not going to happen anytime soon. Things are moving slooooowly for the proposed Twinbrook Quarter development (pictured here), which ultimately will encompass 18 acres with Wegmans at its center. With months of paperwork and lots of planning meetings still ahead, Rockville city officials tell us we won’t be seeing Wegmans until at least 2021. As always, stay with Store Reporter for the latest.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Mimi Arnold
The Rooted Studio

Three new gyms for Congressional Plaza

Big news on the fitness front for Congressional Plaza in Rockville: CorePower Yoga and Orangetheory Fitness are moving in. The two studios — along with a third that hasn’t been announced yet — will take over the empty Thomasville space next to Last Call by Neiman Marcus. This trio of gyms should provide a steady source of foot traffic for Congressional Plaza — not to mention the Barnes & Noble store that will be opening right nextdoor. FITRow, as Congressional Plaza is calling it, will make its debut in 2020.

Dulles Golf Center Red Cross fundraiser
The Grilled Oyster

Potomac Village update: PureBarre coming, Walgreens staying

The Potomac Village Shopping Center, home to Tally Ho and Hunters Bar & Grill, will welcome two new tenants by the end of this year. Village Nail Studio is weeks away from opening, and the Pure Barre fitness center is aiming for a November/December debut next to Big Wheel Bikes. Meanwhile, it looks like the center’s Walgreens store is going to survive the merger of Walgreens and Rite Aid. Some 200 drugstores will be closing in markets where the two brands overlap, but insiders tell us that both stores are doing quite well in Potomac Village. For now at least, Walgreens and Rite Aid will continue to coexist on either side of River Road.

Park Potomac Yoga
Wintergreen Plaza

Tell your friends about Store Reporter! Here's why.

It’s been almost six years since we launched Store Reporter, and we’re looking to expand our reach even further. The more people who read us, the better job we can do covering retail and restaurants in our community. Love what we do? Want to help us grow? Make sure to subscribe to our weekly emails — and send this link to your friends and family so they can do the same.

Park Potomac Fall Ladies' Night
International School of Music
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Lord & Taylor is sold, changes at Cabin John, teen scene at the mall, new restaurant for Rockville

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New owner for Lord & Taylor

A bombshell dropped on the retail world this week when Lord & Taylor, one of America’s oldest and most iconic department store chains, was sold to a little-known clothing rental service. Le Tote, a seven-year-old San Francisco company, is spending $100 million for Lord & Taylor’s website and 38 stores. The previous owner, Hudson’s Bay Company, closed Lord & Taylor’s flagship store in Manhattan this year and has been shuttering other locations including the one in Gaithersburg. Plans call for the remaining Lord & Taylor stores to stay open for at least three years – but it’s unclear how Le Tote’s clothing rental subscription model will be integrated into the business. Also unclear is the fate of the Lord & Taylor store on Rockville Pike, which has been the subject of ongoing litigation with the owners of the former White Flint Mall.

National Foot & Ankle

Teen scene at Westfield Montgomery

The back-to-school teen shopping scene looks a bit different at Westfield Montgomery mall this year. Windsor, a new addition in the Old Navy wing, is drawing high school and college girls with its moderately priced assortment of everyday outfits and formal dresses. Sneaker store KicksUSA has changed hands and changed its name to Snipes. The juniors department at Macy’s has been promoted from a hidden corner on the lower level to a prominent spot on the second floor. But the future is looking rocky for Forever 21, which once dominated the teen scene and now appears to be on the verge of Chapter 11. Forever 21 is practically an anchor at Westfield Montgomery, where it has a massive two-level storefront in what used to be the Sears wing.

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Mimi Arnold of Redwood Realty

New look for the Cabin John mini-mall

The mini-mall at Cabin John Village is in mid-renovation, with new flooring, new paint and new lighting on the way in the next few weeks. The main strip center is adding some tenants for fall, most recently Arch Envy (permanent makeup), The Shade Store (custom window treatments, opening soon) and Playa Bowls (more on that in our Aug. 15th issue). What’s next for Cabin John? Click here for the lowdown.

International School of Music
Power Hour Editing

Asian BBQ opens, Five Guys revamps

New restaurant opening this weekend at Rockville Town Square: Friendship BBQ, on Maryland Avenue next to Color Me Mine. The fast-casual Asian eatery offers skewered meats and seafood cooked with wood imported from the Xinjiang region of China. Just around the corner, three more Asian restaurants will be opening soon inside the former Mellow Mushroom space. Meanwhile, there won’t be any burgers at the Square for a bit: Five Guys is temporarily closed for renovation.

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

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Mod Pizza moves in

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

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Taff & Levine

Is the curtain coming down for iPic?

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

International School of Music
TGIF

Diner debut

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

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

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Playa Bowls rolls into Cabin John

Playa Bowls, a favorite from the Jersey Shore, is heading to Cabin John Village. The healthy-eats chain with a surfer vibe is taking over the long-empty Robeks space, where owner Jeff Giuliani says he hopes to open by late September. On the menu: bowls, juices and smoothies featuring custom blends of acai berries, bananas, dragonfruit, chia seeds, coconut, kale, peanut butter, oatmeal, granola and honey. And for the caffeinated crowd: New Orleans-style cold brew chicory coffee. Giuliani, who owns franchise rights for the D.C. area, says he’s also close to signing a deal in Kensington.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

Fuddruckers fizzles, Smashburger back on the grill

Five months after it went dark on Rockville Pike — and two months after the company assured us that it wasn’t coming back — Smashburger reopened this week for a fresh start at the Galvan. Meanwhile, just a bit further north, longtime burger joint Fuddruckers has closed its doors to make way for upcoming redevelopment. (So what’s up with that Wegmans plan anyway? Stay tuned; we’re working on an update.)

The Grilled Oyster

New Bambū

Now open at 12242 Rockville Pike: Bambū Cafe, a sleek-looking snack shop in the strip center that once was home to Chef Geoff’s and Five Guys. The restaurant offers a Vietnamese-inspired menu of sweet coffees, bean-based chè drinks, fruit smoothies and bánh mì sandwiches. A couple of doors down, the Nature Kitchen restaurant that was supposed to open this summer is no longer happening. Its space has been filled by quick-serve Japanese eatery Katsu Go.

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

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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.

Wintergreen Plaza

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.)

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

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.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

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.

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

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Cooper's Hawk lands in Rockville

This week we got a sneak peek at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, opening July 15th at Rockville’s new Research Row development. Wine is star of the show here, of course, with a Napa-style tasting room and a wine-centered gift shop at the entrance. But Cooper’s Hawk is also serious about its food: We sampled a delicious shrimp and scallop risotto, pan-roasted barramundi and ginger/soy-glazed New York strip steak, each with a complementary wine pairing. The decor is handsome but low-key, with a spacious cocktail bar, private dining areas and a bakery to tempt you on the way out. For your own sneak peek, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

The Rooted Studio

New Thai for Wintergreen

New restaurant on the way to Wintergreen Plaza: Thai Street Eats, a fresh concept from the family that owns Bethesda’s Bangkok Garden. “This will be a fast-casual, quick-eats type of restaurant where you can get a great rice or noodle bowl on the go,” says owner Nina Laohapant, who will continue working at her family’s restaurant while she builds out the former Kino Spoon space at Wintergreen. The menu will center on pad thai, pad see ew, drunken noodles, basil fried rice, green curry rice and tom yum soup, along with mussel pancakes, pork skewers, grilled squid and fish cakes. Doors should open around November.

Wintergreen Plaza

China Garden opens its doors

This week marks the opening of China Garden, the dim sum palace that replaces Paladar at North Bethesda Market on Rockville Pike. The spacious restaurant is from the same team that owned the short-lived Pandora Seafood House and Bar in Rockville, as well as another China Garden that closed two years ago in Arlington. Like its predecessor in Virginia, this new China Garden is expected to become a hub for Asian wedding receptions and other large events.

Taff & Levine

Duck Donuts ducks out

Duck Donuts closed its doors on Rockville Pike this week. A spokesman declined to explain the reason, but promised the store would return with a renewed commitment to “a superior product and customer service.” Duck Donuts made its Montgomery County debut three years ago at Rockville’s Sunshine Square shopping center. Another location in Gaithersburg has remained open for business as usual. Update: Duck Donuts reopened July 17th with no official explanation for the short-lived closing.

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

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Your July dining plan

While you’re enjoying your holiday weekend foodfest, it’s time to start making plans for this month’s restaurant openings. Cooper’s Hawk lands July 15th at Research Row off I-270 in Rockville; we’ll be there a few days early to share some photos. China Garden is planning a July 12th lunchtime opening at North Bethesda Market off Rockville Pike. Sisters Thai is still waiting on final inspections and is thisclose to opening at Cabin John Village. (For a sneak peek, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram). And just in time for the July 4th movie weekend, Dave & Buster’s has opened its doors next to the AMC theater at Rio. (To see what else is happening at Rio, check out our June 6th edition.)

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

What's next for Cabin John

We know you’ve got questions about construction at Cabin John Village. When will they start cutting through the strip center? Which tenants will be displaced, and which ones will be returning? What’s happening with the mini-mall? What else is on the way? Stay tuned for a special issue of Store Reporter with the answers to your Cabin John questions. (Got a few more? Ask us anything via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.)

Shin Orthodontics

Look what's new at the mall

Checking in at Westfield Montgomery mall for the July 4th weekend: Eyebobs, specializing in hip reading glasses, is now open in the Macy’s wing (more info in our April 25th edition). Crabtree & Evelyn is finally gone after an extended going-out-of-business sale. The new 7-Eleven is not ready to serve up Slurpees just yet, but the former Shilla Bakery is poised for a comeback with a new name and new owner. More info in the next couple of weeks.

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

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So long Saks

Sad news for all you label-conscious bargain hunters on Rockville Pike: Saks Off 5th is closing its doors after a three-year run at Congressional Plaza. The Rockville location is a victim of cost-cutting at Saks’ parent company, Hudson Bay Co., which also is closing some of its Lord & Taylor stores. (What does that mean for the White Flint and Lakeforest locations? Click here.) The Congressional Plaza Saks store will be open until October, with discounts getting deeper as the months go by. For a look at what’s happening inside, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Moda Optic

A comeback for Lands' End?

Is Lands’ End on the way to Rockville? That’s the buzz this week after the Washington Business Journal uncovered construction documents for a spacious new store at Congressional Plaza. Plans call for Lands’ End to move into the former Performance Bicycle space, right next door to the departing Saks Off 5th (scroll up for more on that). This location would replace the Lands’ End shop inside Westfield Montgomery’s Sears store, which closed its doors last winter. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the latest.

Hanna's Connection

Fu Shing fades out

If this counter looks familiar, we have some bad news: Fu Shing, a local favorite for Chinese takeout, is closing its doors after 20 years at the Westlake Crossing shopping center. Owners say their lease was up and they’ve decided to retire. Doors close on July 1st.

Mimi Arnold

Yoga arrives at Park Potomac

Get your yoga mats ready: Park Potomac Yoga is arriving earlier than expected. July 1 is opening day for the new studio, which is taking over the long-empty Barre Belle space next to Love Couture Bridal Salon. Owner Debi Schenk will be teaching many classes herself, with assistance from instructors including Stephanie Rosenblatt, Becca Thomas, Scott Taylor, Meg Goodwin and Kelly Gerrish. Classes will include the new “rocket yoga” format, which incorporates lots of arm balances and inversions. Click here for more info.

Power Hour Editing

The mall has your number

The Sleep Number store raised its profile at Westfield Montgomery mall this week, leaving its modest storefront for a snazzy new space in the Macy’s wing next to Ann Taylor. Meanwhile on the other side of the mall, newcomer Möge Tee is already drawing crowds near Chick-fil-A with an unusual take on bubble tea. More on that in our June 20th edition.

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

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Flower Child is about to bloom

This week we got a sneak peek at Wildwood’s new Flower Child restaurant, opening July 2 at Democracy Boulevard and Old Georgetown Road. The casual, hippie-chic decor is similar to the seven-month-old Flower Child off Darnestown Road, with rainbow-painted walls, mix-and-match chairs and plenty of indoor/outdoor seating. Flower Child, based in Phoenix, offers a health-conscious, veggie-centric menu that caters to special diets. It’s the first of three new restaurants set to open at Wildwood in the next few months, soon to be followed by Bethesda Bagels and Joe & the Juice. Want a closer look at Flower Child? Check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

What's bubbling at the mall

Newest spot for bubble tea at Westfield Montgomery mall: Möge Tee, now open in the former B/Bop/Q space near Chick-fil-A. If you’re game to try something different — like avocado cheese tea or fruit teas topped by sweetened cheese foam — this is the place. Möge, based in New York, is moving in our direction with several new locations in D.C. and Northern Virginia.

Taff & Levine
Shin Orthodontics

The tastes of summer at Gusto Farm to Street

The summer menu has arrived at Gusto Farm to Street — and that means plenty of watermelon, crabs and Old Bay seasoning. Gusto, with locations in Silver Spring, downtown Bethesda and Westfield Montgomery mall, sources its fresh produce from a dozen local farms in the D.C. area. So what’s new for summer? Obey the Claw pizza, featuring jumbo lump crab, red pepper pesto, roasted corn, red onion, micro basil and three kinds of cheese. For lighter appetites, the One in a Melon Salad dishes up arugula, mint, roasted beets, radishes, feta cheese and watermelon — with or without grilled steak. And to drink: Watermelon Hibiscus Lemonade, of course. For a closer look at Gusto’s summer menu, click here.

Power Hour Editing

Smashburger’s final flameout

Three months after Smashburger “temporarily” closed its Rockville Pike restaurant at the Galvan, we just got word that the exit is actually permanent. Back in March, when the restaurant suddenly went dark, franchisee Julian Goodman told us it would soon reopen as a corporate-owned location. But the property has been in limbo since then, with conflicting signs on the windows and no word from corporate — until this week, when a Smashburger spokesman confirmed that a comeback isn’t going to happen. This is the fourth Smashburger to flame out in Montgomery County, following three other short-lived locations in Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Germantown.

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

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Rio's new backyard

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

Wintergreen Plaza
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

Latest on Lord & Taylor

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

Wink Eyecare Boutique

New restaurants for Rockville Town Square

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

Shin Orthodontics

Yoga at Park Potomac

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

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

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Curry on over to Pike & Rose

Commonwealth Indian opened its doors at Pike & Rose this week, offering an upscale menu and stunning, modern decor (check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram). Traditional Indian entrees (curried chicken, butter chicken, lamb stew and vegetarian dishes) are served in family-style portions priced from $19 to $29. Also on the menu: six types of flatbreads, plus a full bar with Indian beer, wine and cocktails. Commonwealth is the third venture from chef Sunil Bastola, who also owns the Bollywood Bistro restaurants in Fairfax and Great Falls. What’s next for Pike & Rose? Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão, almost ready to open right next door. Click here for more in our May 23rd edition.

The Big Greek Cafe
Mimi Arnold

Five Below is on the go

June 14th is moving day for Five Below on Rockville Pike. The popular discount chain, which sells teen gear and trendy household goods for five bucks or less, is leaving its longtime home at Federal Plaza for a new one next to Aldi, Michaels and Petco at Congressional North. Between now and mid-June, just in case five bucks isn’t enough of a bargain, everything in the old store is marked down 50 percent.

California Tortilla

Rolling out of Rockville

Rolls ‘n Rice Japanese Bistro Cafe has closed its doors after a decade in the Shops at Congressional Village off Rockville Pike. Owners opted not to renew their lease and have no plans to reopen.

2019 Norman's We're Back May ad

The dish on delivery

Eater has an interesting report this week about online food delivery apps and the potential damage they’re doing to local restaurants. Services like Grubhub, Postmates and Uber Eats charge commissions as high as 30 percent, and some apparently also charge for handling customer questions and complaints. In the restaurant business, which already works on tight margins, these fees can take a substantial bite out of any potential profits. What to do? When you’re looking for local food delivery, Eater suggests skipping the apps and calling your favorite restaurant directly.

International School of Music
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Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

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Hello Fogo

Next big opening for Pike & Rose: Fogo de Chão Brazilian steakhouse. Plans call for a June 24th debut in the prime corner spot across from Del Frisco’s Grille, formerly home to the Nike Factory Store. This will be the fourth D.C.-area location for the posh restaurant chain, where meats are roasted over an open flame and carved right at your table. The menu also features seafood, soups, charcuterie and Brazilian cocktails — and plans are in the works for weekend brunch and nightly happy hour. For sneak-peek photos of the restaurant’s interior, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Norman's Farm & Market
The Grilled Oyster Co.

Next up for Cabin John

Construction at Cabin John Village has moved from the front parking lot to the area around California Tortilla. New signs have been installed, the second floor offices have gained a balcony, and new lighting is on the way — including decorative string lights that will add some charm to the cross-through between the buildings. What’s next for Cabin John? We’ll have details in a couple of weeks.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
The Game Gym

Is Party City full of hot air?

Have you heard about the global helium shortage? That’s the excuse Party City offered this month to explain its plans to shutter 45 underperforming locations. Lack of helium — and presumably, the inability to fulfill balloon orders — was initially blamed for the company’s deflated profits. Execs later walked back from that story, noting that they’ve found new helium suppliers and all is well in balloon land. But those 45 stores? They’re still going to close. No word yet on whether the Rockville location will be among them.

International School of Music

Payless walks out

After a months-long going-out-of-business sale, this weekend marks the end for the Payless shoe store at Westfield Montgomery mall. The company filed Chapter 11 for the second time last winter, but its stores have stayed open to sell through remaining inventory. At Westfield Montgomery, doors close for the last time on Saturday, May 27th.

Shin Orthodontics
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Lululemon goes for the guys — plus Robeks, Teamania & pop-up shopping in Rockville

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Lululemon goes for the guys

If you’ve shopped at Lululemon lately, you may have noticed what’s new: lots and lots of menswear. The fitness retailer is turning its attention to the male wallet, offering a greatly expanded assortment of workout and athleisure clothes, stretchy dress pants and wrinkle-free office attire. If you’re looking to spend $38 on boxer shorts or $58 on a T-shirt, this is the place. Lululemon is expecting to double its menswear business over the next five years, with additional revenue coming from new ventures into skin care, deodorant and athletic shoes.

The Grilled Oyster Co.
Wintergreen Plaza

Tea for two

New place to try near Rockville’s Federal Plaza: Teamania Bakery + Cafe, serving fresh-baked breads, desserts, coffee and Asian specialty teas. Doors opened last month at 130 Rollins Ave., and the brightly colored teas and charming decor have been generating buzz on social media. “We actually designed the aesthetic of this place with Instagram in mind,” says partner Arnold Chang. “A ton of money went into the custom-made furniture. The way everything looks is pretty important these days.” To see for yourself, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Realtor Mimi Arnold of Century 21 Redwood Realty

Robeks at the Row

Robeks makes its debut this weekend at Rockville’s Research Row development, serving up juices, smoothies and acai bowls just off I-270 between Chick-fil-A and One Life Fitness. Meanwhile, another Rockville sweet spot has closed its doors: Ki No Spoon is out at Wintergreen Plaza.

International School of Music

Pop-up shopping in Rockville

New initiative at Rockville Town Square: filling some of those empty storefronts with pop-up shops. At 36 Maryland Ave., once home to LiquidBlue Denim Boutique, four female entrepreneurs will be on site through Memorial Day selling chocolates, lotions, fragrances, dog treats, scarves, purses and jewelry. Just a block away on Gibbs Street, pop-up bookstore Carpe Librum is at the Square through August raising funds for child literacy efforts. More on that in our April 11th edition.

The Game Gym
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What’s ahead for Wildwood, test kitchen at Zoës, new food at Congressional, ready for takeoff at the mall

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Wildwood blooms this summer

There’s a lot to look forward to at Wildwood this summer, with three new restaurants scheduled to open in the next few months. Flower Child, known for its flavorful and healthy menu, is nearing completion in the former Red Door space with a tentative opening date of July 3rd. Bethesda Bagels is on track for a late summer arrival, and Joe & the Juice won’t be far behind. Meanwhile, Salon Nader just moved into its new space between Flower Child and Belina Boutique. For more on all the new restaurants— as well as the recent departures of Oakville Grille and Wildwood Italian Cuisine — click here for our Jan. 17th edition.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Shin Orthodontics

Testing the menu at Zoës

In the six months since Cava Group acquired Zoës Kitchen, the Park Potomac restaurant has been serving as a testing ground for the fast-casual Mediterranean chain. “We are focusing on the basics, which includes making everything more fresh and flavorful,” says Cava partner Ted Xenohristos. “From the meats on the kabobs to the veggies on our salads, we are working on keeping things simple and putting a focus on the quality of the ingredients.” A new assortment of bowls, for example, features quinoa, lentils, cauliflower rice, cabbage slaw and other plant-based fare. If you haven’t seen the current menu, click here to check it out. If you’ve already tried it, click here to take an online survey and earn yourself a free drink from Zoës.

Hanna's Connection
Trio Jr.

Taking off at the mall

This week we have a few more details on Dream Aero, the flight simulator that’s heading to Westfield Montgomery mall. The ride is expected to open late this year in the empty space above Cava and Gusto, just down the hall from the ArcLight Cinema. Prices will start around $150, a rep tells us, for a 30- to 120-minute ride with a pilot by your side in a cockpit that mimics the sights and sounds of a Boeing 737NG. This will be the first U.S. venture for Dream Aero, a Russian company that operates similar rides in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Dubai.

International School of Music
The Big Greek Cafe

Beer, wine and a bite to eat

New place to grab a bite at Congressional Plaza: Beer & Wine Cellar, on the back side of the center at 146 Congressional Lane, is expanding into the space next door and venturing into the food business. Owner Joseph Gomes says he’ll offer a moderately priced menu of deli sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and cheesesteaks. “We’ll make your sandwich right in from of you, then you can get a glass of beer or wine and go sit outside,” he says. Indoor seating is already in place; the outdoor area should be up and running by the end of May.

Power Hour Editing
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Sneak peek of Sisters at Cabin John — plus Java Nation on Rockville Pike and Eyebobs at the mall

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What's shaking at Sisters

This week we got a sneak peek at Sisters, the Thai restaurant that’s set to open in May next to Shake Shack at Cabin John Village. The vibe inside is decidedly artsy/funky, with movie theater-style signage and multiple seating areas, including a cozy living room complete with bookshelves and fireplace. The restaurant will offer a full bar overlooking the outdoor courtyard, as well as a dessert counter serving Thai coffee, shaved ice and baked goods from the Magnolia sweet shop in Vienna. Magnolia is a “sister” to Sisters and a favorite of Instagrammers for its honey toast and elaborately decorated bathrooms. (And the bathrooms at Cabin John will not disappoint: The men’s room is decked out with “windows” overlooking 3D views of New York City.) To see it all for yourself, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
The Grilled Oyster

The scoop on Java Nation

We’re hearing lots of great buzz about Java Nation, the coffee shop/restaurant that’s taking over the old Addie’s/Helen’s space on Rockville Pike. Owner Simona Cabana tells us she’s renovating the building and adding more outdoor seating (which could be tricky, since it’s unclear what’s going to happen to the burned-out shell of nextdoor neighbor Hank Dietle’s). This will be the second location for Java Nation, which has earned an avid following in Kensington for its top-notch coffee and European-style menu. Cabana says she’ll be baking bread and pastries in-house, roasting coffee beans on the premises, and offering a full bar including signature caffeine-infused cocktails. (Espresso martini, anyone?) The menu will be a mix of American, European and Latin cuisine with an emphasis on Peruvian dishes. Doors could open as early as August.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Shin Orthodontics

New at the mall

Two new stores are heading to at Westfield Montgomery mall with plans to open in late summer. Minneapolis-based Eyebobs, which specializes in fashion-forward reading glasses, will open next to Untuckit with an expanded array of prescription lenses, blue-light glasses and sunglasses. Eyebobs cultivates an edgy image, with frames named things like “Peckerhead,” “Butch,” “Not Tonight,” “Kvetcher” and “Haute Flash.” Windsor, a clothing store aimed at teens and young women, is also on the way with plans to open next to the Vans store.

Central Farm Market at Westfield Montgomery
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Japanese steakhouse flames out, Cinnabon wafts in — plus new Java on Rockville Pike and a Big Greek giveaway

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Japanese steakhouse flames out

Bad news for those who were hoping for hibachi at Westfield Montgomery mall: It looks like Viva Japanese Steakhouse is never going to happen. The restaurant originally was supposed to open last summer across from the ArcLight Cinema, replacing the short-lived MET Bethesda. But construction moved at a snail’s pace as summer turned to winter and finally to spring. Earlier this month, mall reps told us that Viva would open May 1st. This week all work came to a halt yet again, and now it appears the project is likely dead. We did manage to snoop inside for a glimpse of the partially finished interior; you can check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Pike Central Farm Market at Pike & Rose
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

What's that smell?

That scent wafting across the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall can only mean one thing: Cinnabon, whose aroma alone has wrecked many a diet, has finally arrived. So who’s out this week? Kids’ clothing store Gymboree has closed its doors after a three-month going-out-of-business sale, soon to be followed by Crabtree & Evelyn. Sports Nation exited its lower-level spot and moved to the second floor. The other big news, in case you missed it, is the closing of Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar. More on that in our April 11th edition.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

The Big Greek giveaway

It’s been 10 years since brothers Nikos and Simos Marmaras opened The Big Greek Cafe in Silver Spring. The twins had grown up around hearty Greek dishes, helping their father run The Golden Flame restaurant while enjoying their mother’s family recipes at home. Their four-restaurant chain — now with additional locations in Rockville, Kensington and Bethesda — is modeled after their mother’s hospitality as well as her cooking. “The number one thing when anybody entered our house was to have a meal with us,” Simos says. “At our restaurants, we want every guest to feel right at home like they’re sitting around my mom’s table.” This year, they also want two lucky guests to visit the place where it all began: The restaurant chain is giving away a six-day trip to Athens, Greece. For your chance to win, visit any Big Greek location between April 22 and June 22. For directions to all four locations, as well as weekly specials and a preview of the menu, click here.

Realtor Mimi Arnold of Century 21 Redwood Realty

New Java for Rockville Pike

Kensington coffee shop Java Nation is moving into the old Addie’s/Helen’s space on Rockville Pike, right next to the burnt-out dive bar Hank Dietle’s. More on that, along with tons of other retail and restaurant news, in our post-spring break edition. In the meantime, catch up on any news you missed at storereporter.com.

Power Hour Editing
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Latest on the new Life Time club — plus burgers at Pike & Rose, poke at the mall & Chinese at NoBe Market

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Life Time Athletic in Rockville

Latest on Life Time

Latest twist on the plan for a new Life Time Athletic club at Westfield Montgomery mall: The Rockville location off Montrose and Seven Locks Road had been expected to close once the new one is built — a process that will likely take about two years. But insiders tell us that the existing location has such a loyal membership base that it may end up staying in business after all. Officially, Life Time execs are as tight-lipped now as they were when we first reported on the mall plan back in October. But unofficially, we’re told the existing location is preferable for many of its longtime members and could likely coexist with a larger, fancier club just a few miles away. In fact, we’re hearing that the Rockville club may end up gaining square footage via an expansion to the building next door. But alas, there probably won’t be a rooftop swimming pool like the one planned for the mall. (For more on that, click here.)

Wintergreen Plaza
Biker Barre

New burgers at Pike & Rose

BurgerFi, the latest addition to the Pike & Rose dining scene, opens its doors on Monday, April 8th next to fellow newcomer Sweetgreen. This is the fourth D.C.-area restaurant for the South Florida-based chain, which offers a simple menu of meat and veggie burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, custard, shakes and craft beers. (Click here for a closer look.) Orders are placed through self-service kiosks that use facial recognition to match you to your burger. Supposedly, those kiosks will remember your preferences the next time you visit.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster