Store Reporter

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

Westfield Montgomery mall

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.
  • 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 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.

 

  • 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.

 

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.

 

 

ZOOM 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.

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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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New Home Depot for Rockville, Quincy’s heads to Potomac, shooting range closing at the mall

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Home Depot has designs on Rockville Pike

A Home Depot Design Center, second of its kind in the country, is on the way to Rockville’s Montrose Crossing shopping center. The Washington Business Journal reports that the store will take over the onetime Golf Galaxy space, which has been sitting empty for two years next to Barnes & Noble. The interior will feature kitchen and bath showrooms, high-end appliances and flooring, and an army of designers to plan and execute your project. It’s not clear whether this store will encompass part of the Barnes & Noble space after the bookstore moves out next year. (More on that in our Dec. 12th edition.)

Wintergreen Plaza
The Grilled Oyster

Quincy's expands to Potomac

Quincy’s is heading to Potomac Woods Plaza, opening next year in the former Amici Miei space between Wink Eyecare Boutique and Brooklyn’s Deli. The new sports bar/restaurant, first announced by Bethesda Beat, will join three other Quincy’s locations in Gaithersburg, Damascus and North Bethesda. (Another Quincy’s, owned by a separate group of investors, had a short-lived run in downtown Bethesda.) Co-owner John Sahakian, who also operates the Title Boxing Clubs in Rockville and Kensington, says he hopes to open at Potomac Woods Plaza by next fall.

Shin Orthodontics
Mimi Arnold

New shooting range gets the boot

Well, that was fast. The Aim Point shooting range, which opened just before Thanksgiving at Westfield Montgomery mall, is making a hasty exit after numerous complaints from mall shoppers. The storefront was largely empty for much of its brief run. Westfield management declined to comment on the closing.

Taff & Levine
International School of Music

Travel gifts from The Container Store

At this time of year, we always rely on The Container Store for last-minute gift inspiration. The store sent over a boxful of products, and we chose three favorites for the travelers on your list. At press time, these were all in stock at The Container Store’s Congressional Plaza location.

  • Eagle Creek Packing Cubes. These collapsible mesh cubes, starting around $9, keep your travel outfits organized and can be tossed right into the laundry when you get home.
  • Lug Porter Wheelie Luggage: We love the smooth rollability of this lightweight bag, with a sleek grey exterior and extra-roomy side pockets for all your gadgets.
  • Diamond Dazzle Stik: This pen-sized cleaner is perfect for touching up your jewels on the way out the door. Slip it into your travel bag, or keep it in your purse for some extra sparkle.

Find these gifts and more at The Container Store at Congressional Plaza, or click here to shop online.

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Latest on Lord & Taylor, New Haven pizza, French pastries and a holiday boutique

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The Lord & Taylor lowdown

Lord & Taylor, under new ownership this fall, is closing its stores at Tysons Corner and Dulles Town Center just months after exiting Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall. So what about the North Bethesda store, which stands alone at the site of the former White Flint Mall? Not to worry. A company spokesman assures us that the White Flint store will remain open, along with the one in Chevy Chase. If you happen to stop by, don’t miss the newly expanded second-floor clearance section with a smattering of designer bargains directly from Manhattan. Next year, we’re told, all Lord & Taylor stores will begin integrating merchandise from new owner Le Tote. More on the acquisition in our Aug. 29th edition.

Shin Orthodontics
Moda Optic
Lisa Nasar

New Haven pizza on the way

New Englanders were cheering this week when WTOP reported that Connecticut pizzeria Frank Pepe is heading to Westfield Montgomery mall. This will be the first Maryland location for the family-owned business, which was founded almost a century ago in New Haven. On the menu: Neapolitan-style pizzas with thin crusts and charred edges, including a signature pie featuring littleneck clams, garlic and olive oil. The mall won’t say when or where Frank Pepe will be opening. (We’re betting on the former Crave space, which has been empty since last April.) Hopefully this new arrival will help fill the void left by the upcoming closure of Rockville’s Pizza CS. More on that in our Nov. 14th edition. (Editor’s update: We now know that Frank Pepe will be replacing Bobby’s Burger Palace. Details in our Jan. 30th edition.)

Chocolate Moonshine
Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction

Shopping, fun and a free Store Reporter raffle

Head to Potomac this weekend for the annual Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction sponsored by the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation. The show will be held Sunday and Monday inside the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center, at the corner of Falls Road and Tuckerman Lane. Stop by the Store Reporter table, say hello and enter to win one of our fabulous raffle prizes from show vendors: gift cards for clothes from Lavaloka and Trio Jr., design services from Elana Designs, home accessories from Crystal Luxe Lighting Plus, fun kitchen tools from Q.D. Foodie, photos from Photos by Freddie and jewelry from Austyn Parker and Sweet Charma. There’s no charge to enter our raffle; just visit the show and drop your name in the Store Reporter jar.

Wintergreen Plaza

French bakery debuts this weekend

Saturday (Dec. 7th) is opening day for French bakery Patisserie Manuel, the newest addition to the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall.  Owner Claudia Olea, a Chilean-born chef with classical French training, will be serving croissants, soups, sandwiches and crepes as well as cookies, pastries, macarons, specialty cakes, Illy coffee and a bit of Chilean cuisine. Look for it in the former Wicked Waffle space next to McDonald’s.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

The Block is open

Asian food hall The Block opened its doors Thanksgiving weekend at Pike & Rose. Some of the eateries aren’t up and running yet, but the options so far include a poke bar, Korean barbecue, bubble tea, ice cream and snocream desserts. Also: Peruvian-style chicken. For more photos, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

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Holiday shopping kickoff, Black Friday deals and the end of A.C. Moore

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Let the shopping begin

Just about the time you’re finishing that last piece of pumpkin pie, lots of stores are opening their doors for the earliest Black Friday shoppers. This year, national retailers like Macy’s, Target and Best Buy will be opening at 5 p.m. Thursday and staying open until midnight or later. Westfield Montgomery mall will be back in business at 6 p.m, although some stores (including Nordstrom) do not participate in the Thanksgiving evening shopfest. For those who prefer a stress-free shopping experience, be sure to visit our locally owned retailers for some terrific holiday deals. Scroll down for more.

2019 Hanna's Connection Holiday Shopping
Occasions
Toy Castle

No more A.C. Moore

Sad news for artists and crafters this holiday season: A.C. Moore is going out of business. The New Jersey-based chain, which has been around for 30 years, will be shuttering 105 stores and selling another 40 to Michaels. It’s unclear when the stores will close or what will happen on Rockville Pike, where both retailers have a presence but A.C. Moore has the larger space.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
2019 Scout & Molly's Black Friday

Shooting range at the mall

Surprising new addition to Westfield Montgomery mall: Aim Point, a shooting range game that just opened around the corner from the Dining Terrace. Customers pay $10 for a chance to shoot military-style Airsoft rifles and win prizes for hitting the targets. Is this really a good idea? Our readers are weighing in. Join the conversation on the Store Reporter Facebook page.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction

New at Rockville Town Square

Something new to try this weekend at Rockville Town Square: Kyota Matcha, serving green tea and desserts in the onetime Mellow Mushroom space at 33 Maryland Avenue. Two other restaurants — a Japanese BBQ spot and a Taiwanese sweet shop — also will be opening inside the former pizzeria. Meanwhile, a huge new Asian food hall is about to make its debut at Pike & Rose. More on that in our Nov. 21st edition.

Moda Optic
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Fall food explosion: French bakery at the mall, Thai food & gumbo in Rockville

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Fresh from the oven

Just in time for holiday shopping at Westfield Montgomery mall, French bakery Patisserie Manuel is about to arrive in the Dining Terrace. Owner Claudia Olea, a graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine, will be serving up pastries, macarons and specialty cakes along with croissants, soups, sandwiches, crepes and a few dishes from her native Chile. And to drink? Illy coffee. You’ll find Patisserie Manuel in the former Wicked Waffle space — possibly as early as next week.

The Grilled Oyster
O'Donnell's Market

Thai cuisine at Wintergreen

Newly open at Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza: Bangkok Garden Thai Street Eats, a sister to Bangkok Garden in downtown Bethesda. The brightly painted restaurant, in the old Kino Spoon space, serves up a fast-casual menu inspired by the markets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. What to try first? Owner Nina Laohapant recommends the mussel pancakes, crispy rice with cured pork, grilled squid skewers, mango with sticky rice and pandan buns.

Taff & Levine
Shin Orthodontics

Jambalaya & empanadas

Gumbo Ya Ya, a quick-serve restaurant relocating from Germantown, just opened its doors at Rockville Town Square. The menu reflects the backgrounds of its two chef/owners, featuring New Orleans cuisine alongside traditional Puerto Rican dishes. In other words, you can order jambalaya, po’ boys and Cajun food or go for the empanadas, wings and tostones. Gumbo Ya Ya replaces Lab Cafe at 101C Gibbs Street, across the street from First Watch.

Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market
URBNMarket

Alpacas are back

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too is back for the winter at Westfield Montgomery mall. The seasonal shop snagged a prime location this year: the former Invisalign space between Madewell and Apple. (Wondering what happened to the Invisalign store? Click here.)

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Playa Bowls, Java Nation, Hank Dietle’s, Fire Wok & Forever 21

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Playa Bowls rolls into Cabin John

After you’ve had your fill of Halloween candy, it’s time to start counting the days until a new sweet treat arrives: Playa Bowls is set to open in mid-November at Cabin John Village. This Jersey Shore favorite is known for its bowls, juices and smoothies featuring custom blends of apples, acai berries, bananas, dragonfruit, chia seeds, coconut, kale, peanut butter, oatmeal, granola and honey. At the Cabin John location, you’ll also find nitro coffee and New Orleans-style cold brew with chicory.

Lisa Nasar
Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market

Coffee and a comeback

Coffee lovers, take note: The much-anticipated Java Nation is targeting a Nov. 20th opening in the former Addie’s/Helen’s space on Rockville Pike. This will be the second location for the popular Kensington shop, known for its tasty brews and European-style menu. Meanwhile, right next door, a new group is trying to revive the burned-down Hank Dietle’s Tavern and turn it into a local music venue. Stay tuned.

Normandie Farm

Wok's cooking in Potomac VIllage

Fire Wok, the Chinese restaurant that’s been under construction since last spring in the former Fortune Garden space, just opened its doors next to SunTrust in Potomac Village. The menu features typical Americanized Chinese favorites: beef with broccoli, basil chicken, shrimp with lobster sauce and the like. For a peek inside, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Toy Castle
Bender JCC of Greater Washington

What's the future of Forever 21?

Forever 21 is looking pretty shabby at Westfield Montgomery mall these days, with racks of clothes in disarray and much of the inventory marked down to $3. The struggling retailer is in Chapter 11 and has announced plans to close 200 stores, but employees insist that this one is going to stay open. We’ll see.

The Game Gym

Escape from Pike & Rose

Just when you thought the escape room craze had run its course, a new one just opened at Pike & Rose. Escapology, an Orlando-based chain, offers four different hour-long adventures: two murder mysteries, a Secret Service mission and a chance to save the world from chemical warfare. You’ll find Escapology on Old Georgetown Road next to BiBiBop.

Washington Hebrew Congregation Holiday Boutique and Silent Auction
Capital Area Food Bank
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First look at Lands’ End, new boutique for Rockville Pike, skating season starts and a boxing gym punches in

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First look at Lands' End

Here’s a peek at the new Lands’ End store, now open at Congressional Plaza with the most impressive collection of plaids on Rockville Pike. The spacious, brightly lit interior looks a lot like L.L.Bean, with clothes for men, women and kids along with cozy pajamas, slippers, outerwear, tote bags and home goods. Grand opening festivities will be happening all weekend. For a closer look inside the store, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Wintergreen Plaza
Hanna's Connection

New boutique on the Pike

Also new at Congressional Plaza is Sheyla, a pop-up boutique that just moved into the empty space between Child’s Play and Chico’s. The shop specializes in dressy suits and partywear from brands like Elie Tahari, Jones New York and Worth, including a deep selection of petite sizes. Another new boutique, Chaliskan, made its debut last week at Westfield Montgomery mall — and a third is on the way to Pike & Rose. Click here for more in our Oct. 17th edition.

Shin Orthodontics

Boxing in, sushi out at White Flint Plaza

Title Boxing Club, a popular workout spot at the Travilah Square Shopping Center, is about to open its second Montgomery County location. You’ll find it at the White Flint Plaza, two doors down from The Big Greek Cafe. In between: an empty space left by the recent departure of longtime tenant Hiro Sushi. No word yet on who’s going to fill it.

Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Power Hour Editing

Get your skates on

Ice skating is back for the season at Rockville Town Square. The outdoor rink opened last weekend, priced at $13 for kids and $14 for adults including skate rental. Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for the three new Asian restaurants that are supposed to 0pen across the way in the former Mellow Mushroom space. More in that in our June 6th edition.

Capital Area Food Bank

Three new boutiques and a Russian flight simulator

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Clothes call

Good news for everyone who’s had their fill of online shopping: Three new boutiques are heading our way. Chaliskan, specializing in clothes and gifts from Turkey, just made its debut next to Pandora at Westfield Montgomery mall. Next up is Sheyla, opening beside Chico’s at Congressional Plaza with styles from Elie Tahari, Worth, Jones New York and the like. Lastly, posh boutique Evoluxxy will be taking over the Francesca’s space at Pike & Rose. Plans call for a February opening with brands like Vince, Max Mara and Mother. (Wondering why Francesca’s is closing? Get the scoop in our Oct. 10th edition.)

Lisa Nasar
The Grilled Oyster

Taking flight at the mall

The Dream Aero flight simulator is finally ready for takeoff at Westfield Montgomery mall. You’ll find it above Gusto on the mall’s upper level, visible from the Dining Terrace and accessible via a hallway next to the ArcLight Cinema. For a couple hundred bucks ($195 for a 30-minute session, $325 for an hour), you and two friends can pretend to pilot a Boeing 737 all the way from takeoff to landing. Westfield Montgomery is the first U.S. location for Dream Aero, a Russian company that has operated similar rides in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Dubai. For more photos, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Wink Eyecare Boutique
Taff & Levine D.D.S.

Dessert spots go dark

This week we say goodbye to Cookie Dough & Co., which has closed up shop on the lower level of Westfield Montgomery mall. The business opened two years ago at the height of the edible cookie dough craze, taking over the kiosk that originally was built for Peet’s Coffee. It also looks like we’ve seen the last of  Syd’s bakery, which briefly replaced Shilla next to Chick-fil-A but never seemed to get fully up and running. Shoppers with a sweet tooth shouldn’t worry, though: Patisserie Manuel, offering Illy coffee and fresh-baked French pastries, is scheduled to open next month in the Dining Terrace. More on that in our Sept. 19th edition.

Capital Area Food Bank
Power Hour Editing
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Hello Lands’ End, so long Saks, Bethesda Bagels arrives, closings at Pike & Rose

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Hello Lands' End, so long Saks

Oct. 17th is opening day for Lands’ End at Congressional Plaza, one of the first stand-alone stores for the Wisconsin-based company. In addition to the usual assortment of clothing, you’ll also find a selection of cozy home goods: flannel sheets, quilted comforters, sleeping bags, cashmere throws and the like. Next week also marks the end for the neighboring Saks Off 5th store; doors close for the last time on Oct. 20th.

The Rooted Studio

Bethesda Bagels arrives

The Jewish New Year is off to a good start at Wildwood, where Bethesda Bagels finally makes its debut this weekend. This is the fifth location for the family-owned chain and the first to serve the Rockville/Potomac area. Also new at Wildwood: Joe & the Juice, which opened last week with juices, smoothies, coffees and more. Catch up on that in our Oct. 3rd edition.

The Grilled Oyster

Two closings at Pike & Rose

Two of the original tenants to open at Pike & Rose are closing this month after a five-year run. Del Frisco’s Grille, which is shuttering multiple locations after the sale of its parent company, will serve its last steaks on Oct. 20th. The closing, first reported by The Moco Show, comes just months after the arrival of Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão right across the street. The second departure is more surprising: Francesca’s, which survived the early days when few people shopped at Pike & Rose, is exiting now after a company-wide downsizing. The women’s boutique chain has three other nearby stores at Rio, Bethesda Row and Westfield Montgomery mall. “There simply wasn’t enough foot traffic at this location,” an employee tells us.

Potomac Squash Club World Squash Day

Made in the shade at Cabin John

The Shade Store has opened its doors at Cabin John Village, offering a wide assortment of window coverings in the storefront next to Carpet & Vacuum Expo. Next up for Cabin John: Playa Bowls, tentatively opening in late October. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the official date.

Wink Eyecare Boutique

The write move

Bertram’s Inkwell, a gathering place for lovers of the handwritten word, has moved to a new location on Rockville Pike. You’ll find the specialty pen store at the Metro Pike Shopping Center, home of Palm Beach Tan and the Champion boxing gym. Owner Bert Oser, a longtime tenant at the White Flint Mall who spent the past few years inside an office building, says he’s happy to be returning to a retail setting. “I do a lot of sales online, and I thought my business would end up entirely on the internet,” Oser says. “But as it turns out, 80 percent of our sales are from people coming through the door.”

Wintergreen Plaza

West Elm, Sunday Morning Bakehouse, Joe & the Juice and the future of Forever 21

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Mod furniture arrives at Pike & Rose

West Elm made its debut at Pike & Rose this week, kicking off a wave of autumn openings at the North Bethesda city center. The store will please fans of Crate & Barrel and Anthropologie with its modern mix of furniture, home accessories, dishware and decor. The merchandise is displayed in a wonderland of aspirational room vignettes, with tables already set for the holidays and plush velvet couches casually draped in cozy pillows and throws. For more photos, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Lisa Nasar
Pike Central Farm Market

New bakery and the return of Taylor Gourmet

Fall is in full swing at Pike & Rose, where West Elm‘s opening was one of three in the same week. Sandwich shop Taylor Gourmet, which shut down last year when the entire company folded, has reopened under new ownership. And say hello to Sunday Morning Bakehouse, a sleek new space filled with coffee, croissants, sandwiches, sourdough bread and sweets. Owner Caroline Yi, who developed an avid following at the Pike Central Farm Market these past few years, says she’s starting with breakfast and lunch but hopes to expand into the evening hours with wine and cheese. Check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Shin Orthodontics
A Smarter You Tutoring Center

Juicy news for Wildwood

Here’s a peek at Joe & the Juice, newly open at Wildwood with coffee, sandwiches, yogurt and of course an array of juices. Specialties include the Pick Me Up (raspberry, banana and apple); the Prince of Green (cucumber, lemon and pineapple); the Avo Shake (avocado, banana and vanilla milk) and the Choco Shake (raw cacao, banana, chocolate almond milk and vanilla milk). What’s next for Wildwood? Bethesda Bagels. More on that in our Sept. 26th edition.

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