Store Reporter

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

Westfield Montgomery mall

Attman’s relocates, handmade ice cream, bye bye Beefsteak and the Microsoft Store

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Attman's seals the deal at Park Potomac

Say hello to the new home of Attman’s Deli. After three months of negotiations — and just weeks after the closing of Rockville’s Bagel City — the Baltimore-based eatery has signed a lease to take over the onetime Zoës Kitchen space at Park Potomac. Owner Marc Attman, who closed his Cabin John Village location last March, says he’s not concerned about competition from the neighboring Brooklyn’s Deli. “My family has always been surrounded by delis,” Attman says. “Some like vanilla and some like chocolate. I wanted to be near the people who already like us.” Attman is remodeling the Zoës space and adding a generous outdoor seating area, along with an expanded catering operation run by local deli maven Sam Lerner. He says everything will be kicked up a notch at Park Potomac: The sandwiches will be larger, the bagels will be made in-house, the smoked fish will come from New York, and the meats will be brined at the original Attman’s in Baltimore. The menu also will be expanded to include ice cream, gelato and specialty coffees. And Attman says delivery will be handled by his own employees, not third-party apps. “If someone is coming to your door, it will be our people wearing a uniform with gloves. That will give everyone peace of mind.”

Lisa Nasar
Freeman's

Window closes on the Microsoft store

More businesses have returned to Westfield Montgomery since the mall reopened last week, but the Microsoft store won’t be among them. The tech giant has decided to shut down all its retail locations, which offered hands-on demos of Xboxes, Surface tablets and the rest of the Microsoft universe. As we reported last week, a number of stores won’t be returning to the mall; so far, that list include Steve Madden, Bose, Everything But Water and The Art of Shaving. Meanwhile, one new store joined the lineup this week: BeautyBoss, in the old Kneipp space near Macy’s Home, offers permanent makeup and lash extensions. For an update on the mall’s dining scene, read on.

Game Gym

Bye bye Beefsteak

Beefsteak, the veggie-centric restaurant from José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, will not be reopening at Westfield Montgomery mall. In the continuing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the company has decided to permanently shutter all D.C.-area Beefsteak restaurants except the one at Foggy Bottom. This makes two confirmed departures from the Dining Terrace since the mall reopened, following last weekend’s closing of the Indian restaurant Mirch Masala. National chains like Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Cold Stone Creamery and Kung Fu Tea are all back in business at the Dining Terrace, but most of the locally owned restaurants remained closed this week and seating is still off limits. Stay tuned to Store Reporter as we find out who else is coming back… and who isn’t.

Wintergreen Plaza

New scoops for Wildwood

Opening in late summer at the Wildwood shopping center: Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream & Treats, a small-batch scoop shop featuring one-of-a-kind flavors like Lavender Honey, Key West Key Lime Pie, Dark & Stormy Rum Raisin, Cherry Blossom Festival and Black Sesame Snickerdoodle. Also: custom cakes and pies, milkshakes, floats, boozy ice cream and fresh-baked cookie ice cream sandwiches. This will be the second location for Sarah’s, a local business that launched last year at Bethesda’s Kenwood Station shopping center. You’ll find it next to the still-closed Le Pain Quotidien, which might not ever reopen. (More on that in our May 28th edition.)

Grilled Oyster

The Store Reporter Guide

A weekly guide sponsored by some of our favorite locally owned stores, restaurants and service businesses.

 

FOOD, DRINKS & MEAL DEALS

 

  • BROOKLYN’S DELI, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza, 1089 Seven Locks Road. Try our corned beef, hand-carved pastrami, brisket, nova, chopped liver, pancakes from scratch, cheese blintzes & more — plus artisan bagels from Bethesda Bagels. Phone: (301) 340-3354. Open daily for carry-out, catering & patio dining. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Outdoor seating & limited indoor seating now open for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Full menu and weekly specials, plus 1/2 off all wine, beer & cocktails. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • GYROLAND casual Greek food, cooked fresh seven days a week. 1701 Rockville Pike in the Shops at Congressional Village, right under the Verizon store. Dine-in service, cashless transactions only. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pork, chicken, beef and lamb gyros, plus mixed grill and vegetarian options. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $30 minimum. 1/2 off all wine with your order. Call us: (301) 816-7829. Menu: gyroland.com.

 

  • HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: (301) 299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, choose no-contact curbside carryout, or enjoy our patio for outdoor dining plus limited seating indoors. Reservations recommended. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. New menu featuring split grilled bangers, Guinness-battered fish & chips, corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, chops, steaks & sandwiches. Discounted beer and wine to go. Delivery, carry-out, curbside pickup or enjoy outdoor dining in our new socially distanced patio & have a cocktail at our new outdoor bar. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

  • MOBY DICK KABOBS, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland & the DMV. Our family platters feed 3-4 people starting at $36.99 or 5-6 people starting at $63. Check out daily specials like khoresht gheymeh (yellow split-pea soup with beef) on Wednesdays & ghormeh sabzi (herb stew) on Fridays. All locations open for carry-out, delivery, curbside pickup & limited indoor seating, plus outdoor dining at Fallsgrove. Potomac phone: (240) 660-2626. Rockville phone: (301) 738-0005. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE, modern French cooking in Rockville. Freshly reopened for curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road or delivery with Grubhub. Also offering outdoor dining plus limited seating in our newly redesigned dining room. Offering your favorite waffles, beef bourguignon, two-course family meals for four starting at $58, and much more. Order online or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

  • MYKONOS GRILL, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Outdoor patio, plus limited indoor dining & carry-out from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations strongly recommended. Cashless transactions only. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $50 minimum, or use the major delivery apps. Try our branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. Ask about our daily specials. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call (301) 770-5999. Menu: mykonosgrill.com.

 

  • NORMANDIE FARM, pop on over for fine cooking in the heart of Potomac, 10710 Falls Road. Outdoor patio now open, plus limited indoor seating. Full menu service, fine wines & spirits, live music Thursday-Sunday evenings, and of course our famous popovers. Also open for carry-out service. Phone: (301) 983-8838. Menu: popovers.com.

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • QUARTERMAINE COFFEE ROASTERS, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call (301) 718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

  • SISTERS THAI POTOMAC, Asian & Thai cuisine + desserts. Pickup at Cabin John Village, 7995 Tuckerman Lane. Specialties like chicken satay, larb gai, pad thai, drunken noodles, curry dishes & more. Phone: (301)299-4157. Free no-contact delivery with $30 to $40 minimum order. Menu: sistersthaicabinjohn.com.

 

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

  • AUSTYN PARKER, fun jewelry for kids & cute clothes for moms. For kids: Make-your-own jewelry kits & online parties where everyone works on a project together. For moms: We’ve got your favorite brands like LNA, Monrow, Perfect White Tee, Generation Love, Chrldr & Comune. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram. For gift ideas, party planning & what’s in stock, call us: (301) 706-8122 or email us: randi@austynparker.com.

 

  • GYM & TONIC, luxury athleisure apparel, now in the comfort of your own home. DM us for virtual shopping appointments and delivery in the DMV. Don’t forget to ask about our cute masks with filters. Shop @lovegymandtonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800. Text us: (202) 744-0169.

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique, now open at the Cabin John mini-mall. Fully stocked with new styles to fit your lifestyle, free designer face masks with your purchase. Call for a safe, sanitized one-on-one shopping appointment. We still offer virtual shopping and online orders with free limited delivery. Curbside pickup & shipping on orders over $50. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

  • KAREN’S ROCKS AND RAGS, new & gently used women’s boutique with on-trend, affordable clothing & accessories. 212 Main Street, Gaithersburg. We’re only accepting gently used Lululemon, Golden Goose & luxury designer bags on consignment for a 50/50 split. Check out our $10 face masks, $10 racks & 20% off racks. Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Phone: (240) 631-2565. eBay store: ebay.com/str/karensrocksandrags.

 

  • ON CLOUD 9, trendy boutique for babies, girls and adults. Now open at Potomac Woods Plaza, 1085 Seven Locks Road. We have your favorite brands like Hard Tail, Katie J NYC, Vintage Havana, Ocean Drive, Suzette & Dori, plus masks in stock for ages 3 to adult. We’re still offering virtual shopping, online orders & curbside pickup, plus private shopping appointments. Call (301) 251-1331 or email oncloud9potomac@gmail.com. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • R BOUTIQUE, a sophisticated & cute clothing store, soon to reopen inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry & stylish masks. Tons of casual wear, tie-dye sets, shorts, tank tops, sandals & sneakers. Now offering curbside pickup and free delivery within a 10-mile radius. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Or call Rayna Badwey Matz for a Facebook shopping appointment, (301) 943-2000. To purchase masks, visit rboutique.shop.

 

 

 

 

FOR THE KIDS

 

 

  • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

  • MY GYM POTOMAC & MY GYM BETHESDA, now offering our awesome fitness & fun classes outdoors in Potomac. Small groups and age-appropriate classes allow us to run around with our friends and still social distance. Also introducing our new dance and yoga classes outside! We are still offering interactive live Zoom classes and Zoom birthday parties. More info: mygym.com/potomac.

 

  • SUNNYDYES AT HOME, mobile tie-dye parties for kids & adults. Let us host an event in your backyard or other open space. You pick the project, we’ll bring the tie-dye and all the supplies. Great for kids’ birthdays, adult happy hours & all kinds of special events. Instagram: @sunnydyesathome. For info, call (301) 461-6400 or email sunnydyesinfo@gmail.com.

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

  • CARD MY YARD POTOMAC is the premier yard greeting sign rental service, specializing in making your BIG day even BIGGER. Birthdays, anniversaries, babies or just because, Card My Yard will make it special! Locally owned and family-operated. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram. Email us: potomac@cardmyyard.com. Call us: (301) 908-3616. Book your greeting at cardmyyard.com.

 

  • CELEBRATIONSTOYOU, a comprehensive suite of services to enhance your next virtual or live event. Great for weddings, b’nai mitzvahs, birthdays & more. We offer everything from graphic design, video production and video call support to milestone keepsakes and larger-than-life yard signs by our Partyscapes division. 100% contact-less service. Instagram: geoffchesmanvisuals/ and partyscapesdc/ Email us: info@geoffchesman.com. Call us: (855) 369-5904. Website: celebrationstoyou.com.

 

  • FLASHBACK FILMS, photo & video montages for your special occasion — whether in-person or virtual. Professional montages at affordable prices for all your important milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, mitzvahs & more. We’re a locally based, student-run company and will work within your budget. Send us your photos and we’ll do the rest. Visit us on Instagram. For video samples & pricing, email flashbackfilms123@gmail.com.

 

  • LILAC, special occasion wear for girls, tweens & teens. We have the perfect outfits for graduations, cotillion, bar & bat mitzvahs (both service & party) and other special occasions. Plan for your fall events now; private shopping appointments are available throughout the summer. We also have fashionable face masks for kids & adults! Find us on Instagram (@lilacgirlshop) and Facebook (@shoplilacgirl). For more info, email sales@shoplilacgirl.com.

 

FURNITURE, ART & COLLECTIBLES

 

  • FREEMAN’S AUCTION, America’s oldest auction house, established in 1805. Potomac-based rep Debrah Dunner will help you consign fine art including modern & contemporary art, jewelry, 20th Century design & more. Virtual appointments, free auction estimates, easy no-contact pickup of your goods. For more info, call (301) 738-0347 or email ddunner@freemansauction.com.

 

  • ISI FURNISH, lightly used furnishings & decor at a fraction of the cost. Our white-glove service makes it easy to sell your fine furniture discreetly & professionally. If you’re looking to buy, we offer a wide range of affordable luxury furnishings to match your design and budget.  Call us: (971) 337-4403. Shop with us for new items every week: isifurnish.com.

 

HOME SERVICES

 

  • ISOLDIT, the easy way to turn your stuff into cash. We do the work, you cash the check. Get top dollar for your unwanted electronics, music equipment, jewelry, collectibles & furniture. Looking to reduce equipment or inventory for your business? We can help. Call us: (301) 990-2040. Email us: info@isolditmd.com. Safety is our priority — no contact, no worries. More info: www.isolditmd.com.

 

  • JIMMY GUSKY HEATING & AIR, one-stop shop for heating, air conditioning, plumbing and ductwork, serving Rockville & the D.C. area. We always give you an honest opinion and transparent pricing, making repairs when we can and helping you decide when replacement is the better option. Have an emergency? We’re available 24/7. Call (301) 327-7306 or click here.

 

  • MIKE’S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY, offering lock repair and replacement, keyless & touchpad systems plus door hardware, high-security keys and mailbox lockdown. All work guaranteed as long as you own your home. For after-hour emergencies or regular appointments, call (240) 506-7500. For more information, email mike@mikes-locksmith.com or click here.

 

  • NORMANDY CARPET, excellence in carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning & installation. We’re essential & here to serve you. Spilled wine on your carpet? Dog peed in the house? Flooding from the rain? We follow CDC safety guidelines, and our cleaning method removes dangerous viruses & bacteria. Call (301) 741-2005 or email info@normandycarpet.com. More info: www.normandycarpet.com.

 

  • TOWN & COUNTRY MOVERS, family-owned moving and storage company, based in Gaithersburg and serving the DMV since 1977. We handle local, long-distance and international relocations, as well as short-term and long-term storage solutions. Our staging division works with local realtors to enhance listings and improve home sales. Call (301) 670-4600 or click here.

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

  • SHIN ORTHODONTICS  — Drs. Debra and Richard Shin believe everyone should be able to afford an amazing smile. We offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, clear braces or traditional metal braces, and lingual braces. All PPO insurance plans accepted. Free consultations and custom financial plans with no large payments or hidden fees. Cabin John mini-mall and 4701 Randolph Road in Rockville. Call 301-770-7770 or click here.

 

  • TAFF & LEVINE D.D.S. provides state-of-the-art dental treatment in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by caring doctors and staff. No insurance? No problem! Join our V.I.P. dental plan, pay one monthly fee for free hygiene appointments and 10% off all other dental procedures. 7811 Montrose Road in Potomac. Call 301-530-3717 or click here.
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Who’s open & who’s out at Westfield Montgomery mall, sneak peek of Rockville’s new Barnes & Noble

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The mall's back – but not everyone's returning

Westfield Montgomery mall is back in business, and its stores are ready to welcome you with masks, alcohol wipes, hand sanitizing stations and social distancing floor markers. About half the mall reopened this week, with more returns expected by early July. Some restaurants in the Dining Terrace are open for carryout and curbside pickup, but all of the seating areas have been roped off. Here’s a quick look at what else has changed since you last stepped into the mall — and which stores won’t be back.

  • Steve Madden, Everything But Water and Bose are all gone for good.
  • Wentworth Gallery has been emptied out, but it’s not clear if this is permanent.
  • Forever 21, which faced an uncertain future a few months ago, has reopened after all.
  • Amazon 4-Star and 7-Eleven are expected to open in the next few weeks.
  • ArcLight and Lucky Strike remain closed for now.
  • Mirch Masala is the first confirmed casualty in the Dining Terrace. Owner Poonam Chopra, who opened the Indian restaurant 10 years ago, says she’s decided not to renew her lease. June 28th will be her last day.
Game Gym

New chapter for Barnes & Noble

Rockville’s new Barnes & Noble store is just weeks away from opening at Congressional Plaza, with rows of blonde wood bookshelves and a new Starbucks cafe just inside the entrance. When the bookstore opens — tentatively mid-August — the older Barnes & Noble at Montrose Crossing will close its doors. Still unclear: whether Starbucks will keep its other location at Congressional Plaza. For a sneak peek of the new store, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrations to You

Busy summer for the auction biz

The local auction market is hotter than ever this summer. With some people sorting through decades of belongings while others bid furiously from their iPads, unprecedented time at home is leading to unprecedented levels of art, jewelry and collectibles changing hands. The most popular items include 19th century Impressionist paintings, mid-century modern furniture, fine jewelry and luxury watches from brands like Cartier, Bulgari, Rolex and Tiffany & Co. Debrah Dunner, a Potomac-based rep for the auction house Freeman’s, has been selling everything from diamonds and Tiffany lamps to Andy Warhol screenprints and Picasso ceramics. In the D.C. area, she says buyers have been especially interested in furniture by Pennsylvania artisan George Nakashima and abstract expressionist works by D.C. painter Sam Gilliam. (Idylls 1, the unstretched canvas shown here, sold for $370,000.) “A lot of people around here have bought directly from Gilliam or know him personally,” Dunner says. “His auction prices have gone through the roof.” Dunner offers free auction estimates via virtual appointments, with easy no-contact pickup of your goods. Email ddunner@freemansauction.com or call (301) 738-0347.

Taff & Levine

The Store Reporter Guide

A weekly guide sponsored by some of our favorite locally owned stores, restaurants and service businesses.

 

FOOD, DRINKS & MEAL DEALS

 

  • BROOKLYN’S DELI, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza, 1089 Seven Locks Road. Try our corned beef, hand-carved pastrami, brisket, nova, chopped liver, pancakes from scratch, cheese blintzes & more — plus artisan bagels from Bethesda Bagels. Phone: (301) 340-3354. Open daily for carry-out, catering & patio dining. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Outdoor seating & limited indoor seating now open for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Full menu and weekly specials, plus 1/2 off all wine, beer & cocktails. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • GYROLAND casual Greek food, cooked fresh seven days a week. 1701 Rockville Pike in the Shops at Congressional Village, right under the Verizon store. Dine-in service, cashless transactions only. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pork, chicken, beef and lamb gyros, plus mixed grill and vegetarian options. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $30 minimum. 1/2 off all wine with your order. Call us: (301) 816-7829. Menu: gyroland.com.

 

  • HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: (301) 299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, choose no-contact curbside carryout, or enjoy our patio for outdoor dining plus limited seating indoors. Reservations recommended. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. New menu featuring split grilled bangers, Guinness-battered fish & chips, corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, chops, steaks & sandwiches. Discounted beer and wine to go. Delivery, carry-out, curbside pickup or enjoy outdoor dining in our new socially distanced patio & have a cocktail at our new outdoor bar. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

  • MOBY DICK KABOBS, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland & the DMV. Our family platters feed 3-4 people starting at $36.99 or 5-6 people starting at $63. Check out daily specials like khoresht gheymeh (yellow split-pea soup with beef) on Wednesdays & ghormeh sabzi (herb stew) on Fridays. All locations open for carry-out, delivery, curbside pickup & limited indoor seating, plus outdoor dining at Fallsgrove. Potomac phone: (240) 660-2626. Rockville phone: (301) 738-0005. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE, modern French cooking in Rockville. Freshly reopened for curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road or delivery with Grubhub. Also offering outdoor dining plus limited seating in our newly redesigned dining room. Offering your favorite waffles, beef bourguignon, two-course family meals for four starting at $58, and much more. Order online or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

  • MYKONOS GRILL, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Outdoor patio, plus limited indoor dining & carry-out from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations strongly recommended. Cashless transactions only. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $50 minimum, or use the major delivery apps. Try our branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. Ask about our daily specials. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call (301) 770-5999. Menu: mykonosgrill.com.

 

  • NORMANDIE FARM, pop on over for fine cooking in the heart of Potomac, 10710 Falls Road. Outdoor patio now open, plus limited indoor seating. Full menu service, fine wines & spirits, live music Thursday-Sunday evenings, and of course our famous popovers. Also open for carry-out service. Phone: (301) 983-8838. Menu: popovers.com.

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • QUARTERMAINE COFFEE ROASTERS, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call (301) 718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

  • SISTERS THAI POTOMAC, Asian & Thai cuisine + desserts. Pickup at Cabin John Village, 7995 Tuckerman Lane. Specialties like chicken satay, larb gai, pad thai, drunken noodles, curry dishes & more. Phone: (301)299-4157. Free no-contact delivery with $30 to $40 minimum order. Menu: sistersthaicabinjohn.com.

 

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

  • AUSTYN PARKER, fun jewelry for kids & cute clothes for moms. For kids: Make-your-own jewelry kits & online parties where everyone works on a project together. For moms: We’ve got your favorite brands like LNA, Monrow, Perfect White Tee, Generation Love, Chrldr & Comune. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram. For gift ideas, party planning & what’s in stock, call us: (301) 706-8122 or email us: randi@austynparker.com.

 

  • GYM & TONIC, luxury athleisure apparel, now in the comfort of your own home. DM us for virtual shopping appointments and delivery in the DMV. Don’t forget to ask about our cute masks with filters. Shop @lovegymandtonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800. Text us: (202) 744-0169.

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique, now open at the Cabin John mini-mall. Fully stocked with new styles to fit your lifestyle, free designer face masks with your purchase. Call for a safe, sanitized one-on-one shopping appointment. We still offer virtual shopping and online orders with free limited delivery. Curbside pickup & shipping on orders over $50. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

  • KAREN’S ROCKS AND RAGS, new & gently used women’s boutique with on-trend, affordable clothing & accessories. 212 Main Street, Gaithersburg. We’re only accepting gently used Lululemon, Golden Goose & luxury designer bags on consignment for a 50/50 split. Check out our $10 face masks, $10 racks & 20% off racks. Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Phone: (240) 631-2565. eBay store: ebay.com/str/karensrocksandrags.

 

  • ON CLOUD 9, trendy boutique for babies, girls and adults. Now open at Potomac Woods Plaza, 1085 Seven Locks Road. We have your favorite brands like Hard Tail, Katie J NYC, Vintage Havana, Ocean Drive, Suzette & Dori, plus masks in stock for ages 3 to adult. We’re still offering virtual shopping, online orders & curbside pickup, plus private shopping appointments. Call (301) 251-1331 or email oncloud9potomac@gmail.com. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • R BOUTIQUE, a sophisticated & cute clothing store, soon to reopen inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry & stylish masks. Tons of casual wear, tie-dye sets, shorts, tank tops, sandals & sneakers. Now offering curbside pickup and free delivery within a 10-mile radius. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Or call Rayna Badwey Matz for a Facebook shopping appointment, (301) 943-2000. To purchase masks, visit rboutique.shop.

 

 

 

 

FOR THE KIDS

 

 

  • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

  • MY GYM POTOMAC & MY GYM BETHESDA, now offering our awesome fitness & fun classes outdoors in Potomac. Small groups and age-appropriate classes allow us to run around with our friends and still social distance. Also introducing our new dance and yoga classes outside! We are still offering interactive live Zoom classes and Zoom birthday parties. More info: mygym.com/potomac.

 

  • SUNNYDYES AT HOME, mobile tie-dye parties for kids & adults. Let us host an event in your backyard or other open space. You pick the project, we’ll bring the tie-dye and all the supplies. Great for kids’ birthdays, adult happy hours & all kinds of special events. Instagram: @sunnydyesathome. For info, call (301) 461-6400 or email sunnydyesinfo@gmail.com.

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

  • CARD MY YARD POTOMAC is the premier yard greeting sign rental service, specializing in making your BIG day even BIGGER. Birthdays, anniversaries, babies or just because, Card My Yard will make it special! Locally owned and family-operated. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram. Email us: potomac@cardmyyard.com. Call us: (301) 908-3616. Book your greeting at cardmyyard.com.

 

  • CELEBRATIONSTOYOU, a comprehensive suite of services to enhance your next virtual or live event. Great for weddings, b’nai mitzvahs, birthdays & more. We offer everything from graphic design, video production and video call support to milestone keepsakes and larger-than-life yard signs by our Partyscapes division. 100% contact-less service. Instagram: geoffchesmanvisuals/ and partyscapesdc/ Email us: info@geoffchesman.com. Call us: (855) 369-5904. Website: celebrationstoyou.com.

 

  • FLASHBACK FILMS, photo & video montages for your special occasion — whether in-person or virtual. Professional montages at affordable prices for all your important milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, mitzvahs & more. We’re a locally based, student-run company and will work within your budget. Send us your photos and we’ll do the rest. Visit us on Instagram. For video samples & pricing, email flashbackfilms123@gmail.com.

 

  • LILAC, special occasion wear for girls, tweens & teens. We have the perfect outfits for graduations, cotillion, bar & bat mitzvahs (both service & party) and other special occasions. Plan for your fall events now; private shopping appointments are available throughout the summer. We also have fashionable face masks for kids & adults! Find us on Instagram (@lilacgirlshop) and Facebook (@shoplilacgirl). For more info, email sales@shoplilacgirl.com.

 

FURNITURE, ART & COLLECTIBLES

 

  • FREEMAN’S AUCTION, America’s oldest auction house, established in 1805. Potomac-based rep Debrah Dunner will help you consign fine art including modern & contemporary art, jewelry, 20th Century design & more. Virtual appointments, free auction estimates, easy no-contact pickup of your goods. For more info, call (301) 738-0347 or email ddunner@freemansauction.com.

 

  • ISI FURNISH, lightly used furnishings & decor at a fraction of the cost. Our white-glove service makes it easy to sell your fine furniture discreetly & professionally. If you’re looking to buy, we offer a wide range of affordable luxury furnishings to match your design and budget.  Call us: (971) 337-4403. Shop with us for new items every week: isifurnish.com.

 

HOME SERVICES

 

  • ISOLDIT, the easy way to turn your stuff into cash. We do the work, you cash the check. Get top dollar for your unwanted electronics, music equipment, jewelry, collectibles & furniture. Looking to reduce equipment or inventory for your business? We can help. Call us: (301) 990-2040. Email us: info@isolditmd.com. Safety is our priority — no contact, no worries. More info: www.isolditmd.com.

 

  • JIMMY GUSKY HEATING & AIR, one-stop shop for heating, air conditioning, plumbing and ductwork, serving Rockville & the D.C. area. We always give you an honest opinion and transparent pricing, making repairs when we can and helping you decide when replacement is the better option. Have an emergency? We’re available 24/7. Call (301) 327-7306 or click here.

 

  • MIKE’S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY, offering lock repair and replacement, keyless & touchpad systems plus door hardware, high-security keys and mailbox lockdown. All work guaranteed as long as you own your home. For after-hour emergencies or regular appointments, call (240) 506-7500. For more information, email mike@mikes-locksmith.com or click here.

 

  • NORMANDY CARPET, excellence in carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning & installation. We’re essential & here to serve you. Spilled wine on your carpet? Dog peed in the house? Flooding from the rain? We follow CDC safety guidelines, and our cleaning method removes dangerous viruses & bacteria. Call (301) 741-2005 or email info@normandycarpet.com. More info: www.normandycarpet.com.

 

  • TOWN & COUNTRY MOVERS, family-owned moving and storage company, based in Gaithersburg and serving the DMV since 1977. We handle local, long-distance and international relocations, as well as short-term and long-term storage solutions. Our staging division works with local realtors to enhance listings and improve home sales. Call (301) 670-4600 or click here.

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

  • SHIN ORTHODONTICS  — Drs. Debra and Richard Shin believe everyone should be able to afford an amazing smile. We offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, clear braces or traditional metal braces, and lingual braces. All PPO insurance plans accepted. Free consultations and custom financial plans with no large payments or hidden fees. Cabin John mini-mall and 4701 Randolph Road in Rockville. Call 301-770-7770 or click here.

 

  • TAFF & LEVINE D.D.S. provides state-of-the-art dental treatment in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by caring doctors and staff. No insurance? No problem! Join our V.I.P. dental plan, pay one monthly fee for free hygiene appointments and 10% off all other dental procedures. 7811 Montrose Road in Potomac. Call 301-530-3717 or click here.
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Stores reopen, mall makes a comeback, Bagel City closes and a dog bar for Pike & Rose

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Stores reopen this weekend!

Friday at 5 p.m. marks the beginning of Phase II reopening in Montgomery County. Stores, gyms and nail salons that have been closed for months will be able to open their doors again to a small stream of visitors. Restaurants will be allowed to open their dining rooms at 50% capacity, but most will continue to emphasize takeout, delivery and curbside pickup. Westfield Montgomery mall will reopen on Tuesday, June 23rd, with limited hours (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday) and lots of rules. Management says it will monitor the number of visitors, enforce social distancing, remind people to wear masks and provide plenty of hand sanitizer stations. Some of the mall’s restaurants will be open, but you won’t be able to linger at the Dining Terrace. “We are not going to allow people to gather in the mall,” county executive Marc Elrich said at a press briefing this week. “People should enter the mall and go to the store they want to shop at. They are open for shopping, not for socializing.”

Normandie Farm
The Grilled Oyster

Bagel City leaves a hole

This week we say goodbye to longtime local favorite Bagel City, which appears to be permanently closed on Rockville Pike. The restaurant shut down at the beginning of the pandemic, but owners planned to reopen and they still sounded optimistic when we spoke with them last week. A few days later, the Bagel City sign came down and the restaurant was dismantled. Goldberg’s New York Bagels, which also shut its doors at the beginning of the pandemic, has reopened all three of its locations. And Attman’s Deli, which exited Cabin John Village in April, is still negotiating for a new space nearby.

Lisa Nasar
Wintergreen Plaza

Bark at the park

As if local dogs aren’t happy enough with their families quarantined at home these past few months, we just got word that a “dog bar” is on the way to Pike & Rose. Opening this fall between Julii and Jinya (in the area formerly known as “The Beach”), Bark Social will offer beer, coffee, food and WiFi — plus dog treats, pet supplies and off-leash time for your pooch. The catch: Dog owners pay for entry ($9.99 a day, $39.99 a month or $264.99 for an annual membership). If you don’t have a dog, you can visit Bark Social for free.

International School of Music

Game Gym zooms into summer

As local kids and teens face a summer’s worth of canceled plans, Rockville-based Game Gym continues to expand its array of virtual offerings. The three-year-old esports studio provides coaching for League of Legends, Rocket League, Minecraft, Overwatch, Valorant and Super Smash Bros. — but owner Josh Hafkin says there’s more going on behind the screen. “We are creating meaningful experiences, encouraging these kids to open up and form real human relationships in our camps,” he says. “We talk about mental health, self-confidence and cyber-bullying. These conversations aren’t always happening in the gaming world, but they should be.” Game Gym camps also include an exercise component, so the business has launched partnerships with the Washington Wizards, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and Power Train Sports and Fitness. To learn more about Game Gym’s summer programs, click here or email evan@gamegym.com. To save $30 on Game Gym summer camps, click here and use code REPORTER30.

4&Co. Salon

The Store Reporter Guide

Our weekly guide to some of your favorite stores, restaurants and service businesses.

 

SHOP LOCAL

 

  • AUSTYN PARKER, fun jewelry for kids & cute clothes for moms. For kids: Make-your-own jewelry kits & online parties where everyone works on a project together. For moms: We’ve got your favorite brands like LNA, Monrow, Perfect White Tee, Generation Love, Chrldr & Comune. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram. For gift ideas, party planning & what’s in stock, call us: (301) 706-8122 or email us: randi@austynparker.com.

 

  • GYM & TONIC at Park Potomac, luxury athleisure apparel — now in the comfort of your own home. DM us for virtual shopping appointments and delivery in the DMV. Don’t forget to ask about our cute masks with filters. Shop @lovegymandtonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800. Text us: (202) 744-0169.

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique at the Cabin John mini-mall, second floor. Fully stocked with new styles to fit your lifestyle, free designer face masks with your purchase. Call for a safe, sanitized one-on-one shopping appointment. We still offer virtual shopping and online orders with free limited delivery. Curbside pickup & shipping on orders over $50. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

  • KAREN’S ROCKS AND RAGS, new & gently used women’s boutique, 212 Main Street, Gaithersburg. On-trend, affordable clothing & accessories. Great selection of face masks $8-$12. Facetime shopping, free shipping on orders over $100, local delivery & curbside pickup available. Almost everything is 20% off right now. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Phone: (240) 476-9800. eBay store: ebay.com/str/karensrocksandrags.

 

  • ON CLOUD 9, trendy boutique for babies, girls and adults at Potomac Woods Plaza, 1085 Seven Locks Road. We have your favorite brands like Hard Tail, Katie J NYC, Vintage Havana, Ocean Drive, Suzette & Dori, plus masks in stock for ages 3 to adult. We’re still offering virtual shopping, online orders & curbside pickup, plus private shopping appointments. Call (301) 251-1331 or email oncloud9potomac@gmail.com. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • R BOUTIQUE, a sophisticated & cute clothing store, soon to reopen inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry & stylish masks. Tons of casual wear, tie-dye sets, shorts, tank tops, sandals & sneakers. Now offering curbside pickup and free delivery within a 10-mile radius. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Or call Rayna Badwey Matz for a Facebook shopping appointment, (301) 943-2000. To purchase masks, visit rboutique.shop.

 

 

 

FOOD, DRINKS & MEAL DEALS

 

  • BROOKLYN’S DELI, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza, 1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: (301) 340-3354. Brooklyn’s Deli would like to thank Eagle Bank for getting us through this extremely rough time. Open daily for carry-out, catering, delivery & patio dining. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • CAVA MEZZE, five locations across the DMV, now offering outdoor dining, plus limited inside dining at some locations. Featuring our Cava lamb chops, scallops risotto & spanakopita. Reservations through our website or OpenTable. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended but not required. We also offer contactless takeout & delivery featuring family meals, individual platters & (2) for Tuesdays: $40 for two adult booze pouches. More info: cavamezze.com.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Outdoor seating & limited indoor seating for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Full menu and weekly specials, plus 1/2 off all wine, beer & cocktails. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • GYROLAND casual Greek food, cooked fresh seven days a week. 1701 Rockville Pike in the Shops at Congressional Village, right under the Verizon store. Dine-in service, cashless transactions only. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pork, chicken, beef and lamb gyros, plus mixed grill and vegetarian options. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $30 minimum. 1/2 off all wine with your order. Call us: (301) 816-7829. Menu: gyroland.com.

 

  • HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: (301) 299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner & gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, choose no-contact curbside carryout, or enjoy outdoor patio dining plus limited seating indoors. Reservations recommended. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

  • JULII RESTAURANT, located in the heart of Pike & Rose, offering Chef D’s take on timeless French classics. Outside dining now available, featuring signature dishes like foie torchon, crispy trout and salmon crudo. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended but not required. We also offer contactless takeout & delivery services, plus (2) for Tuesdays: $40 for two adult booze pouches. Call (301) 517-9090 or visit us at julii.com.

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. New menu featuring split grilled bangers, Guinness-battered fish & chips, corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, chops, steaks & sandwiches. Now offering limited indoor dining, or enjoy outdoor dining in our new socially distanced patio & have a cocktail at our new outdoor bar. We also offer delivery & curbside pickup. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

  • MIRCH MASALA GRILL, Indian cuisine at Westfield Montgomery mall. Open through the end of June for curbside pickup 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with popular dishes like butter chicken, chicken tikka, lamb curry, rice bowls with chicken, vegan dishes & samosas. We also cater for larger groups. Use delivery apps, call (301) 365-0677, or text your order to (240) 432-8077.

 

  • MOBY DICK KABOBS, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (240) 660-2626. Rockville location: (301) 738-0005. Open for carry-out, delivery, limited seating & curbside pickup. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE, modern French cooking in Rockville. Freshly reopened for curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road or delivery with Grubhub. Also offering outdoor dining plus limited seating in our newly redesigned dining room. Offering your favorite waffles, beef bourguignon, two-course family meals for four starting at $58, and much more. Order online or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

  • MYKONOS GRILL, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Our outdoor patio is now open! Indoor dining beginning Friday at 5 p.m. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Reservations strongly recommended. Cashless transactions only. Carry-out & free delivery in a five-mile radius with $50 minimum. We also work with the major delivery apps. Try our branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call (301) 770-5999. Menu: mykonosgrill.com.

 

  • NORMANDIE FARM, pop on over for fine cooking in the heart of Potomac, 10710 Falls Road. Outdoor patio now open, plus limited indoor seating. Full menu service, fine wines & spirits, live music Thursday-Sunday evenings, and of course our famous popovers. Also open for carry-out service. Phone: (301) 983-8838. Menu: popovers.com.

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Sister company Bagels & Grinds also offering bagels, lox & cream cheese pickup in Potomac on Saturday mornings. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • QUARTERMAINE COFFEE ROASTERS, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call (301) 718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

  • SISTERS THAI POTOMAC, Asian & Thai cuisine + desserts at Cabin John Village, 7995 Tuckerman Lane. Specialties like chicken satay, larb gai, pad thai, drunken noodles, curry dishes & more. Carry-out & free no-contact delivery with $30 to $40 minimum order. Phone: (301)299-4157. Menu: sistersthaicabinjohn.com.

 

  • SUGO at Park Potomac, dinner takeout featuring pastas, pizzas & family meals. Try our patio brunch, or feed 4 to 5 people for Father’s Day (or anytime) with our hanger steaks, chicken & eggplant parmesan, spicy rigatoni, risotto fritters & more. Don’t forget bottled sangria & Sugo Punch. Order via the major delivery apps, email info@eatsugo.com or call (240) 386-8080 and pick up curbside. Our patio is now open with happy hour from 4 p.m. daily! Menu: eatsugo.com.

 

 

  • YEKTA Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Tuesday-Sunday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call (301) 984-0005. Market open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call (301) 984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

FOR THE KIDS

 

 

  • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

  • MY GYM LIVE! age-appropriate fun for all the kids. Live interactive 30-minute kids’ fitness classes filled with song, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Our gyms may be closed, but we’re bringing all the fun you expect from My Gym directly into your house. Now offering My Gym Live! birthday parties and new outdoor classes. More info: mygym.com/potomac.

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

  • CREATIVE INVITATIONS BALLOONS AND MORE, planning local weddings & mitzvahs for more than three decades. Owner Shelley Poulos can help with everything: choosing your venue, caterer & DJ, selecting favors, decorating & staffing your event. We’ll also decorate the outside of your house with balloons & signs for any occasion. Mention Store Reporter for a discount. Call 301-279-0560 or click here.

 

  • FLASHBACK FILMS, photo & video montages for your special occasion — whether in-person or virtual. Professional montages at affordable prices for all your important milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, mitzvahs & more. We’re a locally based, student-run company and will work within your budget. Send us your photos and we’ll do the rest. Visit us on Instagram. For video samples & pricing, email flashbackfilms123@gmail.com.

 

  • LILAC, special occasion wear for girls, tweens & teens. We have the perfect outfits for graduations, cotillion, bar & bat mitzvahs (both service & party) and other special occasions. Plan for your fall events now; private shopping appointments are available throughout the summer. We also have fashionable face masks for kids & adults! Find us on Instagram (@lilacgirlshop) and Facebook (@shoplilacgirl). For more info, email sales@shoplilacgirl.com.

 

  • PALACE FLORISTS, family-owned since 1943. Farm-fresh, gorgeous flower arrangements and beautiful wrapped bouquets, plus festive & fun balloon bouquets, stunning orchid plants and lush green plants. Curbside pickup in Rockville at 4980 Wyaconda Rd., or no-contact delivery throughout the DMV. Call (301) 945-0253 or shop www.palaceflorists.com.

 

  • PARTYSCAPES, custom yard signs for any occasion. Let us set the perfect scene for any celebration: graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs & more. 100% contact-less service. Stunning, personalized, larger-than-life designs that will make your celebration POP! Social: @partyscapesdc. Email us: info@partyscapes.net. Call us: (855) 369-5904. Website: partyscapes.net.

 

  • SUNNYDYES AT HOME, mobile tie-dye parties for kids & adults. Let us host an event in your backyard or other open space. You pick the project, we’ll bring the tie-dye and all the supplies. Great for kids’ birthdays, adult happy hours & all kinds of special events. Instagram: @sunnydyesathome. For info, call (301) 461-6400 or email sunnydyesinfo@gmail.com.

 

FURNITURE, ART & COLLECTIBLES

 

  • FREEMAN’S AUCTION, America’s oldest auction house, established in 1805. Potomac-based rep Debrah Dunner will help you consign fine art including modern & contemporary art, jewelry, 20th Century design & more. Virtual appointments, free auction estimates, easy no-contact pickup of your goods. For more info, call (301) 738-0347 or email ddunner@freemansauction.com.

 

  • ISI FURNISH, lightly used furnishings & decor at a fraction of the cost. Our white-glove service makes it easy to sell your fine furniture discreetly & professionally. If you’re looking to buy, we offer a wide range of affordable luxury furnishings to match your design and budget.  Call us: (971) 337-4403. Shop with us for new items every week: isifurnish.com.

 

HOME SERVICES

 

  • ISOLDIT, the easy way to turn your stuff into cash. We do the work, you cash the check. Get top dollar for your unwanted electronics, music equipment, jewelry, collectibles & furniture. Looking to reduce equipment or inventory for your business? We can help. Call us: (301) 990-2040. Email us: info@isolditmd.com. Safety is our priority — no contact, no worries. More info: www.isolditmd.com.

 

  • JIMMY GUSKY HEATING & AIR, one-stop shop for heating, air conditioning, plumbing and ductwork, serving Rockville & the D.C. area. We always give you an honest opinion and transparent pricing, making repairs when we can and helping you decide when replacement is the better option. Have an emergency? We’re available 24/7. Call (301) 327-7306 or click here.

 

  • MIKE’S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY, offering lock repair and replacement, keyless & touchpad systems plus door hardware, high-security keys and mailbox lockdown. All work guaranteed as long as you own your home. For after-hour emergencies or regular appointments, call (240) 506-7500. For more information, email mike@mikes-locksmith.com or click here.

 

  • NORMANDY CARPET, excellence in carpet, rugs & upholstery cleaning. We also specialize in fabricating custom area rugs and wall-to-wall installation. Come visit our showroom, or we can bring the samples to you. We follow CDC safety guidelines for cleaning, and our method removes dangerous viruses & bacteria. Call (301) 741-2005 or email info@normandycarpet.com. More info: www.normandycarpet.com.

 

  • TOWN & COUNTRY MOVERS, family-owned moving and storage company, based in Gaithersburg and serving the DMV since 1977. We handle local, long-distance and international relocations, as well as short-term and long-term storage solutions. Our staging division works with local realtors to enhance listings and improve home sales. Call (301) 670-4600 or click here.
mailto:publisher@storereporter.com

Montgomery County gets ready to reopen — plus more closings and a Nordstrom secret

By 2 Comments

Are you ready for reopening?

Local restaurants may begin opening up their dining rooms next week as Montgomery County prepares for the second phase of reopening. What will that look like? Cashless transactions, socially distanced tables, masked wait staff and continuous disinfection of the seating areas. Stores and gyms will be allowed to reopen too, but traffic will be limited to one customer per 200 feet of floor space. Depending on the judgment of county officials, the transition to Phase II could begin as early as Monday.

The Grilled Oyster

Permanent closings in Rockville

It looks like we can add Honeyfish Poke to the list of local restaurants that won’t be coming back. The Rockville eatery, one of the first in this area to serve up Hawaiian-style raw fish, appears to be permanently closed after a three-year run at Congressional Plaza. Other local restaurants that likely won’t be reopening include Le Pain Quotidien at Cabin John Village (more here), Addie’s at Park Potomac (more here) and Chuy’s on Rockville Pike (more here), not to mention the bankrupt La Tasca at Rockville Town Square (more here).

4&Co

Nordstrom's back — sort of

There’s still no official word on when Westfield Montgomery mall will reopen, but this week we discovered a little-known secret: The Nordstrom store is already processing returns at a curbside kiosk. If you’ve been doing a little too much online shopping, it’s easy to get rid of those excess purchases. Just pull up your car to Nordstrom’s side entrance, drop your stuff into a plastic bag, fill out a form and be on your way. A socially distanced sales clerk will be standing by to process the transaction after you leave. The only catch: Your returns will be quarantined for 72 hours, so the refund won’t show up in your account for a couple of days.

Mimi Arnold

Diamonds aren't forever after all

Signet Jewelers, parent company of Kay Jewelers, Piercing Pagoda, Jared and Zales, says it will permanently close some 150 stores that have been shuttered due to coronavirus. Another 150 stores will shut down early next year as the jewelry company pares back its brick-and-mortar business. No word yet on what this will mean for Westfield Montgomery mall, which is home to a Kay Jewelers and a Piercing Pagoda, or for the Jared store on Rockville Pike.

International School of Music

The Store Reporter Guide — this week's meals, deals & services

 

FOOD & DRINKS

 

  • BROOKLYN’S DELI, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza,  1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: (301) 340-3354. Brooklyn’s Deli would like to thank Eagle Bank for getting us through this extremely rough time. Open daily for carry-out, catering & patio dining. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • CAVA MEZZE, five locations across the DMV, now offering outdoor dining featuring our Cava lamb chops, scallops risotto & spanakopita. Reservations through our website or OpenTable. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended but not required. We also offer contactless takeout & delivery featuring family meals, individual platters & (2) for Tuesdays: $40 for two adult booze pouches. More info: cavamezze.com.

 

  • GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village, 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Outdoor seating now open for lunch & dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. We also offer curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery. Full menu, weekly specials plus 1/2 off all wine, beer & cocktails. Phone: (301) 296-6168. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • GYROLAND casual Greek food, cooked fresh seven days a week. 1701 Rockville Pike in the Shops at Congressional Village, right under the Verizon store. Dine-in service beginning Friday at 5 p.m. Cashless transactions only. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pork, chicken, beef and lamb gyros, plus mixed grill and vegetarian options. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $30 minimum. 1/2 off all wine with your order. Call us: (301) 816-7829. Menu: gyroland.com.

 

  • HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: (301) 299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, choose no-contact curbside carryout, or enjoy our patio for outdoor dining. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

  • JULII RESTAURANT, located in the heart of Pike & Rose, offering Chef D’s take on timeless French classics. Outside dining now available, featuring signature dishes like foie torchon, crispy trout and salmon crudo. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended but not required. We also offer contactless takeout & delivery services, plus (2) for Tuesdays: $40 for two adult booze pouches. Call (301) 517-9090 or visit us at julii.com.

 

  • LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. New menu featuring split grilled bangers, Guinness-battered fish & chips, corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, chops, steaks & sandwiches. Discounted beer and wine to go. Delivery, carry-out, curbside pickup or enjoy outdoor dining in our new socially distanced patio seating. Call: (240) 499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

  • MIRCH MASALA GRILL, Indian cuisine at Westfield Montgomery mall. Now open for curbside pickup 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with popular dishes like butter chicken, chicken tikka, lamb curry, rice bowls with chicken, vegan dishes & samosas. We also cater for larger groups. Use delivery apps, call (301) 365-0677, or text your order to (240) 432-8077.

 

  • MOBY DICK KABOBS, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (240) 660-2626. Rockville location: (301) 738-0005. Open for carry-out, delivery and curbside pickup. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • MOSAIC CUISINE, modern French cooking in Rockville. Freshly reopened for curbside pickup at 186 Halpine Road or delivery with Grubhub. Offering your favorite waffles, Beef Bourguignon, two-course family meals for four starting at $58, and much more. Order online or by phone: (301) 468-0682. Menu: mosaiccuisine.com.

 

  • MYKONOS GRILL, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Our outdoor patio is now open! Indoor dining beginning Friday at 5 p.m. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Reservations strongly recommended. Cashless transactions only. Carry-out & free delivery in a five-mile radius with $50 minimum. We also work with the major delivery apps. Try our branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call (301) 770-5999. Menu: mykonosgrill.com.

 

  • NORMANDIE FARM, pop on over for fine cooking in the heart of Potomac, 10710 Falls Road. Outdoor patio now open! Full menu service, fine wines & spirits, live music Thursday-Sunday evenings, and of course our famous popovers. Also open for carry-out service. Phone: (301) 983-8838. Menu: popovers.com.

 

  • POTOMAC PIZZA, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: (301) 299-7700. Traville location: (301) 279-2234. Chevy Chase location: (301) 951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • QUARTERMAINE COFFEE ROASTERS, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call (301) 718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

  • RSVP CATERING, fine catering & groceries delivered right to your home. Gourmet foods for date night, family meals & everything in between. Store in your fridge, re-heat when ready. Also offering grocery items, essentials & margaritas by the gallon. Call (703) 573-8700 or shop rsvpcatering.com/store.

 

 

  • SUGO at Park Potomac, dinner takeout featuring pastas, pizzas & family meals. Feed 4 to 5 people with our hanger steaks, chicken & eggplant parmesan, spicy rigatoni, risotto fritters & more. Try our two-for-$20 pizzas, plus bottled sangria & Sugo Punch. Order via the major delivery apps, email info@eatsugo.com or call (240) 386-8080 and pick up curbside. Our patio is now open with happy hour from 4 p.m. daily! Menu: eatsugo.com.

 

 

  • YEKTA Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Tuesday-Sunday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call (301) 984-0005. Market open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call (301) 984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

  • CREATIVE INVITATIONS BALLOONS AND MORE, planning local weddings & mitzvahs for more than three decades. Owner Shelley Poulos can help with everything: choosing your venue, caterer & DJ, selecting favors, decorating & staffing your event. We’ll also decorate the outside of your house with balloons & signs for any occasion. Mention Store Reporter for a discount. Call 301-279-0560 or click here.

 

  • FLASHBACK FILMS, photo & video montages for your special occasion — whether in-person or virtual. Professional montages at affordable prices for all your important milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, mitzvahs & more. We’re a locally based, student-run company and will work within your budget. Send us your photos and we’ll do the rest. Visit us on Instagram. For video samples & pricing, email flashbackfilms123@gmail.com.

 

  • PALACE FLORISTS, family-owned since 1943. Farm-fresh, gorgeous flower arrangements and beautiful wrapped bouquets, plus festive & fun balloon bouquets, stunning orchid plants and lush green plants. Curbside pickup in Rockville at 4980 Wyaconda Rd., or no-contact delivery throughout the DMV. Call (301) 945-0253 or shop www.palaceflorists.com.

 

  • PARTYSCAPES, custom yard signs for any occasion. Let us set the perfect scene for any celebration: graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs & more. 100% contact-less service. Stunning, personalized, larger-than-life designs that will make your celebration POP! Social: @partyscapesdc. Email us: info@partyscapes.net. Call us: (855) 369-5904. Website: partyscapes.net.

 

  • SUNNYDYES AT HOME, mobile tie-dye parties for kids & adults. Let us host an event in your backyard or other open space. You pick the project, we’ll bring the tie-dye and all the supplies. Great for kids’ birthdays, adult happy hours & all kinds of special events. Instagram: @sunnydyesathome. For info, call (301) 461-6400 or email sunnydyesinfo@gmail.com.

 

FASHION

 

  • AUSTYN PARKER, fun jewelry for kids & cute clothes for moms. For kids: Make-your-own jewelry kits & online parties where everyone works on a project together. For moms: We’ve got your favorite brands like LNA, Monrow, Perfect White Tee, Generation Love, Chrldr & Comune. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram. For gift ideas, party planning & what’s in stock, call us: (301) 706-8122 or email us: randi@austynparker.com.

 

  • GYM & TONIC, luxury athleisure apparel, now in the comfort of your own home. 20% off all clothes right now. DM us for virtual shopping appointments and delivery in the DMV. Don’t forget to ask about our cute masks with filters. Shop @lovegymandtonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800. Text us: (202) 744-0169.

 

  • HANNA’S CONNECTION clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Soon to reopen at the Cabin John mini-mall, now offering virtual shopping and online orders with free delivery. We carry designer face masks, free with purchase. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • KAREN’S ROCKS AND RAGS, new & gently used women’s boutique. On-trend, affordable clothing & accessories. Great selection of face masks $8-$12. Facetime shopping, free shipping on orders over $100, local delivery & curbside pickup at 212 Main Street, Gaithersburg. Almost everything is 20% off right now. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Phone: (240) 476-9800. eBay store: ebay.com/str/karensrocksandrags.

 

 

  • R BOUTIQUE, a sophisticated & cute clothing store, soon to reopen inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry & stylish masks. Tons of casual wear, tie-dye sets, shorts, tank tops, sandals & sneakers. Now offering curbside pickup & free delivery within a 10-mile radius. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Or call Rayna Badwey Matz for a Facebook shopping appointment, (301) 943-2000. To purchase masks, visit rboutique.shop.

 

  • SCOUT & MOLLY’S BOUTIQUE, your North Bethesda fashion destination at Pike & Rose. The store will be reopening on Friday, June 19th at 5 p.m. We have tons of new summer arrivals. Click here for new facemask colors & styles. Shop Instagram. Shop Facebook. We will continue to officer curbside pickup, so feel free to shop online or call us at (301) 348-5047 to help with your shopping needs! northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

 

GIFTS

 

  • JOYFUL BATH CO., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call (301) 986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

 

 

FOR THE KIDS

 

 

  • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

  • MY GYM LIVE! age-appropriate fun for all the kids. Live interactive 30-minute kids’ fitness classes filled with song, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Our gyms may be closed, but we’re bringing all the fun you expect from My Gym directly into your house. Now offering My Gym Live! birthday parties and new outdoor classes. More info: mygym.com/potomac.

 

FURNITURE, ART & COLLECTIBLES

 

  • FREEMAN’S AUCTION, America’s oldest auction house, established in 1805. Potomac-based rep Debrah Dunner will help you consign fine art including modern & contemporary art, jewelry, 20th Century design & more. Virtual appointments, free auction estimates, easy no-contact pickup of your goods. For more info, call (301) 738-0347 or email ddunner@freemansauction.com.

 

  • ISI FURNISH, lightly used furnishings & decor at a fraction of the cost. Our white-glove service makes it easy to sell your fine furniture discreetly & professionally. If you’re looking to buy, we offer a wide range of affordable luxury furnishings to match your design and budget.  Call us: (971) 337-4403. Shop with us for new items every week: isifurnish.com.

 

HOME SERVICES

 

  • ISOLDIT, the easy way to turn your stuff into cash. We do the work, you cash the check. Get top dollar for your unwanted electronics, music equipment, jewelry, collectibles & furniture. Looking to reduce equipment or inventory for your business? We can help. Call us: (301) 990-2040. Email us: info@isolditmd.com. Safety is our priority — no contact, no worries. More info: www.isolditmd.com.

 

  • JIMMY GUSKY HEATING & AIR, one-stop shop for heating, air conditioning, plumbing and ductwork, serving Rockville & the D.C. area. We always give you an honest opinion and transparent pricing, making repairs when we can and helping you decide when replacement is the better option. Have an emergency? We’re available 24/7. Call (301) 327-7306 or click here.

 

  • MIKE’S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY, offering lock repair and replacement, keyless & touchpad systems plus door hardware, high-security keys and mailbox lockdown. All work guaranteed as long as you own your home. For after-hour emergencies or regular appointments, call (240) 506-7500. For more information, email mike@mikes-locksmith.com or click here.

 

  • NORMANDY CARPET, excellence in carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning & installation. We’re essential & here to serve you. Spilled wine on your carpet? Dog peed in the house? Flooding from the rain? We follow CDC safety guidelines, and our cleaning method removes dangerous viruses & bacteria. Call (301) 741-2005 or email info@normandycarpet.com. More info: www.normandycarpet.com.

 

  • TOWN & COUNTRY MOVERS, family-owned moving and storage company, based in Gaithersburg and serving the DMV since 1977. We handle local, long-distance and international relocations, as well as short-term and long-term storage solutions. Our staging division works with local realtors to enhance listings and improve home sales. Call (301) 670-4600 or click here.
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Last Call at Neiman’s, Goldberg’s Bagels, auctions heat up & the new shopping landscape

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Shopping won't look like it used to

As we draw closer to the reopening of Montgomery County — date still to be determined — our stores are preparing to welcome back customers to an altered shopping environment. Masks will be de rigueur, of course, with some places handing out gloves and sanitizer. Staffers will be cleaning constantly, enforcing social distancing and limiting traffic in their stores. Bra fittings, makeup testing and other “high-touch” services will no longer be offered. Fitting rooms will be scarce at some stores and closed at others; “try-it-on-at-home” will be the norm. And all that stuff you end up returning? It will have to be quarantined and/or disinfected before going back to the racks. Lastly, forget about bringing cash: A lot of stores will no longer accept it.

Game Gym

Last call for Last Call?

With Neiman Marcus joining the ranks of retailers in Chapter 11, we’re not too optimistic about the future of the Last Call outlet in Rockville. Even before the pandemic caused all department stores to close, the Dallas-based chain had announced plans to shutter most of its Last Call locations. Luxury and high prices are what Neiman Marcus is known for, and Last Call’s discount model had been chipping away at the mystique. At Congressional Plaza, Last Call occupies a massive space next to the new Barnes & Noble and the upcoming “FitRow” gym hub. (You remember gyms, those places where we used to go to work out?)

Mimi Arnold

Is Goldberg's coming back?

Store Reporter readers have been wondering about the fate of the Goldberg’s bagel chain, whose restaurants have remained closed throughout the pandemic. The phone line at Goldberg’s Cabin John location has been disconnected, but owners tell us it’s only temporary and their restaurants will reopen in a couple of weeks. Also expected to make a comeback is longtime favorite Bagel City, which has been dark on Rockville Pike since March. More on that in our April 23rd edition.

International School of Music

While people are home, auctions heat up

With so much of our time spent at home these days, a lot of us are viewing our surroundings with fresh eyes. For some, the moment finally has arrived to fill up those blank walls and empty shelves. For others, now is the time to start selling off unwanted art, jewelry and collectibles. Debrah Dunner, a Potomac-based rep for the auction house Freeman’s, says clients are consigning everything from fine art to jewelry, designer furniture and rare books. “Some of our clients are getting ready to downsize, and some are just looking around and realizing that they don’t need all this stuff in their homes,” she says. And with online auctions making it easier than ever to participate, Dunner says first-time buyers are entering the market at record levels. “No one is going out to dinner or going places right now,” she says. “So instead of collecting experiences, a lot of people are looking to spend money on objects they can own.” Are you thinking of buying, selling or just want to know how much your stuff is worth? Dunner offers free auction estimates via virtual appointments, with easy no-contact pickup of your goods. Questions? Email ddunner@freemansauction.com or call (301) 738-0347.

"We're Open!" for food, fashion, face masks & more

This week’s guide has even more stores and restaurants that deliver to your doorstep, plus a growing list of kids’ activities and businesses that are currently open to serve you.

 

GIFTS

 

  • Joyful Bath Co., natural handmade bath and body care products for spa & wellness at home. 5534 Wilkins Ct., North Bethesda. Soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, hemp ultra therapy, soy candles, Turkish towels & gift sets plus our own citric acid surface cleaner. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 301-986-5320 or order online for shipping or curbside pickup: joyfulbathco.com.

 

 

 

FASHION

 

  • Bows Etc., now making face masks with personality for men, women & kids. Your smile may be hidden, but you can still rock fun designs and show off your favorite sports teams & colleges. All our masks are reversible & washable, with three layers of 100% cotton fabric & pocket for an additional filter. Masks are $14 plus $5 shipping, or porch pickup in the Shady Grove area. Shop Facebook or email arlen.groban@yahoo.com.

 

  • Gym & Tonic, luxury athleisure apparel, now in the comfort of your own home. 20% off all clothes right now. DM us for virtual shopping appointments and delivery in the DMV. Don’t forget to ask about our cute masks with filters. Shop @lovegymantonic on Instagram. Email us: wendyamy18@gmail.com. Call us: (301) 340-8800. Text us: (202) 744-0169.

 

  • Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Soon to reopen at the Cabin John mini-mall, now offering virtual shopping and online orders with free delivery. We carry designer face masks, free with purchase. Call us: (301) 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • On Cloud 9, trendy boutique for babies, girls and adults. Offering virtual shopping & online orders. We deliver by mail, drop off in a 10-mile radius, or you can pick up curbside by our Potomac Woods Plaza store. 20% off everything right now. Call 301-251-1331 or email oncloud9potomac@gmail.com. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • R Boutique, a sophisticated & cute clothing store, soon to reopen inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Fully stocked with clothing, jewelry & stylish masks. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. Or call Rayna Badwey Matz for a Facebook shopping appointment, 301-943-2000. To purchase masks, visit rboutique.shop.

 

  • Scout & Molly’s Boutique, your North Bethesda fashion destination at Pike & Rose. We’re open from noon to 6 p.m. for curbside pickup. Check out our online Flash Sale Fridays for some fantastic savings! Click here for our super fashionable (leopard, snake, tie dye) face masks. Also check our Instagram for weekly giveaways. Call us: 301-348-5047. Shop: northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

 

FOOD

 

  • Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Brooklyn’s Deli would like to thank Eagle Bank for getting us through this extremely rough time. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Phone: 301-340-3354. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • Cava Mezze, Greek comfort food. Family meals starting at $50 include kabobs, rice, salad, sandwiches & more. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with multiple apps, or 10% off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 309-9090. Menu: cavamezze.com.

 

  • Downtown Crown online services, restaurant takeout and delivery options at Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, Gaithersburg. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here. For a complete list of what’s available now, visit ShopDowntownCrown.com.

 

  • Gregorio’s Trattoria, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village. 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-296-6168. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Carry-out, curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery available. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • Gyroland casual Greek food, cooked fresh seven days a week. 1701 Rockville Pike in the Shops at Congressional Village, right under the Verizon store. Pork, chicken, beef and lamb gyros, plus mixed grill and vegetarian options. Free delivery in a five-mile radius with $30 minimum. 1/2 off all wine with your order. Call us: (301) 816-7829. Menu: https://gyrolandmd.com/

 

  • Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, or choose no-contact curbside carryout. Check Facebook for daily specials. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

  • Julii, comfort food + market goods. $30 family meals, sandwiches, Chef D’s favorite dishes plus toilet paper, paper towels & flour. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with UberEats, or 10 percent off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 517-9090. Menu: julii.com.

 

  • Lahinch Tavern and Grill, regional American cuisine at Cabin John Village. Featuring a daily menu with family-style dining options. Offering delivery, carry-out and curbside pickup. 1/2 off beer and wine to go, mixed drinks to go at happy hour prices. Stop by and say hi! Call: 240-499-8922. Menu: lahinchtavernandgrill.com.

 

 

  • Moby Dick Kabobs, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 240-660-2626. Rockville location: 301-738-0005. Open for carry-out, delivery and curbside pickup. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • Mykonos Grill, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Carry-out & free delivery in a five-mile radius with $50 minimum. We also work with the major delivery apps. Specialties include branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call 301-770-5999. Menu: https://mykonosgrill.com/

 

  • Normandie Farm, pop on over for fine cooking in Potomac. 10710 Falls Road. Phone: 301-983-8838. Open for carry-out service. Full menu, popovers & jam to go: popovers.com.

 

  • Potomac Pizza, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 301-299-7700. Traville location: 301-279-2234. Chevy Chase location: 301-951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call 301-718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

 

 

  • Yekta Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Tuesday-Sunday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

FOR THE KIDS

 

 

 

  • International School of Music, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

  • My Gym Live! age-appropriate fun for all the kids. Live interactive 30-minute kids’ fitness classes filled with song, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Our gyms may be closed, but we’re bringing all the fun you expect from My Gym directly into your house. Now offering My Gym Live! birthday parties. More info here: mygym.com/potomac.

 

  • The Story House, a carefully curated selection of books & games for kids & adults. Now selling cotton face masks for men, women & kids. Most are reversible, with two patterns; all have a filter pocket. Shop www.storyhouseonline.com or visit us inside Dawson’s Market at Rockville Town Square. Free shipping on orders over $25, free pick-up at Dawson’s in-store or curbside. Email us: debbie@storyhouseonline.com.

 

  • Toy Castle home delivery service. Open for orders 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. Same-day, no-fee delivery with $35 minimum order. Great outdoor toys & games arriving daily, tons of other items continually re-stocked. Shop for ideas on our Facebook page, call for suggestions and to place your order: (301) 299-0680.

 

SERVICES

 

  • iSoldIt, the easy way to turn your stuff into cash. We do the work, you cash the check. Get top dollar for your unwanted electronics, music equipment, jewelry, collectibles & furniture. Looking to reduce equipment or inventory for your business? We can help. Call us: 301-990-2040. Email us: info@isolditmd.com. Safety is our priority — no contact, no worries. More info: www.isolditmd.com.

 

  • Normandy Carpet, excellence in carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning & installation. We’re essential & here to serve you. Spilled wine on your carpet? Dog peed in the house? Flooding from the rain? We follow CDC safety guidelines, and our cleaning method removes dangerous viruses & bacteria. Call 301-741-2005 or email info@normandycarpet.com. www.normandycarpet.com.

 

 

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Local stores get creative — and our latest “We’re Open!” Guide

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Local stores get creative

Four weeks into the “new normal” where most of our local stores remain closed, some of them are cooking up creative ways to stay in business. From one-on-one online shopping sessions to doorstep drop-offs, sales are still happening and homebound customers are grateful for the diversion — not to mention the chance to support their local favorites. “If you had told me three months ago that I would be doing Facetime shopping, I would have thought it would never work,” says Gayle Herrmann of the Oak boutique in Kensington. “But now I go around the store holding up my phone,” she says. “I show things to customers and see what they’re excited about, and I even decide what size to send them. I basically become their personal shopper.” Indeed, it’s the “personal” part that everyone seems to appreciate right now. You certainly don’t get that from an Amazon order. “We’re getting such nice compliments from customers,” says Toy Castle owner Brian Mack, who started offering home delivery last week. “It feels good during this otherwise very difficult situation.” So what kind of stuff are local people buying right now? Most of it seems to fall into four categories:

 

  • Cozy clothes that are presentable enough for a Zoom session. “At first no one wanted to buy new clothes, but now that’s starting to change,” says Hanna Avissar Balkin of Hanna’s Connection. “People are beginning to socialize online, or do happy hour outdoors with social distancing.” Trendy loungewear by PJ Salvage is a bestseller at Occasions, while Scout & Molly’s in North Bethesda is selling tons of graphic T-shirts with inspirational sayings. Also: baseball caps that are cute enough to cover up bad hair and grey roots. “If you’ve got a conference call, you can give your hair a break and just pop that hat right on,” says owner Wendy Brack Fritz.

 

  • Care packages. Some people are buying gifts for themselves, others for their friends and employees. Bath and body products are selling fast at The Cottage Monet in Rockville Town Square — “especially those that smell like the sea,” says owner Caya Cagri. Occasions, with stores in Potomac and Kentlands, has been dropping lots of cellophane-wrapped gifts on local doorsteps. “Babies are still being born, birthdays are still being had,” says owner Stephanie Menick. “And thank-you gifts are big right now. We’re wrapping up soaps, lotions, hand sanitizers, chocolate-covered pretzels. Depending on the situation, we’ll throw in kids’ games or dog treats.”

 

  • Puzzles are having a moment. Toy Castle is delivering tons of them, but young families aren’t the only ones buying. Wildwood’s Red Orchard gift shop is dropping them off all over town. “Right now, puzzles are about 60 percent of our business,” says co-owner John Liberty. “Man, it’s a lot of puzzles. But it makes sense. It’s something for people to do when they’re stuck at home.”

 

  • Masks — if you can get them. Rayna Badwey Matz, owner of R Boutique, started ordering maks a few weeks ago and can hardly keep up with the demand. “As soon as I post them on my website, they’re gone within hours,” she says. Hanna’s Connection just got its first mask shipments and is throwing them in free with every order. Anja Caldwell, owner of FiberArt Studio in Potomac Village, is making her own masks and has posted an online tutorial on how to do it.

 

Hanna's Connection
Normandie Farm

The national outlook

Shopping center parking lots remained relatively empty this week as customers ventured out only for food and “essential” business. Best Buy, which saw a sales bump in March as customers invested in home office equipment, has now furloughed 40 percent of its workforce. Other retailers that have furloughed workers include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Container Store, Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Meanwhile, Neiman Marcus and JCPenney are both said to be on the verge of bankruptcy.

Wintergreen Plaza

We're Open! Local food, shopping and live classes

The “We’re Open!” Guide is our weekly list of locally owned businesses ready to serve you. Support our stores and restaurants — and give yourself a much-needed break — with takeout meals, no-contact delivery, shopping, kids’ programs and more. (Want to advertise in our guide? Email us: publisher@store reporter.com.)

 

DINING

 

  • Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: 301-340-3354. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • California Tortilla, a family fave. Potomac, Bethesda, Olney and Quince Orchard locations open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for carryout, curbside pickup and delivery. Order one of our Family Fajita Fiesta or Family Taco Night meals today! californiatortilla.olo.com/home/.

 

  • Cava Mezze, Greek comfort food. Family meals starting at $50 include kabobs, rice, salad, sandwiches & more. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with multiple apps, or 10% off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 309-9090. cavamezze.com.

 

  • Downtown Crown online services, restaurant takeout and delivery options at Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, Gaithersburg. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here. For a complete list of what’s available now, visit ShopDowntownCrown.com.

 

  • Gregorio’s Trattoria, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village. 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-296-6168. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Carry-out, curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery available. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, or choose no-contact curbside carryout. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

  • Julii, comfort food + market goods. $30 family meals, sandwiches, Chef D’s favorite dishes plus toilet paper, paper towels & flour. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with UberEats, or 10 percent off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 517-9090. julii.com.

 

 

  • Moby Dick Kabobs, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 240-660-2626. Rockville location: 301-738-0005. Open for carry-out, delivery and curbside pickup. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • Normandie Farm, pop on over for fine cooking in Potomac. 10710 Falls Road. Phone: 301-983-8838. Open for carry-out service. Full menu, popovers & jam to go: popovers.com.

 

  • Potomac Pizza, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 301-299-7700. Traville location: 301-279-2234. Chevy Chase location: 301-951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

 

  • St. Veg, 100% plant-based (vegan) cuisine at Fallsgrove Village Center. 14929 Shady Grove Rd., Unit M. Phone: 301-605-7511. Open for carry-out Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Call in your order, pay by phone and pick up at the designated table just inside the entrance. stveg.com/menu/

 

 

  • Yekta Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Tuesday-Sunday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

BEER, WINE & COFFEE

 

  • Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call 301-718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

 

SHOPPING

 

  • Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Temporarily closed at the Cabin John mini-mall, but offering virtual shopping and online orders with free delivery. Now offering designer face masks, $10 or free with purchase. Call us: 301- 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

  • R Boutique, soon to reopen inside Art & Chemistry by Diego at Downtown Crown. Now selling unisex cotton face masks, solids and prints, hand-washable and reusable, starting at $10. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram. For questions, call Rayna Badwey Matz: 301-943-2000. To purchase, visit rboutique.shop.

 

 

 

FOR THE KIDS

 

  • International School of Music, now offering online music lessons. All ages and levels, multiple platforms including Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. Take the next step on your musical journey. Call (301) 365-5888 or visit our website: ismw.org.

 

  • My Gym Live! age-appropriate fun for all the kids. Live interactive 30-minute kids’ fitness classes filled with song, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Our gyms may be closed, but we’re bringing all the fun you expect from My Gym directly into your house. Now offering My Gym Live! birthday parties. More info here: mygym.com/potomac.

 

  • Toy Castle home delivery service. Open for orders 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Same-day, no-fee delivery with $35 minimum order. 1,000-piece puzzles and tons of other items continually re-stocked. Shop for ideas our Facebook page, call for suggestions and to place your order: (301) 299-0680.
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Attman’s and Subway exit Cabin John — plus furloughs, Forever 21 and more food options

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Attman's exits Cabin John

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

Normandie Farm
Hanna's Connection

Forever 21 fades away

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

Wintergreen Plaza

Retail staffers wait and wonder

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

Shin Orthodontics

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

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

 

DINING

 

  • Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: 301-340-3354. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

 

  • Cava Mezze, Greek comfort food. Family meals starting at $50 include kabobs, rice, salad, sandwiches & more. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with multiple apps, or 10% off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 309-9090. cavamezze.com.

 

  • Downtown Crown online services, restaurant takeout and delivery options at Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, Gaithersburg. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here. For a complete list of what’s available now, visit ShopDowntownCrown.com.
  • Gregorio’s Trattoria, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village. 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-296-6168. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Carry-out, curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery available. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

 

  • Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open for lunch, dinner and gift card sales. Half-priced bottles of wine with food purchase. Delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub, or choose no-contact curbside carryout. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

 

  • Julii, comfort food + market goods. $30 family meals, sandwiches, Chef D’s favorite dishes plus toilet paper, paper towels & flour. Champagne, batched cocktails, discounted beer, 1/2 off wine. Delivery with UberEats, or 10 percent off contactless curbside pickup if you call directly: (301) 517-9090. julii.com.

 

 

  • Moby Dick Kabobs, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 240-660-2626. Rockville location: 301-738-0005. Open for carry-out, delivery and curbside pickup. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

 

  • Normandie Farm, pop on over for fine cooking in Potomac. 10710 Falls Road. Phone: 301-983-8838. Open for carry-out service. Full menu, popovers & jam to go: popovers.com.

 

  • Playa Bowls, acai and pitaya bowls, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices & coffee drinks. Cabin John Village, 7919 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac. Phone: 240-403-7456. Full menu available for curbside pickup and multiple delivery apps. Order online: playabowls.com.

 

  • Potomac Pizza, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 301-299-7700. Traville location: 301-279-2234. Chevy Chase location: 301-951-1127. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

 

  • Robeks Rockville, fresh juice & smoothies on the run. Research Row, 1403 Research Blvd. Phone: 240-386-8468. Online ordering, carry-out & delivery. Menu: robeks.com.

 

 

  • St. Veg, 100% plant-based (vegan) cuisine at Fallsgrove Village Center. 14929 Shady Grove Rd., Unit M. Phone: 301-605-7511. Open for carry-out Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Call in your order, pay by phone and pick up near the entrance. stveg.com/menu/

 

 

  • The Original Pancake House, the first name in pancakes. Locations in Rockville, Bethesda & Falls Church. Phone: 301-468-0886. Full breakfast and lunch menu for carry-out, curbside and delivery via Grubhub & DoorDash. Menu: ophrestaurants.com.

 

  • Yekta Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Wednesday-Saturday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

BEER, WINE & COFFEE

 

  • Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, locally roasted fresh coffee. Bethesda store open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily with drinks, beans & pastries. Use the Quartermaine app or call 301-718-2853. Also: $5 flat-rate shipping with $30 minimum for beans shipped to your door. Click on the person next to the shopping cart at www.quartermaine.com.

 

 

 

SHOPPING

 

  • Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Temporarily closed at the Cabin John mini-mall, but taking online orders with free delivery. Now through April 10: One free $20 Cava gift card when you spend $100. Call us: 301- 704-0264. Shop Facebook or Shop Instagram.

 

 

ONLINE & LIVE CLASSES

 

  • My Gym Live! age-appropriate fun for all the kids. Live interactive 30-minute kids’ fitness classes filled with song, dance, gymnastics, sports and more. Our gyms may be closed, but we’re bringing all the fun you expect from My Gym directly into your house. More info here: mygym.com/potomac.

 

Are you open too? Click here to advertise in our guide.

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Local restaurants pivot to takeout, malls close & booze gets delivered

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The new normal

Was it really just a week ago that we were writing about the new Amazon store heading to Westfield Montgomery mall and wondering when that 7-Eleven was going to open? Now the mall is closed, Amazon is overwhelmed and people are worried about where to buy toilet paper. Right now, the news is happening so fast that our weekly issues may not be enough. We’ll be updating the Store Reporter website as things change, so be sure to check here regularly and sign up for our emails to stay in the know. For even faster updates, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

Shifting landscape for local stores & restaurants

It’s been a helluva week for everyone, but the retail and restaurant industries have been among the hardest hit. This past Monday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ordered the immediate closing of all bars, restaurants, fitness centers and theaters. By mid-week, major stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s and Apple had closed their doors as well. On Thursday, all Maryland malls were ordered to close for an indefinite period. Essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open, but restaurants are limited to carry-out, delivery and drive-through. Montgomery County officials are trying to help out by temporarily allowing those businesses to sell beer and wine along with food orders. Where to find updates on who’s offering what? Follow the Store Reporter Facebook page, and watch for our upcoming “We’re Open!” Guide.

Normandie Farm

We're Open!

Here are some local businesses ready to (safely) serve you right now:

Brooklyn’s Deli, homemade meats, soups & sandwiches at Potomac Woods Plaza. 1089 Seven Locks Road. Phone: 301-340-3354. Open daily for carry-out & catering. Menu: brooklynsdelimd.com.

Gregorio’s Trattoria, Italian favorites at Cabin John Village. 7745 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-296-6168. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Carry-out, curbside pickup, pay by phone & contact-free delivery available. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: gregoriostrattoria.com.

Hanna’s Connection clothing boutique. Refresh your closet. Refresh your mood. Phone: (301) 704-0264. Orders can be mailed, delivered or picked up curbside at the Cabin John mini-mall. Shop Facebook. Shop Instagram.

Hunter’s Bar and Grill, the “Cheers” of Potomac. 10123 River Road. Phone: 301-299-9300. Open daily with menu favorites for phone and online orders. Carry-out or use delivery apps. All wine and beer 1/2 off. Menu: huntersbarandgrill.com.

Moby Dick Kabobs, Persian cooking on the go. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Phone: 240-660-2626. Open for carry-out & delivery. Menu: mobyskabob.com.

Normandie Farm, pop on over for fine cooking in Potomac. 10710 Falls Road. Phone: 301-983-8838. Open for carry-out service. Full menu, popovers & jam to go: popovers.com.

Playa Bowls, acai and pitaya bowls, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices & coffee drinks. Cabin John Village, 7919 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac. Phone: 240-403-7456. Full menu available for curbside pickup and multiple delivery apps. Order online: playabowls.com.

Potomac Pizza, a delicious favorite since 1978. Multiple locations in Maryland and the DMV. Potomac location: 301-299-7700. Traville location: 301-279-2234. Offering contact-free delivery, curbside pickup & takeout. Menu: potomacpizza.com.

Robeks Rockville, Fresh juice & smoothies on the run. Research Row, 1403 Research Blvd. Phone: 240-386-8468. Online ordering, carry-out & delivery. Menu: robeks.com.

Scout & Molly’s Boutique, your North Bethesda fashion destination. Pike & Rose, 11882 Grand Park Ave. Phone: 301-348-5047. Now online at 30% off total purchase + free shipping. Shop: northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com.

St. Veg, 100% plant-based (vegan) cuisine at Fallsgrove Village Center. 14929 Shady Grove Rd., Unit M. Phone: 301-605-7511. Open for carry-out Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Call in your order, pay by phone and pick up near the entrance. stveg.com/menu/

Talbert’s Ice & Beverage Service, beer & wine delivery. 5234 River Road. Phone: 301-652-3000. Open for walk-ins and as always, delivering beer & wine throughout MoCo, plus ice, sodas & mixers to the DMV. talbertsice.com.

The Grilled Oyster Co., fine dining at Cabin John Village. 7943 Tuckerman Lane. Phone: 301-299-9888. Limited menu, beer and wine for carry-out & delivery. Email valerie@grilledoysterco.com to order. Menu: thegrilledoystercompany.com.

The Original Pancake House, the first name in pancakes. Locations in Rockville, Bethesda & Falls Church. Phone: 301-468-0886. Full breakfast and lunch menu for carry-out, curbside and delivery via Grubhub & DoorDash. Menu: ophrestaurants.com.

Yekta, Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Restaurant open Wednesday-Saturday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call 301-984-0005. Market open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with curbside pickup. Email info@yekta.com or call 301-984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

Are you open too? Be a part of our “We’re Open!” Guide — a listing of local stores, restaurants and other businesses that want to advertise what they’re offering right now. Are you cooking meals for carry-out and delivery? Fulfilling online orders from your local store? Running errands for the homebound? Conducting virtual classes and workshops? Let the Store Reporter audience know that you’re open. Click here for details.

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Coronavirus chaos at local stores, Amazon heading to the mall

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Coronavirus chaos

Costco, Target and Walgreens could hardly keep up with demand this week as shoppers stocked up on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bottled water and massive amounts of food. Meanwhile, many stores and restaurants stood empty even as they implemented ever-more-stringent procedures for handwashing and disinfecting. When you do opt to shop and dine out in the weeks and months to come, consider giving some of your business to our locally owned stores and restaurants. They are facing an unprecedented challenge, and they will need our support to survive.

Editor’s note: On Monday (March 16th), Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced mandatory closings of bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms statewide. Restaurants may continue to offer drive-through, carry-out and food delivery. Grocery stores will remain open, as well pharmacies, banks and gas stations. More on the fallout in our next issue.

Lisa Nasar

Amazon store heads to the mall

Coming soon to Westfield Montgomery mall: Amazon 4-Star, a see-it-in-person showroom full of trending and top-rated products. We toured one of these stores in SoHo and found an odd but intriguing mix of merchandise: books, kitchenware and home goods alongside tech, toys and random trending gift items. The 4-Star stores also offer the chance to test-drive audio equipment and Amazon devices like Alexa and Echo. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, pricing will be the same as you’d pay online. Non-members can pay more — or opt to join Prime as they’re checking out. Opening date TBD in the Nordstrom wing, where Furniture Place just closed.

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More on the mall

A few more stores are on the move at Westfield Montgomery mall. Core has closed after a year-long run, and Destination Maternity will be gone in the next few weeks. Luggage Plus is now open near Nordstrom, Mattress Warehouse is relocating across the hall, and a new beauty store is taking over the old Kneipp space. As for the 7-Eleven opening, we’re now looking at late March.

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Retail shakeups, Lego starts building, Patrizia Luca & A.C. Moore

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Major chains change hands

The retail world has been especially turbulent these past few weeks as once-dominant clothing chains sort out their futures at malls across the country. Forever 21, which filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy last September, just changed hands and now appears poised for a comeback. Victoria’s Secret and Pink also have been sold, leaving parent company L Brands — once the owner of The Limited, Express and a bunch of other clothing chains — with only Bath & Body Works in its portfolio. What does all this mean for Westfield Montgomery mall? Time will tell, but it’s likely that all of these stores will be sticking around.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

New home for Patrizia Luca

Patrizia Luca is on the move again at Westfield Montgomery mall, clearing out of its most recent space to make room for the upcoming Lego store. The five-year-old boutique has relocated several times, but it’s now returning to the spot where it first debuted — right next to Apple. Which begs the question: In today’s challenging retail environment, how has this local shop managed to thrive where so many others have failed? For one thing, owner Mahmoud Nassaj is a bit of a workaholic. He’s at the store pretty much around the clock, making sure that every customer gets the royal treatment. In addition, Patrizia Luca manufactures most of its own merchandise. “Unlike a lot of places around here, my store never looks boring,” Nassaj says. “When a woman goes to a wedding, she wants to look different — so I only get a few pieces of the same item. And I carry a lot in sizes 8/10 to 16. Not everyone is a size extra-small double zero.” (Want to know more about the Lego store? Check out our Feb. 6th edition.)

Lisa Nasar

Decor galore at A.C. Moore

A.C. Moore is fast-forwarding through the seasons this month as the retailer clears out everything in its warehouse, from Easter baskets and summer flowers to Halloween and holiday decor. The Rockville store will be one of the last to close — probably next month — and new merchandise will be arriving until the very end. If you don’t mind a little seasonal cognitive dissonance, this is a great time to pick up some bargains.

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

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Hello Home Depot Design Center

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

Realtor Mimi Arnold of Century 21 Redwood Realty

New look for the books

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

Wintergreen Plaza

The luxe life

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

Wink Eyecare Boutique

Mall moves: Stationery, Sheepskin & Slurpees

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

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Signs of change in Potomac Village, coffee cafe at the JCC, bye bye Bobby’s

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Signs of change in Potomac Village

Two years after Walgreens completed its purchase of Rite Aid, the Potomac Village drugstore at 10134 River Road is finally changing its branding. Renovations are now underway, with a “grand re-opening” scheduled for Feb. 21st. Meanwhile, the older Walgreens store right across the street is expected to stay in business for the foreseeable future. And just around the corner, another new tenant is moving into Potomac Village: Pure Barre is scheduled to open next month a few doors down from Tally-Ho. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for a firm date.

Lisa Nasar

Bobby's flames out

This week we say goodbye to Bobby’s Burger Palace, closing Feb. 15th at Westfield Montgomery mall. Its successor, New Haven pizzeria Frank Pepe, is scheduled to open next winter along with fellow newcomer Peking Duck. For more on Frank Pepe, check out our Dec. 5th edition. For more on Peking Duck and the mall’s changing restaurant scene, click here.

Taff & Levine

Coffee cafe at the JCC

Park Potomac coffee shop Filicori Zecchini has expanded to Rockville with a new location inside the Bender Jewish Community Center. Operating under the name 2 Beans in a Cup, the shop is located just behind the entrance and is open to all JCC members and visitors. The menu is similar to the one at Park Potomac, as is the stunning copper bar. But at the JCC location, everything is kosher. 2 Beans in a Cup is the second Rockville coffee shop to open this winter; click here for the scoop on Java Nation.

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

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Hello Lego

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

Sugo
Sky Squad

The future of Macy's and more at the mall

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

Wintergreen Plaza

Closing date for Pizza CS

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

Mimi Arnold
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Goodbye Bobby’s Burger Palace, hello Frank Pepe & Peking duck — plus Quartermaine, Bar Louie and the Corned Beef King

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Heading to the mall: Slurpees, clam pizza & Peking duck

Big changes are ahead for the Westfield Montgomery dining scene. This week, mall management gave us a peek at what’s about to happen.

  • Bobby’s Burger Palace will be closing soon to make way for the New Haven newcomer that everyone’s been buzzing about: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. The Connecticut restaurant serves thin-crust pizza with charred edges, including a signature pie featuring littleneck clams, garlic and olive oil. It’ll be awhile before this happens — Bobby’s hasn’t even set a closing date yet — but from what we hear, those pies will be worth the wait. More on Frank Pepe in our Dec. 5th edition. (Editor’s update: Bobby’s closed on Feb. 15th.)
  • Peking Duck, serving Asian-inspired cuisine, will be moving into the former Crave space next to Cheesecake Factory. More on that in an upcoming issue.
  • Ejji Ramen has closed its doors after little more than a year in the mall’s Dining Terrace. Meanwhile, just around the corner, the new 7-Eleven is finally expected to open in March. (Who knew slurpees could take this long?)
  • Soy Chinese Kitchen, successor to the much-missed Fu Shing, is about to open its doors at the mall-adjacent Westlake Crossing.
Lisa Nasar
The Grilled Oyster

Spilling the beans on the Quartermaine closing

Local coffee lovers are mourning the loss of Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, which closed its doors last week after a decade at the Georgetown Square shopping center. “The rent just got too high for the numbers to work for us,” says Quartermaine co-owner Carolyn Weinberg. The downtown Bethesda location will stay in business, Weinberg says, and the company is keeping an eye out for other potential spaces. Meanwhile, Quartermaine fans can order their coffee online or visit the company’s Rockville roastery off Boiling Brook Parkway, where beans will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

International School of Music

Bar Louie & Corned Beef King exit the Square

This week we say goodbye to Bar Louie, which closed its doors at Rockville Town Square after the Texas-based company filed Chapter 11. Corned Beef King is also out of the Square after a brief run inside Dawson’s Market. “It was really stressful having two places,” says owner Jon Rossler, who is once again serving sandwiches at the Liberty gas station on Rockville Pike. Rossler says his food trucks will be back on the road when the weather turns warmer.

Power Hour Editing
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New Chinese restaurant for Rockville Pike, goodbye Bose & Papyrus, more closings ahead

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Hot pot on the Pike

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

Shin Orthodontics
Taff & Levine

Sounds of silence

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

Wintergreen Plaza
Bender JCC

Papyrus signs off

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

International School of Music

Color Bar for Congressional

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

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Coffee, cocktails and a mancave for Rockville Pike; three more stores say goodbye

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Java and cocktails on Rockville Pike

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

Bender JCC
Park Potomac Yoga

Mancave at Montrose

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

Mimi Arnold
Wintergreen Plaza

Two stores out at the mall

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

Potomac Physical Therapy
Wink Eyecare Boutique

Boutique closes at Congressional Plaza

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

International School of Music
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