Thirteen local restaurants that won’t be back, sneak peek of the Amazon store, Peruvian chicken debuts, CPK files bankruptcy

In the flurry of restaurant shutdowns these past few months — some pandemic-related, some not so much — it’s been difficult to keep track of which places are temporarily closed and which are gone for good. As we approach the end of summer, here’s a list of local eateries that likely won’t be back.

 

• Addie’s at Park Potomac. This three-year-old reboot never seemed to regain the fan base of its fondly remembered predecessor on Rockville Pike. Other restaurants in the Black Restaurant Group portfolio have reopened since the pandemic began, but Addie’s won’t be among them.

 

• Bagel City on Rockville Pike. This longtime favorite closed in March, and owner George Kavadoy originally expected to return. But as the pandemic dragged on, he changed his mind to protect the health of his ill wife.

 

• Beefsteak at Westfield Montgomery mall. José Andrés’ veggie-centric restaurant pulled back during the pandemic, leaving only one location in the D.C. area. Beefsteak never did draw much of a crowd at the mall, where it faced tough competition from the Cava across the hall.

 

• Chuy’s on Rockville Pike. The Mexican restaurant shut down in March after a four-year run at Federal Plaza. The Texas-based chain already had announced some closings before the pandemic, so the timing here was likely just a coincidence.

 

• CiCi’s Pizza on Rockville Pike. This chain restaurant was a longtime tenant at the Pike Center strip mall, which also had been home to the departed Bagel City.

 

• Gumbo Ya Ya at Rockville Town Square. This locally owned eatery across from First Watch featured a mashup of New Orleans-style cuisine and traditional Puerto Rican dishes. It didn’t even last six months in a spot that appears to be cursed, having been home to at least six failed restaurants in the past decade. (Remember Bobby’s Crabcakes, Tippy’s Taco House, 82 Steak Out, Ev & Maddy’s and Lab Cafe?)

 

• Honeyfish Poke on Rockville Pike. This California-based concept was among the first local eateries to specialize in the Hawaiian-style raw fish dish. Owners had planned to open more locations in the D.C. area, but the expansion never happened. Honeyfish Poke went dark early in the pandemic  after a three-year run at Congressional Plaza.

 

• La Tasca at Rockville Town Square. The Spanish-style tapas chain filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in May and closed all its remaining locations. La Tasca had been of the last remaining original tenants at Rockville Town Square.

 

• Le Pain Quotidien at Wildwood and Cabin John Village. LPQ was already struggling before the pandemic, and its U.S. division filed Chapter 11 in May. Some LPQ restaurants have since reopened, but these two won’t be back. (Update: A few months after we published this story, Le Pain Quotidien made an unexpected comeback at Wildwood. More in our Dec. 24th issue.)

 

• Mirch Masala at Westfield Montgomery mall. The Indian restaurant reached its 10th anniversary in June, but the pandemic convinced owner Poonam Chopra not to renew her lease.

 

• Nantucket’s Reef at Traville Village Center. It looks like we’ve seen the last of this Cape Cod-style eatery, which “temporarily” closed in March but hasn’t been heard from since.

 

• Pizza CS on Rockville Pike. The Neapolitan-style pizzeria was already expected to exit this summer to make way for the new Wegmans-anchored redevelopment project. In this case, the pandemic just accelerated that timetable.

 

• Subway restaurants in Potomac and Rockville. The sub chain recently closed its doors at Potomac’s Cabin John Village and Rockville’s Federal Plaza. It’s unclear whether the closings were pandemic-related.

Here’s a sneak peek of the new Amazon 4-Star store, set to open next month at Westfield Montgomery mall. The shelves will be filled with an ever-changing selection of Amazon’s most popular and top-rated products in several key categories: books, toys, electronics, housewares and kitchen goods. You’ll also find plenty of Amazon gadgets, from Echos to Kindles, and Prime members will enjoy the same pricing they’d find online. This will be the first Amazon 4-Star store in the D.C. area. (The Amazon bookstores in Bethesda and Georgetown are a different concept.) For more photos of what’s in stock so far, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

California Pizza Kitchen filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, blaming the pandemic for its troubles. So far, it doesn’t sound like our area will be impacted: Staffers at Rio and Westfield Montgomery mall say they’ve been told those locations will stay open.

With all this news of restaurants closing, we do have one opening to report: Poyoteca, serving Peruvian chicken and sides, makes its debut this weekend at Rockville’s Fallsgrove shopping center. You’ll find it in the former Cheeburger Cheeburger space, next to Mamma Lucia. This is the second restaurant for Poyoteca, which also has a location in Baltimore.

A local guide sponsored by some of our favorite stores, restaurants and service businesses. Check out this week’s new additions.

 

CELEBRATIONS

 

FOOD, DRINKS & MEAL DEALS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

• METRO MICROGREENS, locally grown hydroponic microgreens. Twelve varieties available. High in nutrient density and helps boost the immune system. Stays fresh for 10 days to two weeks. Contact-free delivery. Email mark@metromicrogreens.com or call (301) 706-4884. To order online: metromicrogreens.com.

 

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

 

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

 

• MYKONOS GRILL, fine Greek dining in Rockville. 121 Congressional Lane. Outdoor patio, plus limited indoor dining & carry-out from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations strongly recommended. Cashless transactions only. Free delivery in a 5-mile radius with $50 minimum, or use the major delivery apps. Try our branzino, octopus, lamb chops & vegetarian platters. Ask about our daily specials. 1/2 off wine bottles with carry-out. Call (301) 770-5999. Menu: mykonosgrill.com.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

• THE GRILLED OYSTER CO., American fare, seafood & drinks at Cabin John Village. 7943 Tuckerman Lane. Try our new $78 Clambake: double Maine lobster, spiced shrimp, steamed clams, corn, potatoes & cole slaw, complete with checked tablecloth. Call (301) 299-9888 or email valerie@grilledoysterco.com to order. Menu: thegrilledoystercompany.com.

 

• YEKTA Persian restaurant & market. 1488 Rockville Pike. Our restaurant is open during construction 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday for curbside pickup, carry-out & delivery apps; call (301) 984-0005. Market open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with curbside pickup available. Email info@yekta.com or call (301) 984-1190. Menu: yekta.com.

 

FOR THE KIDS

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

 

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

 

HOME SERVICES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

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

 

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