Store Reporter

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

Rockville Town Square

Slurpees, beer and wine to the mall, Sears’ final weeks, another closing at Rockville Town Square

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7-Eleven moves into the mall

Construction starts next week on the most unexpected tenant at Westfield Montgomery mall: a full-service 7-Eleven, complete with Slurpees, snacks and convenience foods. This will be a big store, stretching all the way from the recently vacated MVP Supreme space to Shilla Bakery just outside the main Dining Terrace. Meanwhile, gourmet popsicle shop Frozen Stuff on a Stick will be closing after a brief run in the former B/Bop/Q space just across the hall. Owner Joel Rogozinski says the location has not been a good fit for his $4 fruit-based pops, kombucha and nitro-brewed coffee. He’s looking for a more outdoor-oriented shopping center and expects to reopen shortly in this area.

OneTest
Wintergreen Plaza

Sears on last legs at the mall

Shelves are getting emptier and lines are getting longer at the Westfield Montgomery Sears store, which is entering its final weeks in business. Shoppers are searching for last-minute treasures among merchandise that has been marked down by as much as 75 percent. What’s going to happen after Sears closes? (Hint: It involves dumbbells.) Click here for our Oct. 25th report. Where else can you shop for Lands’ End? Click here.

International School of Music

New beer and wine store on tap

New place to shop and sip: Shuvam Beer and Wine opened Jan. 1 at the Westlake Crossing shopping center just outside Westfield Montgomery mall. Owner Shreejana Ghimire, who operates several similar shops in Montgomery County, says this one will specialize in high-end wines, champagnes and IPAs. “Whatever the customers in this area are looking for, I will special-order it for them,” he says. Friday night tastings are also in the works. Call 301-469-0263 for more.

Breakthrough Test Prep

Another closing at Rockville Town Square

LiquidBlue Denim Boutique, one of the longest-running tenants at Rockville Town Square, is closing its doors after five years on Maryland Avenue. The store originally focused on designer denim, but its merchandise shifted over the years as fashions evolved and shoppers lost interest in $200 jeans. “It’s very sad, but the boutique industry is slowly going away in Maryland,” says owner Jo Akin, who watched several nearby businesses exit last fall as she decided whether to renew her lease. Despite the reopening of Dawson’s Market and the comeback of the flood-damaged Samovar restaurant, Akin decided it was best to move on. “Rockville has had a hard time of it,” she says. “I hope the community reinvests in its local small businesses.”

Shin Orthodontics

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 this month — including the popular Rockville location at Congressional Plaza. Looking to score some deals? You’d better roll quickly; closing sale 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.

Explore Kensington
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

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. Update: 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.

OneTest
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

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.

Explore Kensington
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.

Sushi at Pike & Rose, construction at Cabin John, a closing on Rockville Pike and the fight to save Dawson’s

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Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Oct. 18th, 2018.

Kusshi Sushi & Sake

What's next for Pike & Rose

The first of the new fall restaurant lineup arrives next week at Pike & Rose. Say hello to Kusshi Sushi & Sake, a new venture from the owners of Hanaro Sushi in Bethesda, opening in the former Carluccio’s space next to Owen’s Ordinary. Next up for the neighborhood: the Mexican restaurant Nada, the Indian restaurant Commonwealth, and the new Julii restaurant from the founders of Cava. In other Pike & Rose news, blowout salon Drybar has inked a deal to open next spring alongside the upcoming Sweetgreen, BurgerFi and Sunday Morning Bakehouse.

1-800-GOT-JUNK
Wink Eyecare Boutique
Construction at Cabin John Village

Cabin John facelift begins

Here’s a look at the start of construction at Cabin John Village, which began this week and will continue through next spring. A new roofline, wider walkways, better lighting and improved parking are all on the way. And although it may not look like it, all businesses will remain open through the whole thing. For more details on this project, click here for our Oct. 11 edition.

Realty Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
Al Ha'esh Israel Grill
Sofa from Thomasville Furniture

Thomasville furniture store moving out

The Thomasville furniture store, a longtime tenant at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike, will close its doors this fall after the bankruptcy of its parent company, Heritage Home Group. Two dozen Thomasville stores are closing across the country as bidders vie for what’s left of the century-old furniture brand and and its sister lines, Drexel, Henredon and Broyhill. Also exiting Congressional this fall is the longtime gift shop Silver Moon, formerly known as Tiara. Click here for more in our Sept. 20th edition.

Explore Kensington
Potomac Village Farmers Market
Dawson's Market

Can Dawson's be saved?

Dawson’s Market at Rockville Town Square launched a GoFundMe campaign this week in hopes of raising $100,000 to stay in business. Earlier this month, the six-year-old grocer said it couldn’t make enough money in Rockville and announced plans to close on Oct. 27th. In a post on the market’s GoFundMe page, owner Bart Yablonsky says he is “working on an arrangement that will keep Dawson’s alive.”

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique
Capital Area Food Bank
Sears at Westfield Montgomery mall

Chapter 11 for Sears

To no one’s surprise, Sears filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week and announced it will close another 142 stores this year. That will leave the once-iconic retailer with fewer than 500 stores as it tries one more time to reorganize. The bankruptcy won’t have much impact in our area, as the Sears store at Westfield Montgomery mall already was expected to close next March. What’s going to take its place? Likely a brand new Life Time gym. Click here for more in our Oct. 11th issue.

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Life Time Athletic eyeing the mall — plus the latest on Cabin John, Wildwood & Rockville Town Square

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Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Oct. 11, 2018.

Life Time Athletic in Rockville

Life Time Athletic eyeing the mall

Big news on the fitness front: We’re hearing that Life Time Athletic is making plans for a posh new location at Westfield Montgomery mall. The club would offer similar amenities to Life Time’s two-year-old location in Gaithersburg, including a restaurant, a spa and possibly a swimming pool. Mall-based clubs are a new initiative for Life Time, which opened a massive one just this week in Oklahoma City. At Westfield Montgomery, construction would take about two years and would likely start after the Sears store is demolished next winter. The new gym would be part of a major upcoming expansion for Westfield Montgomery; click here for more in our June 21st issue.

1-800-GOT-JUNK
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Cabin John Shopping Center

Construction begins at Cabin John

Cabin John Village will begin a new round of construction on Monday (Oct. 15th), kicking off a nine-month project that will transform the center’s outdated facade and front parking lot. It’s the next phase of a long-term master plan from D.C. developer Edens, which has been studying the community’s needs since it bought Cabin John two years ago. “We heard you, we watched, we observed, we listened,” says spokesman Meghann Klein. The ’70s-style maroon roofline is going away, to be replaced by a clean, contemporary design with a wood under-canopy and updated lighting. New landscaping, benches and tables will be added throughout the property, especially in the area outside Goldberg’s Bagels. The front parking lot will be re-paved and reconfigured, with brighter lights, wider spaces and curbside parking for quick trips. Also on the way: decorative string lights and better signage. “The property is going to feel more homey, more like a neighborhood,” Klein says. All businesses will remain open during construction, which should be done by next spring.

Taff & Levine D.D.S.
Shin Orthodontics
Pandora Seafood House & Bar

More closings in downtown Rockville

Rockville Town Square took another hit this week with the closing of Pandora Seafood House & Bar, which replaced the failed American Tap Room just a year ago. The glitzy restaurant, which is exiting amidst legal battles over its rent and lease agreement, joins Mellow Mushroom and Dawson’s Market in a fall exodus that may not be over yet. The nearby Apollo restaurant also is planning to leave, Samovar has been closed for several weeks due to water damage, and some other Town Square tenants say they may not stay much longer. At a jam-packed community meeting this week, two types of complaints were voiced repeatedly: Rents are too high for tenants to make a profit, and visitors resent paying for parking when it’s free at almost every other shopping center in Rockville.

Wintergreen Plaza
Wink Eyecare Boutique
Wildwood Shops parking lot

Parking is back at Wildwood

Parking at Wildwood got a whole lot easier this week as the Bethesda shopping center wrapped up construction in its front lot. When the second phase of the buildout is completed next spring, the center will have gained 42 new parking spaces plus a new outdoor common area with tables, chairs and lounges. Also: In case you’ve been hearing some buzz that parking meters are on the way, owner Federal Realty tells us those rumors are not true. Parking at Wildwood will continue to be free.

Explore Kensington
Coco Blanca at the Wildwood Shops

Coco Blanca on the way out

On a sadder note for the Shops at Wildwood, the charming Coco Blanca boutique is closing its doors after a three-year run. This was the third and last location for Coco Blanca, which started at National Harbor and also had a store in Old Town Alexandria. The chain had an avid following for its tone-on-tone mix of clothing, accessories and home goods, but owners say they’re ready to move on. Doors will remain open until Thanksgiving weekend, unless the inventory sells out sooner.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique

Dawson’s out, Aldi in for Rockville — plus a new look for Rio and new food at the mall

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Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Oct. 4, 2018.

Dawson's Market

Dawson's Market exiting Rockville Town Square

Rockville Town Square suffered a major blow this week when longtime anchor tenant Dawson’s Market announced plans to close at the end of October. The natural-foods grocery store had been an integral part of downtown Rockville for the past six years, offering a full schedule of foodie events from beer tastings to cooking classes to Sunday jazz brunches. Dawson’s owners, who operate a similar grocery store in Richmond, VA, said the Rockville location simply wasn’t profitable. Dawson’s joins a long list of failed businesses at Rockville Town Square, including the just-closed Mellow Mushroom. (More on that in our Sept. 27th edition.) 

1-800-GOT-JUNK
Occasions
Aldi in Rockville

Aldi arrives

Just as Dawson’s Market gets ready to move out of Rockville, Aldi is moving in. Nov. 1 is opening day for the German grocer, which has taken over the former H.H. Gregg space near Bed Bath & Beyond on Rockville Pike. Aldi, which plans to open 2,500 new U.S. stores in the next four years, is known for its low prices, private-label brands, intentionally limited product lines and random surprise “treasure hunt” items. Customers bring their own bags, pack their own groceries and even pay a (refundable) 25-cent fee to use the shopping carts. Recently Aldi announced a new focus on organic, vegetarian, takeout and ready-to-cook foods as it tries to do a better job of catering to American palates.

Potomac Village Farmers Market
Al Ha'esh Israel Grill
Popculture

Gourmet popsicles and ramen at the mall

New food at Westfield Montgomery mall: Ejji Ramen has opened its doors, and a gourmet popsicle stand is on the way this fall. Pop Culture Craft Pops, taking over the former B/Bop/Q space later this month, will offer freshly made frozen treats with intriguing flavors like pumpkin spice latte, honey almond butter banana, pineapple jalapeño and chili papaya lime (shown here). Pop Culture’s owners, Joel Rogozinski and Holly Bagwell, are following a trend that has been… uh… popularized these past few years in hot-weather states like Florida, California and the Carolinas. This winter, they’ll also warm things up with nitro coffee and hot chocolate plus kombucha and fresh-brewed teas. There’s another Pop Culture in Loudon County, and plans are in the works for a third one in Georgetown.  “We’re not just doing this for one store,” Rogozinski says. “We intend to make this a national brand.”

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Fallsgrove Orthodontic Center
Rio Washingtonian lakefront renovation

New look, new Silver Diner for Rio

Rio Washingtonian Center has announced plans for a $30 million upgrade over the next two years, including improvements to the boardwalk and pedestrian bridge, a new performance stage and a redesigned lakefront seating area. An indoor/outdoor Silver Diner will open along the water next summer, joining a list of upcoming tenants that now includes Yard House, Dave & Buster’s, Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles, Kung Fu Tea and The Baked Bear. And the AMC movie theater is almost done with a renovation of its own: Snazzy new reclining seats, an expanded menu and a bar are all set to debut next month.

Power Hour Editing
Capital Area Food Bank

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

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

Flower Child at Travilah Square

Flower Child’s almost ready to bloom

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

Wintergreen Plaza
1-800-GOT-JUNK

Mellow Mushroom exits Rockville Town Square

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

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Grilled Oyster

Painting & sipping at Rockville Town Square

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

Shin Orthodontics

New sushi from Raku chef

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

Capital Area Food Bank

Did you miss these issues?

The latest on Spice 6, Shake Shack & Cava — plus Brookstone’s bankruptcy & goodbye C9

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New Indian food at the mall

Spice 6, the “modern Indian” restaurant that’s been under construction since last winter in the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall, is finally set to open in mid-August. The chain specializes in pizza and wraps made from naan bread, plus kabobs and rice bowls that can be customized with your choice of proteins and topped with Indian curries and chutneys. There’s also a full catering menu with traditional Indian dishes, from biryani to samosas to dosas. This will be the third location for Spice 6, which also has restaurants in D.C., Hyattsville and Vienna. To check out the menu, click here.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Shake Shack

Shake Shack and Cava almost here

Lots of progress this week at Cabin John Village, where Montgomery County’s first Shake Shack is expected to open next month and Cava is shooting for Wednesday, Aug. 8. We don’t have a ballpark date yet for Le Pain Quotidien, but the owners of Sisters Thai tell us they’re aiming for late fall. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the latest.

Grilled Oyster
Pearl Lady teas

More bubble tea for Rockville

Downtown Rockville has yet another new option for ramen and bubble tea: Side-by-side restaurants Yamachan Ramen and Pearl Lady opened their doors last week at 201 E. Middle Lane. This marks the first U.S. location for Pearl Lady, a popular Japanese chain offering milk teas, matcha teas, green teas and frappés. There’s no shortage of the bubbly stuff in downtown Rockville, which already is home to Lab Cafe on Gibbs Street, Kung Fu Tea on North Washington Street and Gong Cha inside the new Asian food hall. Can one neighborhood really sustain all that slurping? We expect some fallout in the next 12 months.

Pike Kitchen
Brookstone closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall

Bye bye Brookstone (again)

Brookstone, which shuttered its Westfield Montgomery mall store last January, filed Chapter 11 this week and anounced the closing of its 101 remaining mall locations. The company plans to keep its 35 airport stores open in hopes of selling them to another retailer. This is the second (and likely final) bankruptcy filing for Brookstone, which was bailed out in 2014 by a last-minute buyer.

Eyeland/Luxoptics
Targer C-9

Goodbye to C9 at Target

Target and Champion just announced the end of their 15-year partnership, which means you won’t be seeing the C9 activewear brand at Target for too much longer. Like many national retailers looking to fatten their profit margins, Target has been expanding its selection of private-label merchandise for the past few years. The company has launched its own activewear brand, JoyLab, which will completely replace C9 by 2020. Meanwhile, Champion’s parent company, Hanesbrands, says it may look for another retailer to carry the C9 line.

Westfield is sold, Potomac restaurant closes, Hot Pot on the Pike & holiday discounts

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Westfield changes hands

Westfield Corp., the Australian company that owns Westfield Montgomery Mall, announced this week that it’s being sold for $15.8 billion to the French firm Unibail-Rodamco. What does that mean for our local mall and its sister property, Westfield Wheaton? No one knows yet. For now, mall staff tells us that everything is status quo and the bustling holiday season is proceeding as usual. Meanwhile, the mall has lost a few more tenants in the past few weeks: The 3-D Manaco photo store is gone, as is the Boardwalk burger-and-fry restaurant (previously known as Kraze Burger and then Burger Venue). Also on the way out is Vitamin World, whose parent company has filed Chapter 11.

Wintergreen Plaza
Occasions

Hot Pot on the Pike

Urban Hot Pot made its debut this week in the Galvan complex on Rockville Pike, next door to the recently opened Akira ramen restaurant. There’s an all-you-can-eat menu for $24.99, with heating stations at the tables and a conveyor belt that sends out fresh ingredients for the broth bowls. This is the second hot pot restaurant to open in the area this year, following Little Dipper at Rockville Town Square. And a whole new wave of Asian eateries is headed to Rockville in 2018; we’ll have more after the holidays.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Norman's Farm Market winter vegetables

Free week of winter produce from Norman’s

Norman’s Farm Market has launched its first winter home delivery program, offering seasonal fruits and vegetables direct to your door. Partnering with sustainable local farms a few hours south of the D.C. area, Norman’s is offering fresh-picked baskets of squash, potatoes, avocados, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, greens, apples and whatever else looks good on a given week. A small share, which feeds one to three people, costs $29 per week. A large share feeds four to six people for $39. Sign up now and take advantage of one free week for Store Reporter readers; make sure to use the code STORE18. Click here for details.

Ibhana
Fortune Garden at Potomac Promenade

Potomac Village restaurant closes

Fortune Garden, a longtime fixture in Potomac Village, has closed its doors at the Potomac Promenade shopping center on Falls Road. Landlords tell us the search is on for a new tenant — and clearly there’s room for some fresh restaurant options in the Village. Stay tuned.

Spotluck

Spin to win with Spotluck

Have you heard about Spotluck? It’s a homegrown company (launched in Rockville, now based in Bethesda) that offers dining discounts at 1,400 restaurants all over the East Coast. Download the app for everyday savings at favorites like Black’s, Barrel & Crow, Bombay Bistro, Passage to India, Mamma Lucia, Gusto, Mussel Bar & Grille, the Grilled Oyster Co., Trapezeria and Lebanese Taverna among others. From Dec. 15th to the 22nd, Spotluck is giving away free gift cards for everyone who downloads the app. And Store Reporter readers can get an extra discount by using the code REPORTER. To claim yours, click here.

VIP
Store Reporter Holiday Gift Picks

Store Reporter holiday gift picks

Are you looking for some quick and easy holiday gifts? We’ve been testing some products that were sent to us for review, and we’d like to share some of our favorites. For the travelers on your gift list, we’re impressed with the Eva NYC Almighty Pro-Power Mini Hair Dryer, which comes with a cute case and packs a surprising amount of power for such a tiny device ($48 at Urban Outfitters). We always count on The Container Store for great stocking stuffers, and this year is no exception. Our favorites are the whimsical Toasty S’more Skewers ($14.99, click here ) and the 3-in-1 clip lens for creating fun effects with your phone camera ($4.99, click here). And with winter movie-and-popcorn nights on the horizon, you can’t go wrong with this red collapsible Lékué microwave popcorn popper from Sur La Table ($20, click here for info). For more of our recommendations for great kitchen gifts, scroll down or click here.

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

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Cava team cooks up something new for Pike & Rose

Have you been wondering what’s up with that glass-encased building across from the new L.L.Bean store on Rockville Pike? Now we know: It’s the future home of Julii, a new French Mediterranean restaurant from the founders of Cava. This will be a standalone concept created specifically for Pike & Rose, serving an all-day menu that moves from croissants and coffee in the morning to shakshouka, roast chicken and cocktails in the evening. Co-owner Ted Xenohristos tells us he hopes to open the doors by late spring or early summer.

Wintergreen Plaza
Norman's Farm Market
Toy Kingdom at Rockville Town Square

Game over for Toy Kingdom

Toy Kingdom, one of the last original tenants at Rockville Town Square, will close its doors at the end of this month after more than a decade on Maryland Avenue. Toy stores large and small have been struggling to compete with online commerce these past few years; high-end Marbles closed all its stores last winter (including the one at Westfield Montgomery Mall), while Toys R Us filed Chapter 11 this past fall. In our area, Toy Castle in Potomac and Child’s Play in Rockville are now the only two toy stores left standing.

O'Donnell's Market Wednesday Meal Deals
Helen's holiday sign

Trouble for Helen’s

Helen’s, which opened last year in the former Addie’sspace on Rockville Pike, is struggling to stay in business. Owner Helen Wasserman, a longtime D.C. caterer, says it’s been difficult to turn a profit in an aging building that has needed so many repairs. “We’re hoping to stay open if we can work things out with the landlord,” she says. The building’s former tenants, restaurateurs Jeff and Barbara Black, had similar issues that led them to close the original Addie’s in 2013. They recently debuted a new version at Park Potomac — and it’s one of our Store Reporter Favoritesfor 2017. Scroll down to find out who else made the list.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Shanghai Bao Kitchen

Another restaurant closes at the mall

Westfield Montgomery Mall lost another eatery last week with the closing of Shanghai Bao Kitchen, a two-year-old concept from the owners of Bob’s Shanghai 66. The restaurant had made several attempts to revamp its menu in the past few months, adding sushi burritos, poke bowls and other trendy items, but it suffered from its out-of-the-way location plus competition from the neighboring B/Bop/Q.

Park Potomac Winterwilds Market

Our favorite new restaurants of 2017

This has been a tough year for retailers, but a relatively good one for the local dining scene. From Rockville Pike to Potomac to Westfield Montgomery Mall, some terrific new places have opened over the past 12 months. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.

  • Addie’s at Park Potomac: This reincarnation of the beloved Rockville restaurant was one of the most anticipated openings of the year — and many longtime fans say it was worth the wait. Seafood towers are the centerpiece of the high-end menu. Click here for details.
  • Buredo at the Wildwood Shops: This is the first Maryland location for the D.C.-based chain, an early pioneer of the sushi burrito craze. We’re partial to the Beatrix, stuffed with yellowfin tuna and salmon sashimi. Click here for details.
  • CSNY Pizza on Rockville Pike: From the owners of the much-loved Pizza CS, this is about as close as you can get to authentic New York-style pizza in Rockville. Click here for details.
  • Don Pollo at Westlake Crossing: Come for the juicy roasted chicken, stay for the tasty Peruvian dishes. We particularly like the ceviche, yuca and plantains. Click here for more.
  • Filicori Zecchini at Park Potomac: Finally, a neighborhood coffee shop that Potomac can call its own. With sleek European furniture, a stunning copper bar and authentic Italian coffee, it’s worlds away from Starbucks. Click here for more.
  • Honeyfish Poke at Congressional Plaza: Hawaiian-style poke bowls are all the rage, and this place does it right: generous portions, fresh toppings and flavorful sauces. Click here for details.
  • Fresh Baguette on Hungerford Drive: The second location for this popular French bakery is designed to service wholesale clients (think country clubs and ritzy hotels) but is happy to serve you a super-fresh sandwich, a loaf of bread or a single perfect pastry. Click here for more.
  • Gusto Farm to Street at Westfield Montgomery Mall: The pizzas and salads are all very good, but it’s the chewy, gluten-free cauliflower crust that really sets this place apart. Click here for more.
  • Lucky Strike at Westfield Montgomery Mall: The food is surprisingly good at this snazzy bowling alley, where you can sit front-and-center at the sports bar or huddle in a cozy corner for a quiet board game. Click here for more.
  • Mission BBQ at Wintergreen Plaza: This uber-patriotic restaurant has something of a cult following, both for its top-notch barbecue and its dedication to supporting those in uniform. The brisket is a standout. Click here for more.
  • Moby Dick in Potomac Village: A welcome addition to this restaurant-starved neighborhood, offering a reliable Middle Eastern menu that’s well-suited for takeout. Click here for more.
  • Pinstripes at Pike & Rose: Bocce and bowling aren’t the only reasons to visit: The dishes here are among the tastiest we’ve had this year in North Bethesda. Don’t miss the boneless short rib and the crispy calamari. Click here for more.

Popups, Pooch Portraits, Pandora Seafood & Victoria’s Secret

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What’s popping up at the mall

The chilly weather has finally arrived, and so have the winter pop-up shops at Westfield Montgomery Mall. In the Nordstrom wing, the long-departed Things Remembered is back for the holidays with an array of personalized presents. Canadian retailer Just Cozy has set up shop on Level 2 near Auntie Anne’s, selling leggings and women’s cold-weather accessories. Also new this year is MVP Supreme, showcasing the popular streetwear brand in the space recently vacated by Best Buy Mobile. Supreme was in the news this week when it ranked near Nike and Adidas in a Piper Jaffray survey of American teens. The results were far less promising for Maryland-based Under Armour, which topped the list of “old” brands that teens say they no longer wear. Ouch.

 

 

Game-Day Foods at Wintergreen Plaza: http://www.wintergreenplaza.com

 

 

 

Potomac Village Farmers Market: https://www.facebook.com/PVFM20854/

 

 

 

Pooch Portrait Studio

 

Pooch portraits at Park Potomac

Pooch Portrait Studio, a Glamour Shots for the furry set, is now open in the former Emily Grace space at Park Potomac. Photographer Sarah Rosencrans creates dog portraits suitable for Christmas cards, wall art and lots of likes on Instagram. Shooting sessions starts at $149, and Rosencrans says most clients end up spending $500 or more on prints and products. “I really like them to leave with a piece of wall art, because I see how happy it makes them,” she says. “I’ve photographed about 500 dogs, and there hasn’t been one yet that I couldn’t get a picture of.” For a look at Pooch Portrait’s packages, click here.

 

 

Realtor Lisa Nasar with Long & Foster: http://www.lisanasarhomes.com

 

 

 

Pearly White Pets Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleaning: https://pearlywhitepets.com/events/

 

 

 

Sports bras from Pink

 

New home for Victoria’s Secret and Pink

Today was moving day for Victoria’s Secret and Pink at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The sister stores have left their longtime home near Nordstrom for a new space in the Macy’s wing next to Sephora. Grand opening festivities will be happening all weekend. No word yet on new tenants for the Nordstrom wing, which is entering the holiday shopping season with lots of empty space.

 

 

Aristotle Circle K-12 Tutoring: https://pearlywhitepets.com/events/

 

 

 

Pandora Seafood House & Bar

 

New seafood in Rockville

The former American Tap Room space at Rockville Town Square reopened this week as Pandora Seafood House & Bar, with a high-end menu featuring dishes like Honey Lavender Duck Breast, Lemon & Caviar Crab, and Lobster with Foie Gras Ravioli. The restaurant is a new venture from the former owners of China Garden in Arlington, who also have announced plans for a new Chinese restaurant in the former REI space on Rockville Pike. To see what’s on the menu at Pandora, click here.

 

 

Capital Area Food Bank Empty Bowls Bethesda: https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/empty-bowls/

 

 

 

Email news and advertising questions to: publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

The Halal Guys, kosher food, bubble tea & bad news for Bob’s

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Pita platters from The Halal Guys

 

Hello Halal Guys

The Halal Guys is aiming for a November opening at Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza, where franchisee Rabi Ullah has been busy building out the space that previously belonged to Rocklands Barbeque. Ullah says his new team will learn the ropes during a month-long training session in New York City, where The Halal Guys began as a series of food trucks. The Rockville restaurant will focus on chicken, beef and falafel dishes, with an assembly line of fresh toppings plus sides like hummus, baba ganouj and fries. What’s for dessert? Baklava. Click here for more on The Halal Guys.

 

 

Washington Talent Mitzvah Madness party expo: http://washingtontalent.com/mitzvahmadness

 

 

 

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster: http://www.lisanasarhomes.com

 

 

 

Bubble tea from Kung Fu Tea

 

The year of bubble tea

Bubble tea, the dessert/drink combo with the slurpable tapioca pearls, is bigger than ever in our area this fall. Kung Fu Tea just opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall, taking over the Yum Crepes space in the Dining Terrace. It’s the second bubble tea kiosk at Westfield Montgomery, which already is home to Boba Station in the Macy’s wing. Other recent openings include Bubbles & Tea, which debuted this summer next to the A&J Restaurant on Rockville Pike, and Lab Cafe in the former Ev & Maddy’s space at Rockville Town Square. 

 

 

Occasions Anniversary Sale: https://www.occasionsgiftstore.com/grid-cpui

 

 

 

Aristotle Circle K-12 tutoring: http://www.aristotlecircle.com/tutoring-services

 

 

 

KicksUSA

 

New shoes at the mall

KicksUSA opened its doors last week in the Macy’s Home wing at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The Philadelphia-based shoe chain showcases the latest in sneaker styles, hyping up limited-edition “new releases” for its teen collectors. Grand opening festivities are scheduled for this Saturday (Sept. 30th). For more on KicksUSA, click here.

 

 

Pearly White Pets anesthesia-free dental cleaning: https://pearlywhitepets.com

 

 

 

La Mama Grill

 

Kosher restaurant changes hands

Oh Mama Grill, the successor to Rockville’s Cafe Shawreen, is now open at 188 Rollins Ave. behind Federal Plaza. The new owners are still offering a kosher menu, but the dishes are more traditionally Israeli with falafel, schwarma, grilled meats and kabobs. Co-owner Riki Alkoby says she hopes to start offering delivery in the next few months. The restaurant’s website was out of service this week, but you can reach them by phone at 301-770-3003.

 

 

 

 

 

Bob's Discount Furniture

 

Bob’s, the Connecticut-based discount furniture chain, is facing a legal battle with Serta Simmons Bedding over the latest entry in its “dare-to-compare” ad series. At issue is this TV commercial claiming that Bob’s $999 Black Label Gel mattress is comparable in quality to Simmons’ Beautyrest Black mattress, which costs three times as much. Serta is asking Bob’s to stop running the TV spots, and to make new ones taking back the allegedly misleading claims. The Chicago Tribune has more on this case.

 

 

Email news and advertising questions to: publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

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

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Vendors from Cabin John farmers market

 

Fresh produce, specialty foods every Thursday

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

 

 

Honeyfish Poke at Congressional Plaza in Rockville

 

Aloha Honeyfish Poke

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

 

 

Father's Day gifts at JT Interiors in Potomac Village: https://www.facebook.com/jtinteriorspotomac/

 

 

 

Bowl of ramen

 

New Ramen for Rockville

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

 

 

 

 

 

Advertise with Store Reporter: https://storereporter.com/advertise/

 

 

 

Potomac Pizza and Potomac Village Deli & Catering

 

Potomac Pizza exits The Kentlands

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

 

 

URBNmarket: http://www.urbnmarket.com

 

 

 

Realtor Lisa Nasar: http://www.lisanasarhomes.com

 

 

 

Gymboree at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

Gymboree files for bankruptcy

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

 

 

 

For a membership discount at Regency Estates Swim Club, email publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

Advertise with Store Reporter: Email publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

Moby Dick in Potomac Village, more changes at Rockville Town Square, new restaurants we love

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Moby Dick kabobs

 

Moby Dick update

Moby Dick expects a mid-March opening for its new location in Potomac Village, where it’s nearing the end of construction at the Falls Road storefront that once housed Toys Unique. This will be the 21st restaurant for the fast-casual chain, which has been serving Persian food in the D.C. area for almost 30 years. To see what’s on the menu, click here.

 

 

Kaufmann Jewelers: http://www.kaufmannjewelers.com/aboutus/

 

 

 

Ev & Maddy's and Little Dipper Hot Pot House at Rockville Town Square

 

Who’s in, who’s out at Rockville Town Square

Lots of changes this winter on Gibbs Street at Rockville Town Square, where Little Dipper Hot Pot House is set to open next week while the neighboring Ev & Maddy’s appears to have closed. Little Dipper, which is taking over the corner spot that once housed Noodles & Company, offers flavored broths with noodles, vegetables and meats that you cook right at your table. Ev & Maddy’s, which earned good reviews for its European bistro-style menu, had been open for just two years in the space next door. It’s the fourth restaurant to fail at that address since 2007, following Bobby’s Crabcakes, Tippy’s Taco House and the short-lived 82 Steak Out. Also exiting Gibbs Street is the Ten Thousand Villages gift shop; more on that in our Feb. 2 edition.

 

 

 

 

 

Want to win dinner for four at Chuy's? Scroll down to find out how.

 

 

 

Macy's sign at Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

Amazon to buy Macy’s?

This week brought the news that Macy’s, which has been closing stores across the country, is entertaining acquisition offers from several potential suitors. The interested parties are said to include Amazon, which is looking to expand into physical stores, and Hudson’s Bay Company, which already owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

 

Purse from BCBG Max Azria

 

Bye bye BCBG

BCBG Max Azria, which exited Westfield Montgomery Mall last year, plans to close 120 locations across the country in the next two months. The retailer says it will continue to operate some freestanding stores, but will focus primarily on its Internet sales, licensing deals and boutiques inside department stores. The BCBG store in Chevy Chase will be closing in the next few weeks, but staffers tell us the Georgetown and Tysons stores will remain open — at least for now. Like so many clothing retailers these days, BCBG is rumored to be on the verge of bankruptcy.

 

 

2017 Tips on Trips & Camps Summer Opportunities Fair: https://tipsontripsandcamps.com/dc/

 

 

 

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster: http://www.lisanasarhomes.com/single-post/2016/12/05/The-10-Dumbest-Mistakes-Smart-People-Make-When-Buying-or-Selling-a-Home-–-and-How-to-Avoid-Them

 

 

 

Dinner and margarita at Chuy's

 

Tell us where you love to eat — and win dinner at Chuy’s

From burgers and beer to Irish and Russian cuisine, the Rockville/Potomac area has welcomed some two dozen new restaurants in the past 12 months. As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’d like to know which ones have won a place in your heart. Tell us your favorites, and we’ll enter you into our raffle to win dinner for four at Chuy’s on Rockville Pike. Here are the contenders:

  • Beefsteak at Westfield Montgomery Mall
  • Carluccio’s at Pike & Rose
  • Chopt at Congressional Plaza
  • Chuy’s at Federal Plaza
  • Fish Taco at the Wildwood Shops
  • Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub at Rockville Town Square
  • Habit Burger at Wintergreen Plaza
  • Helen’s on Rockville Pike
  • Jersey Mike’s at Wintergreen Plaza
  • Lahinch at Cabin John Shopping Center
  • Mellow Mushroom at Rockville Town Square
  • Miso Fusion Café at Rockville Town Square
  • Modern Market at Congressional Plaza
  • Owen’s Ordinary at Pike & Rose
  • Pieology on Shady Grove Road
  • Pie 360 on Rockville Pike
  • Samovar at Rockville Town Square
  • Smashburger on Rockville Pike
  • Tara Thai at Westfield Montgomery Mall
  • The Big Greek Cafe on Nicholson Lane
  • Wingstop at Wintergreen Plaza
  • World of Beer in downtown Rockville

To enter, just click here to fill out our survey favorites (choose as many favorites as you want) or click here to comment on our Facebook page. We’ll tally up the votes and draw the winning name later this month.

 

 

LavaLoka workout clothes: https://lavaloka.com

 

 

 

Email advertising and editorial questions to publisher@storereporter.com

 

 

 

Modern Market eyes Fallsgrove, new tenant for American Tap Room, goodbye Ten Thousand Villages

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Modern Market at Congressional Plaza

 

Modern Market heading to Fallsgrove?

It’s not a done deal yet, but we’re hearing that Modern Market will soon announce plans for a second Rockville restaurant at the Fallsgrove Village Center off Shady Grove Road. The chain made its D.C.-area debut last summer in downtown Bethesda, followed in December by a second location at Rockville’s Congressional Plaza and just this week by a third location in Washington. Modern Market, based in health-conscious Boulder, CO, has earned an avid following for its super-fresh menu (click here), detailed nutritional information, and willingness to accommodate a variety of specialized diets. (At Fallsgrove, though, we might just be tempted to top off all that healthy eating with a hot Krispy Kreme.)

 

 

Sculpt Studio: http://sculptstudio.com

 

 

 

 

New successor for American Tap Room

Six weeks after the closing of Rockville’s American Tap Room, a new restaurant has leased the space with plans to open this summer. Pandora Seafood Restaurant and Bar is a new venture from the owners of China Garden, a longtime fixture in Rosslyn, VA, that’s known for hosting large events. China Garden recently announced plans to close at the end of July, just when this new restaurant is expected to open.

 

 

Catering at Duck Donuts: https://duckdonuts.com/locations/rockville-md/

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages, which sells crafts made by artisans in developing countries, will close its Bethesda and Rockville stores this spring. The company is trimming down “in response to a changing retail environment,” says spokesman Juanita Fox, but will continue to operate stores in Baltimore and Old Town Alexandria. The 11-year-old location at Rockville Town Square is scheduled to exit March 25, followed shortly afterwards by the Bethesda store on Elm Street. If you’re a fan of Ten Thousand Villages and its global mission, you can still shop the website by clicking here.

 

 

Tips on Trips & Camps Summer Opportunities Fair: https://tipsontripsandcamps.com/dc/

 

 

 

Silver Moon Valentine's Day jewelry 2017

 

Valentine’s Day gifts at Silver Moon

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and the Silver Moon gift shop at Congressional Plaza (formerly known as Tiara) is brimming with heart-shaped jewelry from Pandora. Shown here: sterling silver earring and necklace set for $125; pavé heart bracelet with love charm and silver clips for $195; and the “Love Struck” charm gift set for $65. All three come complete with lovely red gift boxes. Silver Moon Jewelry & Accessories, Congressional Plaza, 1659 Rockville Pike. Call 301-468-1122 or visit www.silvermoonstyle.com.

 

Sponsored Content

 

 

Westfield Montgomery Mall

 

More post-holiday closings at the mall

More closings to report this week at Westfield Montgomery Mall, where January always brings a slew of departures but this year was particularly rough. Best Buy Mobile and Wetzel’s Pretzels are the latest tenants to leave, joining a list that now includes Naples Ristorante, The Limited, Peet’s Coffee, R. Riveter, Smart Toys, American Classic Clothes and Freddy. American Apparel, which recently declared bankruptcy, is also on its way out. But February will bring some fresh tenants into the mix, with Lucky Strike Social and Nespresso both expected to open in the next few weeks. For details on all the recent closings, catch up on our past issues at www.storereporter.com.

 

 

Email questions to: publisher@storereporter.com