Store Reporter

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

Westfield Montgomery mall

Japanese steakhouse flames out, Cinnabon wafts in — plus new Java on Rockville Pike and a Big Greek giveaway

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Japanese steakhouse flames out

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

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

What's that smell?

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

Wink Eyecare Boutique

The Big Greek giveaway

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

2019 Mimi Arnold Thinking of Selling

New Java for Rockville Pike

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

Power Hour Editing
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Big move for Rockville’s Barnes & Noble — plus Smashburger goes dark & Japanese steakhouse sets a date

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Big move for Barnes & Noble

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

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
Wink Eyecare Boutique

Japanese steakhouse sets a date

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

Biker Barre

Mall stores say goodbye

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

Shin Orthodontics

Rockville Smashburger goes dark

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

Diener Denim Plus Diamonds
CASA Voices for Children Montgomery
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Sweetgreen & more at Pike & Rose — plus Cinnabon, Wicked Waffle and a 737 at the mall

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Sweetgreen arrives, BurgerFi on the way

Sweetgreen, the fast-casual salad chain with D.C. roots, opened its doors this week at Pike & Rose. (Check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.) This is the third Montgomery County location for the 12-year-old chain, which was founded by three undergraduate business students from Georgetown University. What’s next for the Pike & Rose food scene? BurgerFi should be open in a couple of weeks, followed by Sunday Morning Bakehouse sometime this summer. Meanwhile, there’s another new business just down the block. Read on for more.

The Grllled Oyster Co.
Wink Eyecare Boutique

New gift shop at Pike & Rose

A locally owned gift shop — something we don’t see much of these days — just opened its doors at Pike & Rose. Olive & Loom, which replaces the Seasons oil and vinegar shop next to Stella Barra, specializes in artisan-made goods from Turkey and the U.S. The store is already set up for summer with brightly colored towels, cover-ups, beach bags and kimonos, plus soaps, bath products, pillows and kitchenware. Owner Ferzan Jaeger has another shop, Sabun Home in downtown Bethesda, but she’s closing that down to focus on Olive & Loom. For a closer look at the new store, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Washington Hebrew Congregation

What's up with Cinnabon & Wicked Waffle

Here come the calories: Cinnabon is fast-tracking its buildout at Westfield Montgomery mall, where it’s scheduled to open at the beginning of April next to Popeyes. Meanwhile, bad news for Wicked Waffle fans: Plans for a comeback have fallen through. The restaurant closed in January and was supposed to reopen the following month, but its new owner wasn’t able to work out a lease agreement with the mall. If you miss Wicked Waffle, you’ll have to visit the D.C. location.

Toy Castle
Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School

Fly me to the mall

In an unfortunate bit of timing given events of the past few weeks, a Dubai-based company just agreed to install a Boeing 737 flight simulator at Westfield Montgomery mall. The Dream Aero machine, which looks like a spaceship on the outside and a jet cockpit on the inside, will hover above Cava and Gusto in a still-undeveloped space on the mall’s third level. Timing is TBD, but we’re told construction is going to take awhile.

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Cabin John construction, Flower Child at Wildwood — plus Tesla, Invisalign and a closing on Rockville Pike

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New round of construction at Cabin John

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

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

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

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

Bullis Summer Programs

Flower Child to bloom this summer

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

Washington Hebrew Congregation

Rockville swim store goes under

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

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

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Urban Plates arrives

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

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

New look for Lebanese Taverna

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

Trio Jr.

Two more closings at Rockville Town Square

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

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty

Rolling into Park Potomac

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

Churchill Blast
Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School

Big week for The Gap & Gymboree

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

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

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Another closing at Congressional Plaza

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

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

Urban Plates is ready to roll

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

Power Hour Editing
Churchill Blast

Victoria's Secret goes down a size

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

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

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Change is in the air at Congressional Plaza

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

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

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

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

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

Cooper's Hawk will take flight soon

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

Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty
Eyeland/Luxoptics

Who's out at the mall

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

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

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West Elm on the way

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

Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Eyeland/Luxoptics

Poki DC arrives

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

Wink Eyecare
Shahs of Style

New eats on the Pike

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

Realtor Margie Halem of Compass
Magnolia Bluebird Party Smarty mitzvah workshop

Is Viva still alive?

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

Congregation B'nai Tzedek Greenzaid ECC
Shin Orthodontics
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Urban Plates, Cinnabon, Jersey Mike’s, Amazon Lockers & more

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First look at Urban Plates

This week we had a chance to preview the menu at Urban Plates, which recently opened at Tysons Galleria and will arrive next month at Westfield Montgomery mall. The restaurant manages to gracefully combine a casual atmosphere and cafeteria-line setup with high-end entrées like osso bucco and striped sea bass, all at a price point well below $20. Sandwiches and salads are plentiful here (including a standout chicken club), along with tasty sides like brussels sprouts with turkey bacon, rainbow carrots with golden beets, and miso mushrooms with sweet potatoes. Desserts and juices also are house-made, and the Westfield Montgomery location will offer wine and beer. This one looks like a winner.

The Grilled Oyster
Moda Optic

Cinnabon and Amazon Lockers

In other mall news, Cinnabon is moving into the long-empty space next to Popeyes. The Core clothing store, which exited Westfield Montgomery two years ago, is making a comeback in the Nordstrom wing. And here’s a perk for online shoppers: A wall of Amazon Lockers will be installed next month near Forever 21. Not familiar with the concept? Amazon Lockers are self-serve “mailboxes” where you can drop off a package or receive a delivery at the time of your convenience. All you do is schedule the pickup or dropoff online, then Amazon sends you a locker number and a private code to open it. No more waiting for the UPS truck or worrying about porch pirates.

Party Smarty by Magnolia Bluebird

Rooftop skating at Pike & Rose

An ice-skating rink made its debut last weekend on the rooftop terrace of the Canopy Hotel at Pike & Rose. The rink, which features synthetic ice, is open for the rest of this month with lounge seating on one side and a hotel menu on the other. Tickets are $14 to $17 per person and benefit the nonprofit Mel’s Rink Foundation, which is raising money to build an indoor sports facility for kids with special needs.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
Wintergreen Plaza

Goodbye Jerry's, hello Jersey Mike's

Jersey Mike’s Subs is on the way to the Fallsgrove shopping center, replacing the recently closed Jerry’s Subs and Pizza. This will be the second Jersey Mike’s in Rockville, following a three-year-old location at Wintergreen Plaza. Opening date TBD.

Eyeland/Luxoptics

Potomac Paddlesports floats out of the Village

Potomac Paddlesports has closed up shop in Potomac Village. After several years selling watersports gear in the mini-mall at the Potomac Promenade shopping center, owner Sunny Pitcher says he wants to focus on his core business of kayak lessons and excursions.

Wink Eyecare
Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
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What’s next for Cabin John, more closings at the mall, new UPS store for Potomac

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What's next for Cabin John

Cabin John Village is in mid-makeover this month as construction workers continue stripping away the center’s dated facade in favor of a modern new roofline. Most of the work should be done by spring; click here for a glimpse of what it will look like. Next up for Cabin John: Boutique fitness center Biker Barre opens next month inside the mini-mall. (Want to try it out? Sign up here for free classes from Feb. 6-10.) After that comes Sisters Thai, now scheduled to open in March between Le Pain Quotidien and Shake Shack.

Wintergreen Plaza
Shin Orthodontics

The party's over at Gymboree

With its parent company in Chapter 11, the Gymboree store at Westfield Montgomery mall has started its liquidation sale. No closing date has been announced yet, but all Gymboree locations are expected to be gone by May. The company is seeking a buyer for its sister chain, Janie and Jack, which also has a store at Westfield Montgomery. Stay tuned.

Adventure Zone
Kensington Shop-Dine-Events

Exit for Crabtree & Evelyn

Also closing its doors at Westfield Montgomery mall: skincare store Crabtree & Evelyn, whose parent company recently filed bankruptcy in Canada. It’s unclear what will happen to the 50-year-old retailer, which is headquartered in Connecticut and has stores all over the world. At Westfield Montgomery, Crabtree & Evelyn faced competition from the likes of Kiehl’s, Kneipp, Lush, L’Occitane en Provence, The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works — not to mention the beauty departments at Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Realtor Margie Halem of Compass
Power Hour Editing

Special delivery for Potomac

To the delight of Amazon Primers near the Rockville/Potomac border, a new UPS Store is headed for Potomac Woods Plaza. It’s moving in next to Seven Locks Barber, taking the space that was recently vacated by Pack-‘n’-Ship. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Sears checks out, Five Below is on the go, Justice closes… and what’s up with Wicked Waffle?

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Sears checks out, mall's ready to move on

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

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

What's up with Wicked Waffle?

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

Wink Eyecare

More for the men

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

Five Below is on the go

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

Realtor Jacqueline Band Olinger of Long & Foster
The Grilled Oyster

No Justice at Rio

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

OneTest
Bender JCC of Greater Washington
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Joe & the Juice for Wildwood, Robeks for Rockville, new gym is in and Gymboree is out

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Juice in, longtime restaurants out at Wildwood

More changes are on the way for Bethesda’s Wildwood shopping center, which just added a third new restaurant to its upcoming tenant roster. Moving out: Oakville Grille and Wildwood Italian Cuisine (formerly Geppetto’s), adjacent restaurants that are among the center’s oldest tenants. “We just couldn’t afford the lease anymore,” says owner Abby Ansari. “We’re all very sad.” Moving in just around the corner: Joe & the Juice, a juice bar/coffee house combo with an expansive menu that will include shakes, sandwiches, omelettes and vegan yogurt. Joe & the Juice joins Bethesda Bagels (opening this summer, details in our Jan. 3rd edition) and Flower Child (already open at Travilah Square, details in our Sept. 27th edition). Sneak peek of Joe & the Juice on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

OneTest
Bender JCC of Greater Washington

Robeks for Rockville, new gym moves in

Just off I-270, Rockville’s new Research Row development is really starting to take shape. Onelife Fitness just opened its doors with pools, basketball courts and a full schedule of group fitness classes. Chick-fil-A has been packing in the crowds since September, and Robeks will be joining the lineup this spring with smoothies and Brazilian-style açaí bowls. Also on the way: a Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. More on that in our Aug. 30th edition.

International School of Music at Cabin John Village
Margie Halem Group of Compass

Goodbye Gymboree

Gymboree Group has filed bankruptcy for the second time in two years — and it looks like this is really the end for the children’s clothing retailer. All Gymboree stores, including the one at Westfield Montgomery mall, are expected to close by May. Gymboree is trying to find a buyer for its higher-end Janie and Jack chain, which also has a location at Westfield Montgomery. We’ll keep you posted on the fate of that store.

Breakthrough Test Prep
Power Hour Editing

A date for Urban Plates

Urban Plates is eyeing a March opening at Westfield Montgomery mall, where it’s been under construction since last year in the massive space that once belonged to Naples Ristorante. This will be the second D.C.-area location for Urban Plates, which also opened last fall at Tysons Galleria. At Westfield Montgomery, there’s no word yet on opening dates for upcoming neighbors Poké Papa and Viva Japanese Steakhouse.

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

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7-Eleven moves into the mall

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

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Wintergreen Plaza

Sears on last legs at the mall

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

International School of Music

New beer and wine store on tap

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

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Another closing at Rockville Town Square

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

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Bethesda Bagels, Lands’ End, post-holiday closings, first look at Amazon’s newest store

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Bethesda Bagels heads to Wildwood

Big news on the bagel front: Bethesda Bagels is heading to the Wildwood shopping center, opening late this summer in the former Coco Blanca space next to CVS. This will be the fifth location for the family-owned business, which has been around since 1982. “We’ve had our eye on Wildwood for a couple of years,” says company president Danny Fleishman. “It’s extremely convenient for our customers who don’t always have time to go to downtown Bethesda, it’s very accessible to Potomac, and it will be great for all those Walter Johnson High School students who’ve been going to Starbucks for breakfast and lunch.” The new Bethesda Bagels will handle catering orders and serve an expanded delivery area, but it won’t have any space for indoor seating. Luckily, Wildwood is installing more outdoor tables and benches.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster
International School of Music

Post-holiday forecast for the mall

The month of January has been brutal for retailers these past few years, with national chains declaring bankruptcy and local businesses closing their doors in the wake of poor holiday sales. At this time last year, Westfield Montgomery mall lost Brookstone, Teavana and Guess among others. The previous January, casualties included The Limited, Peet’s Coffee, American Apparel, Freddy and Naples Ristorante. This year, though, the mall is looking pretty good as we swing into January. Aside from the long-expected exit of Sears and the departure of holiday pop-ups like the Virtual Insanity video arcade, the only other closing we’ve noted so far is the teen apparel store MVP Supreme.  Meanwhile, retail analysts say the bankruptcy boom is largely behind us and online merchants will be opening more brick-and-mortar stores this year. Will that be the case at Westfield Montgomery? Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the latest.

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Is this really the end for Lands' End?

As we enter the final weeks of business for the Sears store at Westfield Montgomery mall, we’ve been hearing from readers who are upset about the loss of Lands’ End. The store-within-a-store had become a go-to for winter gear and outdoor clothing, even among those who otherwise had little interest in shopping at Sears. Lands’ End, which was acquired by Sears in 2002 and spun off in 2013, is beginning to open stand-alone stores at malls where Sears no longer has a presence. The first such store in Maryland will debut next month at the Hunt Valley Towne Centre in Baltimore County. Could Montgomery County be next? It’s possible. A spokesman tells us the company will open 10 to 15 new Lands’ End stores this year; locations are still TBD.

Congregation B'nai Tzedek

First look at Amazon's newest store

Last week we had a chance to check out Amazon’s new 4-Star store in New York City, a model that’s likely to show up in the D.C. area before too long. The store looks a lot like Amazon Books in Bethesda and Georgetown — and it does in fact carry some bestsellers — but its primary purpose is to showcase trending and top-rated products in a variety of categories. The result is sort of a mini-mashup of Target, Staples, Bed Bath & Beyond and Barnes & Noble, with items for every room in the house. As with Amazon’s bookstores, there are also plenty of gift ideas and opportunities to test-drive Amazon devices from Alexa to Echo to Kindle. See something you like? Take it home or have it delivered. Want the lowest price? Make sure to sign up for an Amazon Prime membership. See how that works?

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New chapter for Rockville Barnes & Noble, new pizza on the Pike, new gym for Cabin John

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New chapter for Barnes & Noble

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

Wintergreen Plaza
The Grilled Oyster

New pizza on the Pike

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

Realtor Jacqueline Olinger of Greystone Realty

Santa's been busy

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

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The Game Gym

Biker Barre cycles in

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

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Explorekensington.com

Angry Mama & more at The Container Store

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

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

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

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Holiday shopping at the mall: new stores, new sweets, new gift ideas — plus our November raffle winners

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What's new at Westfield Montgomery mall

With the holiday shopping season now in full swing, here’s a list of what’s new, what’s notable and what’s worth a visit this month at Westfield Montgomery mall.

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A pop of holiday color

On the lower level near the center of the mall you’ll find the lovely new holiday pop-up shop Saints Valley, offering hand-made scarves, textiles, bags and jewelry in vivid colors and patterns. The merchandise, sourced directly from artisans in India, is moderately priced and unlike anything you’ll find at local department stores.

Realtor Lisa Nasar of Long & Foster

For the guys

The big news in menswear is the debut of Untuckit, a darling of the business-casual crowd that specializes in shirts designed to fall mid-fly. Untuckit carries women’s clothing too, but this store is aimed squarely at the guys. Doors opened just before Black Friday in the Macy’s wing, right across from Apple.

Wintergreen Plaza

Sweet treats

Believe it or not, the “tools” in this photo are made entirely of chocolate. See them in person at the new Schokolat store in the Nordstrom wing, specializing in giftable sweet treats that fool the eye. Also new on sweet side: See’s Candies and Frozen Stuff on a Stick, the gourmet popsicle stand we wrote about last month (previously called Pop Culture) that also offers coffee, tea and kombucha. For other sweet gifts that won’t wreck anyone’s diet, check out the children’s book shop The Story House, which is here for the holidays just across from Lolli & Pops.

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New Old Navy

There’s a new Old Navy on the scene: The longtime retailer has moved out of its old spot and into a newly renovated space next door. This has been a good year for the Old Navy brand, but not so great for parent company The Gap. In the face of declining sales, the iconic retailer is talking about potential store closings for 2019. We’ll keep you posted on what that means for our local Gap stores.

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Congrats to our raffle winners

November was a busy month for Store Reporter raffles. Eleven of our readers won gifts from vendors at the annual Holiday Boutique Show & Silent Auction sponsored by the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation. Congratulations to our winners: Marci Etman ($50 gift card from R Boutique), Ronni Farber (string art canvas from Elana Designs), Dara Baylinson ($40 gift card from Valerie Nahmani Designs), Tracy Kalik (pair of hoop earrings from The Boho Eye), Etan Gopstein ($75 gift card from Susan Koehn Designs), Jennifer Feinleib ($100 gift card from girls’ dress designer Stella M’Lia), Julie Mottler (bracelet from Sweet Charma), plus Jen Bienstock, Paula Goldsmith, Sarah Wagschal and Courtney Wassef (makeup and lessons from Faye Mendelsohn Cosmetics.) Congratulations also are in order for the winners of our Wildwood Sidewalk Sale raffle: Meagan Brady, Brenda Brewer, Sylvia Lew and Yvonne Zaslow Cohen each won $20 gift certificates to Fish Taco.

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

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Happy Thanksgiving — and let the shopping begin

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

Toy Castle
Susan Koehn Designs
Occasions
The Grilled Oyster

Last hurrah for Sears and the Macy's Home Store

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

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty
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