Store Reporter

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

Rockville Pike

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.