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.
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.
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.
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.
You should write a story about the Cottage Monet, the longest remaining retailer in Rockville Town Square. There is so much press about closures and failures and not so much about the ones who have remained . I like to see something positive.
Caya Cagri
Owner- Cottage Monet