Store Reporter

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

Rockville Pike

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.

2019 Mimi Arnold Thinking of Selling

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
Women's Seder

Poke at the mall this summer

D.C. restaurant chain Poke Papa is eyeing a June debut in the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall. The restaurant will offer its own versions of the Hawaiian-style raw fish dish, like the Onolicious (marinated ahi tuna with seaweed, lotus root, ginger, sesame, scallion and onion) and the Lomi Homie (marinated salmon with red onion, tomato, scallion, sea salt and lime juice). Poke Papa is taking a prime spot next the newly open Urban Plates.

Mimi Arnold
Trio Jr.

Chinese food on the Pike

Opening soon at North Bethesda Market on Rockville Pike: China Garden, under construction since last summer in the former Paladar space across from Whole Foods. The restaurant is a new venture from the team behind Pandora Seafood House & Bar at Rockville Town Square, which closed last fall after just a year in business. Owner Chris Zu says she’s hoping for a May debut.

The Game Gym
Power Hour Editing
CASA Voices for Children Montgomery
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Big move for Rockville’s Barnes & Noble — plus Smashburger goes dark & Japanese steakhouse sets a date

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Big move for Barnes & Noble

Remember last month when we tipped you off that something big was about to happen at Congressional Plaza? Well, that rumor we told you about turned out to be true: Barnes & Noble is moving in. The bookseller will trade its longtime digs at Montrose Crossing, home to discounters like Marshall’s and Target, for a smaller space at Congressional among the posh likes of Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Off 5th and The Fresh Market. Plans call for a 2020 opening next to The Container Store, where there’s plenty of space after the recent departures of Thomasville (bankrupt), White House Black Market (closed), Chico’s (relocated elsewhere in the plaza) and Lebanese Taverna (likewise). (More details on all of these changes in our Feb. 21st edition.) Barnes & Noble has been trying stay afloat in this online economy by closing many of its big-box locations (we’re looking at you, downtown Bethesda) in favor of slimmed-down stores with a carefully edited merchandise mix.

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
Wink Eyecare Boutique

Japanese steakhouse sets a date

After months of construction delays and lots of speculation about whether it was ever going to happen, the Viva Japanese steakhouse at Westfield Montgomery mall is finally setting a date. The hibachis are scheduled to fire up May 1st across from the ArcLight Cinema, right above newcomer Urban Plates. Meanwhile, check out our March 21st edition for news about another interesting tenant that will move in just down the hall.

Biker Barre

Mall stores say goodbye

As we move into the spring shopping season, several stores are reaching their final days at Westfield Montgomery mall. Invisalign, whose parent company is shuttering all its retail operations, will depart on April 3rd. Crabtree & Evelyn, also closing stores across the country, is nearly empty after a lengthy going-out-of-business sale. Italian men’s store Fascino is calling its quits just two months after relocating to a prime spot in the Macy’s wing. But Gymboree and Payless, whose parent companies both filed bankruptcy in the past few months, will hang around awhile longer as they continue to unload excess merchandise.

Shin Orthodontics

Rockville Smashburger goes dark

The lights were out and the doors were locked at Smashburger on Rockville Pike this week, but owner Julian Goodman says the closing is likely temporary. Goodman, a franchisee, says he’s “turning back” this location to Smashburger’s parent company and expects that it will reopen. The Rockville Smashburger, which debuted three years ago on the ground floor of Galvan at Twinbrook, never seemed to pack in the crowds like neighboring Asian eateries Akira Ramen, Urban Hot Pot and Gong Cha. Three other Smashburger restaurants in Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Germantown all closed their doors in 2017.

Diener Denim Plus Diamonds
CASA Voices for Children Montgomery
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Cabin John construction, Flower Child at Wildwood — plus Tesla, Invisalign and a closing on Rockville Pike

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New round of construction at Cabin John

A large section of the parking lot at Cabin John Village was fenced off this week as workers began installing new lights between CVS and the center’s new restaurants. The lighting project, along with all the updated signage and facades, should be finished before the weather warms up. So what’s next for Cabin John? Sisters Thai, now expected to open in late spring. And after that? Check out our Nov. 1st edition for details on the long-term construction plan.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

One's staying, one's going: Tesla & Invisalign at the mall

This has been a head-spinning week for fans of carmaker Tesla, which announced plans to close all of its retail stores last Thursday and reversed that decision a few days later. Tesla now says it will keep most of its stores after all, including the one at Westfield Montgomery mall. Meanwhile, the Invisalign orthodontic chain is unexpectedly closing all its stores for real. The decision comes after a legal battle with a competitor, SmileDirectClub, which accused Invisalign of violating a non-compete agreement between the two companies. Arbitrators agreed with SmileDirectClub. All Invisalign stores, including the one at Westfield Montgomery, will be gone by April 3rd.

Bullis Summer Programs

Flower Child to bloom this summer

Flower Child, the hippie-chic restaurant chain from the founders of True Food Kitchen, is eyeing a July opening at Wildwood. The Phoenix-based company is known for its healthy, flavorful dishes that cater to special diets, from vegan to paleo to keto to gluten-free. This will be the second Flower Child in Montgomery County; the first opened last fall at Travilah Square Shopping Center.

Washington Hebrew Congregation

Rockville swim store goes under

It looks like local shoppers will have to find somewhere new to buy their swim gear this summer. Cassel’s Swim & Awards, previously known as Aardvark Swim & Sport, has closed its doors after more than two decades at Wintergreen Plaza. The store changed hands two years ago after its founder retired, and the new owners declined to extend their lease. Wintergreen, which has become a hub for sports stores and health-related businesses, is looking for a new tenant.

Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School
Diener Denim Plus Diamonds
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Hello Urban Plates and LebTav, goodbye to half The Gap, two more closings at Rockville Town Square

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Urban Plates arrives

The Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall looks a whole lot different this week: Urban Plates officially debuts on Monday (March 11th), but crowds started lining up on Thursday with tickets to pre-opening events. The restaurant offers a fresh-cooked cafeteria-style menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches along with more elaborate entrées, baked goods and juices. For a look at the menu, click here. For a look at the interior, check out our photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

New look for Lebanese Taverna

LebTav, the new version of local favorite Lebanese Taverna, opened its doors this week a few doors down from its longtime home at Congressional Plaza. LebTav is smaller than its predecessor, with a pared-down menu of salads, pita sandwiches, falafel, shawarma, hummus and grab-and-go items. For more on the new format — and lots more about all the changes at Congressional Plaza — check out our Feb. 21 and  Feb. 28 editions.

Trio Jr.

Two more closings at Rockville Town Square

The exodus at Rockville Town Square continued this week when two neighboring businesses on Gibbs Street — Lab Cafe and Little Dipper Hot Pot House — closed their doors within days of each other. Lab Cafe, a bubble tea shop that opened in 2017, is the fifth business to fail at the same address since 2007. (Remember Bobby’s Crabcakes, Tippy’s Taco House, 82 Steak Out and Ev & Maddy’s?) Little Dipper also opened two years ago in the corner spot that once housed Noodles & Company. Add these two to the list of recent RTS closings that now includes Pandora Seafood House & Bar, Mellow Mushroom and LiquidBlue Denim Boutique, along with the neighboring Apollo restaurant. Dawson’s Market also closed last October, but it reopened in December under new ownership.

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty

Rolling into Park Potomac

Roll by Goodyear has rolled into Park Potomac, opening a new store between Elevation Burger and The Wine Harvest. This is the space that once housed the Emily Grace boutique, most recently home to the pop-up Pooch Portrait Studio. Roll, which installs tires wherever you are, has blanketed Montgomery County with a half-dozen stores in the past few months.

Churchill Blast
Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School

Big week for The Gap & Gymboree

Gap Inc. made so many announcements this week that even we found it hard to keep up. Number one, the company said it will close about half of its 500ish Gap stores over the next two years. Number two, it will spin off the thriving Old Navy brand into a separate publicly traded company. Number three, it will purchase the Janie and Jack kids’ clothing chain from bankrupt Gymboree Group. Meanwhile, Gymboree Group got some other good news when rival retailer The Children’s Place announced plans to purchase and “revitalize” what’s left of the Gymboree brand. Does that mean the Gymboree stores are no longer going out of business? The answer isn’t clear yet — and all these plans still have to go through bankruptcy court.

Diener Denim Plus Diamonds
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Another closing at Congressional Plaza, Urban Plates is ready to roll, trouble ahead for Victoria’s Secret

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Another closing at Congressional Plaza

See that empty space next to the Chico’s sign at Congressional Plaza? That’s the former home of White House Black Market, which closed its doors unexpectedly this week after its neighbors on either side moved out. But while Chico’s and Lebanese Taverna have relocated a few doors down (more on that in our Feb. 21st edition), it appears that White House Black Market will not be coming back. That makes three empty storefronts in a row on the ground floor of Congressional Plaza, plus the neighboring second-level space where the Thomasville furniture store just cleared out. As we told you last week, owner Federal Realty is clearly making room for something big. Who will it be? Stay with Store Reporter for the answer. (Editor’s note: We have the answer now. For an update on this story in our March 28th edition, click here.)

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

Urban Plates is ready to roll

The big news on the food scene this week is the upcoming opening of Urban Plates in the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall. The huge new eatery has been under construction since last summer in the space once occupied by the short-lived Naples Ristorante. Doors open next Thursday (March 7th), and meals will be on the house through that weekend if you sign up in advance (click here to register) and are willing to make a donation to Project HOPE. Recently, we paid a visit to the Urban Plates at Tysons Galleria. What did we think? Click here.

Power Hour Editing
Churchill Blast

Victoria's Secret goes down a size

There’s a cupful of trouble ahead for Victoria’s Secret, which announced this week that it will close 53 underperforming stores in 2019. The company has been criticized in recent years for sticking with its images of airbrushed perfection while other lingerie brands like ThirdLove and Aerie are using more realistic models and courting women of different shapes and sizes. And the competition is about to get even tougher: This week Target announced plans to launch three new lingerie brands of its own.

Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School
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Changes for Congressional Plaza, reboot for Lebanese Taverna, update on Cooper’s Hawk, more closings at the mall

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Change is in the air at Congressional Plaza

There’s a lot of reshuffling at Rockville’s Congressional Plaza this month, with longtime tenants on the move and more changes still to come. Here’s the lowdown:

  • Lebanese Taverna has closed its 20-year-old restaurant and will return next month with a new name, new format and new location between Ulta and Modern Market. Say hello to LebTav, which dispenses with the grill in favor of a fast-casual menu of salads, pita sandwiches, falafel, shawarma, hummus and grab-and-go items. This will be the second location for the Leb Tav format, which also involves more cooking at a central commissary. “If it’s successful, we will probably go this route for all our restaurants in the future,” says marketing manager Pamela Ferreira. For a sneak peek of the Rockville restaurant in progress, click here.
  • Chico’s, which has been closing stores including the one in Potomac Village, is relocating from the north side of Congressional Plaza to a smaller space on the south side. The old Chico’s will close on Feb. 24th and the new one will open a few days later.
  • On the back side of Congressional, new tenant Big Bear Custom Apparel is creating personalized clothing designs for sports teams, businesses, groups and individuals. Click here to check out the Big Bear website.
  • Performance Bicycle has been holding a going-out-of-business sale since its parent company filed bankruptcy late last year. The store will remain open until early March, but most of its inventory is already gone.

All of these changes — plus the recent closing of the Thomasville furniture store — add up to a lot of empty space on the north side of Congressional Plaza. So what’s the plan for all that square footage? For awhile we were hearing talk about a mini Barnes & Noble store, but that seems unlikely now that the bookseller has renewed its lease at Montrose Crossing. Still, it certainly looks like something big is on the way. Watch our upcoming issues for the latest.

(Editor’s note: For an update on this story in our March 28th edition, click here.)

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Bender JCC of Greater Washington

Cooper's Hawk will take flight soon

With the recent openings of Onelife Fitness and Chick-fil-A at Rockville’s Research Row, anticipation is building for the arrival of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. The Illinois-based chain, which has locations in Reston, Ashburn and Annapolis, is known for its food-and-wine pairings, wine-tasting rooms and in-house gourmet markets. There’s no official opening date for Rockville just yet, but the company tells us it should happen sometime this summer.

Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty
Eyeland/Luxoptics

Who's out at the mall

Add Payless to the list of stores holding going-out-of-business sales at Westfield Montgomery mall. The shoe chain has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time and will close all 2,500 locations by May. Also on the way out of the mall are Gymboree (Chapter 11), Crabtree & Evelyn (downsizing) and Sheepskin Gifts (a seasonal tenant that comes and goes every year). Already gone as of this week: the Kia Stinger showroom. So what’s on the way to Westfield Montgomery? More food. Catch up at storereporter.com for the latest on Cinnabon, 7-Eleven and Urban Plates.

Norman's Farm Market
Churchill Blast
Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School
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West Elm on the way to Pike & Rose — plus poke, Vietnamese desserts and a mall steakhouse update

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West Elm on the way

Furniture/home decor store West Elm is joining the lineup at Pike & Rose, taking almost 12,000 square feet next to Pinstripes with plans for a fall debut. West Elm, a sister store to Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma, has a clean-lined, modern aesthetic that’s likely to be a hit with all the millennials and empty nesters setting up new homes in North Bethesda. Can’t wait to check it out? Click here.

Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Eyeland/Luxoptics

Poki DC arrives

Good news for everyone who misses Buredo at Wildwood: After more than a year of construction at the Georgetown Square shopping center, Poki DC is opening this weekend next to Not Your Average Joe’s. What’s on the menu? Hawaiian-style bowls of seasoned raw fish over grains and veggies (click here for a peek). Also: This location will be serving Gong Cha bubble tea.

Wink Eyecare
Shahs of Style

New eats on the Pike

Two new restaurants will open this spring at the Towne Plaza shopping center on Rockville Pike, best known as the former home of Five Guys and Chef Geoff’s. Nature Kitchen is set to arrive next month, followed in April by Bambu Desserts & Drinks. Bambu, based in California, serves Vietnamese-inspired fare from sweet coffees, bean-based chè drinks and fruit smoothies to crêpes and bánh mì sandwiches.

Realtor Margie Halem of Compass
Magnolia Bluebird Party Smarty mitzvah workshop

Is Viva still alive?

It’s been almost a year since Westfield Montgomery mall announced plans for a Japanese steakhouse across from the ArcLight movie theater. Since then, the project has fallen so far behind that the “Opening Summer 2018” signs became something of a joke. This month, someone finally adjusted expectations by papering over the “18” with a “19.” Will Viva really open by summer? The mall says yes. Stay tuned.

Congregation B'nai Tzedek Greenzaid ECC
Shin Orthodontics
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Sears checks out, Five Below is on the go, Justice closes… and what’s up with Wicked Waffle?

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Sears checks out, mall's ready to move on

Sears closed its doors for the last time at Westfield Montgomery mall this past weekend, clearing the way for the mall’s upcoming redevelopment. Long-term plans call for offices, apartments, a hotel, pedestrian walkways and outdoor promenades lined with upscale stores and restaurants. The mall also is getting a fancy new gym — and we hear it’s going to be a Life Time Athletic club, complete with a formal restaurant and rooftop swimming pool. We’re also hearing that the Macy’s Home Store will be next to close. More details on everything in our Oct. 25th edition.

International School of Music at Cabin John
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

What's up with Wicked Waffle?

There was some confusion this week about the fate of Wicked Waffle when the five-year-old eatery, a sister to Rockville’s Mosaic Cuisine, suddenly went dark at Westfield Montgomery mall. Despite what it looks like, owners tell us the restaurant will reopen next month with the same name and menu. In fact, they say they’re making plans for a national expansion of the Wicked Waffle brand. (Editor’s note: Wicked Waffle did not end up returning to the mall as planned. Click here for a follow-up story in our March 21st edition.)

Wink Eyecare

More for the men

Fascino, the Italian clothing shop that opened last year at Westfield Montgomery mall, has left the Nordstrom wing for a new space right next to Untuckit. That makes two men’s stores conveniently located right across from Apple. (Editor’s note: Fascino closed its doors just two months after this move. Click here for more in our March 28th edition.)

Five Below is on the go

Five Below, the five-bucks-and-under discount chain, is moving out of its longtime home at Federal Plaza. Doors will close in late February and the store will reopen further north on Rockville Pike, right next to Aldi at the Congressional North shopping center. Five Below caters to kids and teens, but adults can find plenty of bargains — from $5 phone chargers, iPad covers and party supplies to pillows, T-shirts and bath bombs.

Realtor Jacqueline Band Olinger of Long & Foster
The Grilled Oyster

No Justice at Rio

Justice is closing its doors at Rio Washingtonian Center, marking the tween retailer’s exit from Montgomery County. Justice, once known as Limited Too, has been shuttering locations across the country to avoid the fate of bankrupt competitors like Wet Seal, American Apparel and Delia’s. What’s next for Rio? A $30 million upgrade. More details in our Oct. 4th edition; click here.

OneTest
Bender JCC of Greater Washington
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New chapter for Rockville Barnes & Noble, new pizza on the Pike, new gym for Cabin John

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New chapter for Barnes & Noble

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

Wintergreen Plaza
The Grilled Oyster

New pizza on the Pike

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

Realtor Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty

Santa's been busy

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

Breakthrough Test Prep
The Game Gym

Biker Barre cycles in

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

Shin Orthodontics
Explorekensington.com

Angry Mama & more at The Container Store

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

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

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

OneTest
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Dawson’s returns, bye bye bike stores, vintage market for Potomac and a music school for Cabin John

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The ride is over for Performance Bicycle

Sad news for local cyclists: The Performance Bicycle retail chain is riding off into the sunset. The company is in Chapter 11 and plans to close all stores — including the popular Rockville location at Congressional Plaza. Looking to score some deals? You’d better roll quickly; closing sales are going on now.

Eyeland/Luxoptics
The Grilled Oyster

Vintage vibes on River Road

New place to shop on River Road: The Potomac French Market is open Thursdays through Sundays in the weathered barn that once was home to Flora’s Feathered Nest. With a similar mix of new and vintage gifts, home decor, antique furniture and upcycled goods, the store will please those who have missed Flora’s since it closed in 2016. “We were huge fans,” says co-owner Teri Troxell, who notes that she and partner Rene Redfield Shaw were also inspired by vintage markets in Paris and New Orleans as well as Chartreuse & Co. in Frederick. The pair took over the space from the Sonoran Rose boutique, which moved out last summer. (More on that in our July 19th edition.) You’ll find the Potomac French Market at 12211 River Road. Hours vary, so it’s best to call ahead: 301-807-9945.

Wintergreen Plaza
Wink Eyecare Boutique

Dawson's is back

Dawson’s Market, closed since late October, makes a triumphant return this weekend with a new owner and a new commitment to serving as a “one-stop shop” for Rockville Town Square. Longtime manager Bart Yablonsky has purchased the store from its out-of-town owners and is making changes that he says the community has asked for. “We’re expanding the product mix with more national brands that people will recognize and more convenience items like flashlights and batteries,” he says. “We’ll have freshly sliced meats and cheeses at the deli, and a new selection of conventional produce along with the organics.” Yablonsky says the wider range of products will allow for lower prices on some items — but he promises the store will continue to specialize in local and organic foods.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
The Game Gym

Music school moves to Cabin John

The International School of Music, offering voice and instrument classes for kids and teens, is leaving its longtime location near Bethesda’s Home Depot for a new home at Cabin John Village. Classes will begin Jan. 2nd on the second floor of the mini-mall, where students can learn to play everything from piano, guitar and violin to drums, ukulele and harp. The school also trains ensembles that perform at local venues as well as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Click here for more.

Breakthrough Test Prep
OneTest

Gifts for the kitchen

As much as we love writing about restaurants, at this time of year we’re spending lots of time in the kitchen with friends and family. So once again, we’re partnering with our favorite cooking stores to bring you some gift inspiration. Up this week: three great picks from Sur La Table.

  • Chilewich Lace Table Runner: These lace textiles from designer Sandy Chilewich add metallic sparkle to any table, but they’re actually made of high-tech plastics. That means they’re easy to wipe clean and can be used indoors or out. Available in gold or silver for $115; click here for more.
  • Moscow Mule Mugs: For the friend who loves a good cocktail, these copper mugs come in a hammered or plain finish for $19.95 apiece. Click here for more.
  • Dual-Action Potato Masher: This clever tool works as both a masher and a ricer, coming in handy for egg salad and guacamole as well as potatoes. $19.95, click here for more.

For more gift picks from Sur La Table, visit the Pike & Rose store or shop online at surlatable.com.

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Lululemon, beer and a new veggie restaurant — plus the return of Dawson’s Market

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New Lulu

Here’s a holiday gift for Lululemon lovers: The company’s newest store will open its doors Dec. 14th at Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown. The spot is strategically located just around the corner from Life Time Athletic and LA Fitness (not that anyone really needs a workout as an excuse to visit). Lululemon joins the recently opened Sephora as Crown begins to mix in some retail with all those restaurants.

Moda Optic
Moda Optic

Comeback for Dawson's Market

Is Dawson’s Market making a comeback at Rockville Town Square? It certainly looks that way. When we stopped by this week, the lights were on and longtime manager Bart Yablonsky could be seen sprucing up inside. No one is talking on the record yet, but we’re hearing that Yablonsky has worked out a deal to reopen the market under a new ownership structure. The uproar over Dawson’s recent closing — and the town meetings and brainstorming sessions that followed — might finally mark a turning point for the long-troubled development. The Russian restaurant Samovar, which faced an uncertain future after sustaining water damage earlier this year, is now expected to reopen. Meanwhile, other tenants tell us they’re starting to feel more optimistic about the Square’s future. (Editor’s note: A day after we published this issue, Dawson’s Market confirmed that they will in fact reopen in mid-December. Watch for a follow-up in next week’s Store Reporter.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Realtor Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty

Yard House is here

Yard House, a high-end sports bar showcasing craft beer and cocktails, opens its doors this Monday (Dec. 10th) at Rio Washingtonian Center. The restaurant replaces Romano’s Macaroni Grill, which closed last year after its parent company filed Chapter 11. What’s on the menu besides drinks? Burgers, pizzas, fries, nachos, sandwiches and wings plus some fancier entrées. Yard House is a division of Darden Restaurants, which also owns Olive Garden, Seasons 52, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille among others. For a look at the menu, click here.

Eyeland/Luxoptics

Veggies in Fallsgrove

New place to try at the Fallsgrove shopping center: St. Veg, offering a plant-based menu, is newly open in the corner spot previously occupied by Melt. The restaurant hopes to tempt carnivores as well as vegetarians with specialty dishes like Mom’s Caramel Tofu Bowl, the Flavor Bomb Pho Dip and the Vegball Sub (shown here). St. Veg is open for lunch and dinner, with most meals priced around $10.

The Grilled Oyster

Gifts for the kitchen

As much as we love writing about restaurants, at this time of year we’re spending lots of time in the kitchen with friends and family. So once again, we’re partnering with our favorite cooking stores to bring you some gift inspiration. Up first: three great picks from Williams Sonoma.

  • Instant Pot: This gadget continues to top many wish lists, and it’s no wonder. The new Max version can pressure-cook, slow-cook, steam, sauté, brown and warm your food — not to mention making yogurt, canning, pasteurizing and serving up the perfect pot of rice or hard-boiled eggs. There’s definitely a learning curve involved here, but fans say the results are well worth the time. (Priced from around $70; click here for more.)
  • Thermo-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware: As a gift for someone starting out in a new home or first apartment, you can’t beat Williams Sonoma’s workhorse pots and pans. Made in Italy to the company’s precise specifications, these are among the best we’ve tried — and bonus, they’re dishwasher-safe. (Starting around $75; click here for more.)
  • Peppermint Bark: When you’re guesting rather than hosting, this classic, cheery red-and-white box will be welcome in just about any home. (Starting around $20; click here for more.)

For more gift picks from Williams Sonoma, visit Bethesda Row, Tysons Galleria, Reston Town Center or shop online at williams-sonoma.com.

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Thanksgiving shopping, Black Friday specials, new restaurants for the holidays

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Happy Thanksgiving — and let the shopping begin

Just about the time you’re finishing that last piece of pumpkin pie, lots of stores will be opening their doors for the earliest Black Friday shoppers. Westfield Montgomery mall will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursday — although some of the biggest stores, including Apple and Nordstrom, will be sitting it out until Friday. Most of Rockville’s major retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving, reopening as early as 6 a.m. for Friday morning door-busters. If you prefer a stress-free shopping experience, pay a visit to your local retailers like the ones at Cabin John Village. Many will be offering terrific Black Friday deals, and they’ll even handle the gift-wrapping for you. Scroll down for details.

Toy Castle
Susan Koehn Designs
Occasions
The Grilled Oyster

Last hurrah for Sears and the Macy's Home Store

This will be the last Black Friday for Sears at Westfield Montgomery mall, and likely for the Macy’s Home Store as well. From what we hear, there’s a new Life Time Athletic fitness club and eventually a whole new Macy’s store on the way. More on these plans in our Oct. 25th edition. And stay tuned for next week, when we have some news about a big change happening on Rockville Pike.

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
Eyeland/Luxoptics

New restaurants for the holidays

What’s new on the holiday dining scene? Flower Child, the new fast-casual restaurant at Travilah Square Shopping Center, offers a healthy, veg-heavy menu that makes a great counterpart to all those Thanksgiving calories. Nada, specializing in tacos and cocktails, opened its doors on Monday at Pike & Rose. We haven’t tried it yet, but the interior is lovely. And Julii, a new French/Mediterranean restaurant from the founders of Cava, will be opening down the street in about a week. This week we took a sneak-peek tour with chef Sasha Felikson, who’s supervising every detail from the Moroccan tagine cookware to the chocolate soufflés. Check out our Facebook page for photos of all three places.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
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Julii and faux snow at Pike & Rose, Sugo is sold, Untuckit and tires at the mall

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Julii's almost here

Julii, one of the most anticipated new restaurants of the fall season, is two weeks away from opening at Pike & Rose. The casual bistro is a side venture from the founders of Cava, who plan to offer a French and Mediterranean menu with dishes like roast chicken and duck, crispy trout, tuna nicoise, French onion soup and Moroccan lamb tagine. “We’re going to start with dinner,” says co-owner Ted Xenohristos. “Eventually we’ll start opening in the mornings with coffee, baked goods, bagels and Israeli-style breakfast, then kick in with lunch service: sandwiches, stuffed croissants and grab-and-go meals.” Xenohristos also has some news about one of his other restaurants, Sugo at Park Potomac. Scroll down for more.

Taff & Levine
Wink Eyecare Boutique

Sugo is sold

Sugo at Park Potomac, which opened six years ago as a side project from the team that created Cava, has changed hands as its busy founders move on to new ventures (see the Julii story above). The restaurant’s new owner is Dhvani Vyas, a Subway franchisee and Sugo fan who plans to keep the name and the menu essentially intact. He is, however, experimenting with some new items in the kitchen (bread pudding, Nutella-based desserts, white pizza with sliced peaches and balsamic glaze). Also on the way: new TVs, a new espresso machine, live music and special events showcasing wines and local beers. Eventually Vyas hopes to add an outdoor canopy like the one at neighboring Addie’s. “We’ll be looking for feedback from customers,” he says. “We want to see what else they’d like us to do.”

California Tortilla

Untucked shirts and spare tires at the mall

Untuckit will open its doors next week in the Macy’s wing at Westfield Montgomery mall, right across from the Apple store. The retailer is known for its $80-ish button-down and polo shirts with hems that are intended to fall mid-fly, showing off its triangle logo and covering any spare tires. And speaking of spare tires: Goodyear is heading to the mall with its new tire store, Roll, which makes life easy by picking up your car or sending a mobile technician to handle the installation right at your home or workplace. The chain recently opened in downtown Bethesda and will be rolling into the former Pen Boutique space at Westfield Montgomery; opening date TBD.

Shin Orthodontics

Faux snow at Pike & Rose

After the success of its popular “Beach” installation this past summer, Pike & Rose is launching a wintertime counterpart: faux snow. In case you didn’t get enough of the real stuff this week, visit Pike & Rose any Friday or Saturday through the holidays for a manmade snowfall — complete with holiday music — every night at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

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What’s next for Cabin John Village, first look at Aldi, virtual reality at the mall

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Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Nov. 1, 2018:

What's next for Cabin John Village

If you’ve been wondering what Cabin John Village is going to look like once all the construction is over, here’s a peek into the future. D.C.-based developer Edens, which bought the property two years ago, shared this rendering along with several others that you can find on our Facebook page. Reconstruction of the facades, new lighting and other upgrades will continue all winter, followed by a parking lot renovation next spring. (More details on what’s changing can be found in our Oct. 11th edition). In the meantime, Edens reps tell us they’re on the lookout for new tenants including professional offices, service businesses and yoga/Pilates studios, plus fresh stores and restaurants that are new to the local market. The next phase of Cabin John’s development — timeline still to be determined — will include housing, new retail buildings and a pedestrian cut-through to the back lot. More on that in our May 17th edition.

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First look at Aldi

Aldi opened its doors this week at the Congressional North shopping center on Rockville Pike, a few doors down from Petco and Bed Bath & Beyond. Having heard mixed reviews about the no-frills German grocery chain, we were eager to check the place out. What we liked: Easy parking, wide aisles, good selection of regular and organic produce, great values on grocery staples (mostly Aldi’s own brands) without the pressure to buy in Costco-sized quantities. What we didn’t like: Some of the fruit looked tired, you have to bag everything yourself, and you won’t find many familiar brand names. What really shocked us: Paying less than $30 for a heaping bag of groceries. We’ll be back.

Shin Orthodontics

Walk the plank at Westfield Montgomery mall

Just opened across from the Apple store at Westfield Montgomery mall: Virtual Insanity, a virtual reality arcade where you can “experience” everything from walking the plank to kickboxing to painting in 3D. Ten minutes costs $10, or you can book a booth for longer sessions and take turns watching your friends make virtual fools of themselves. “Watching someone else do it is almost as entertaining as doing it yourself,” says co-owner Austin Berk. What else is happening at the mall? Lots of big news in last week’s issue; stay tuned next week for an update on the restaurant scene.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique

Swimming pool at the mall? Plus Anthropologie and a new Asian food hall

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Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Oct. 25, 2018.

The Macy's Home Store is expected to close at Westfield Montgomery mall

Swimming pool at the mall?

Big changes are ahead for Westfield Montgomery mall once the holidays are over. The deal with Life Time Athletic, which we told you about two weeks ago, is all but official — and we hear it’s going to be quite an upscale gym, with a formal restaurant and possibly a rooftop pool. The new Life Time is to be built on the Sears side of the mall after the ailing department store closes early next year. Meanwhile, we’re hearing that the Macy’s Home Store is also going to close this winter and the regular Macy’s store will have to absorb all that furniture, bedding and kitchenware. But it sounds like the squeeze will be temporary: Insiders tell us that Macy’s is planning to build a huge new store on the other side of the mall. None of this has been announced yet, and no one is talking on the record —  but you heard it here first.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
1-800-GOT-JUNK
Pike Kitchen

New Asian food hall for Rockville Pike

Pike Kitchen, Rockville’s second all-Asian food hall, opened its doors this week at the Edmonston Crossing shopping center on Rockville Pike. Inside you’ll find nearly a dozen locally owned eateries serving poke bowls, ramen, scallion pancakes, fried seaweed rolls, popcorn chicken and other Asian delicacies — along with beer, bubble tea and homemade ice cream. The appetite for these Asian food halls seems to be growing: The Spot has been bustling since it opened last July near Rockville Town Square, and Pike & Rose is building one of its own called The Block.

Fall fun at Wintergreen Plaza: http://www.wintergreenplaza.com
Anthropologie store in downtown Bethesda

Anthropologie arrives

We usually don’t cover downtown Bethesda, but this week we couldn’t resist a visit to the new Anthropologie store, which just opened at the former home of Barnes & Noble. Fans of the brand will be thrilled to find all their favorites under one roof, from the boho-chic fashions, Terrain gardening shop and BHLDN wedding boutique to kitchenware, gifts and artfully arranged furniture vignettes. If you spend a couple of hours here — which is easy to do, with three floors to explore — there’s also a cafe on the premises. Lots more photos on our Facebook page; click here to see them.

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Shin Orthodontics
Bath & Body Works at Westfield Montgomery mall

Clean new look for Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works has freshened up its look at Westfield Montgomery mall, reopening after a major renovation with a new focus on the White Barn candle line. Also back for the winter is the Sheepskin Gifts store, which will be operating out of the former Brookstone space until spring.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique
Congregation B'nai Tzedek Israel Art Show & Sale
Dawson's Market

Dawson's reaches the end

Dawson’s Market at Rockville Town Square will close its doors this weekend after the failure of a last-minute GoFundMe campaign that had attempted to raise $100,000. Dawson’s is one of three major tenants to exit Rockville Town Square this fall; click here for more in our Oct. 11th edition.