Update on Gap Factory in Rockville

The construction wall across the storefront has been removed from the future Gap Factory at 1667 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza. Alas, the windows are still papered over, blocking view of the progress on the interior fit-out of the store. A sign has been installed over the sidewalk out front, but the main sign above the storefront is still to come. Gap Factory sells apparel exclusive to Gap Factory stores, designed with less-expensive materials at lower prices by "real" Gap designers. So, if you want to look like you shop at Gap, but pay less, Gap Factory will be for you.

Smash-and-grab theft spree in Rockville

Rockville City police are investigating a smash-and-grab theft spree that took place in the King Farm neighborhood between April 26 and 28, 2026. Windows were smashed on at least seven vehicles, and cash and other valuables were taken from the interiors. The incidents affected the 100 block of King Farm Boulevard, the 100 block of Redland Boulevard, the unit block of Elmcroft Court, and the 500 block of King Farm Boulevard. No suspect descriptions have been released at this time.

Francesca's closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Francesca's has permanently closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. They had one of the longest closing sales I've seen outside of some of those rug shops. Then again, the demise of the fashion boutique chain was also a long one. Francesca's filed for bankruptcy over five years ago. Westfield is probably not losing sleep over this closure, as it has recently agreed to leases with a number of tenants that would be considered an upgrade from Francesca's.

HEYTEA "coming soon" to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Eight months after I first reported that HEYTEA was looking into opening its second Montgomery County location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, the chain has posted coming-soon signage at its future space on Level 1. It will be in the former Luggage Plus space, between L'Occitane en Provence and Vydration. Where is Luggage Plus? It has moved upstairs in the same wing, to a space right outside of Macy's Home.

Now, you may be saying, do we need another tea shop in Montgomery County, or even at the mall? Yes, you do, because HEYTEA is one of the most innovative and popular tea chains in the world. When they opened their first Maryland location in Rockville, the line was out the door.

What is the secret of HEYTEA's success? In 2012, in a small alleyway called Jiangbianli in Jiangmen, China, its young founder invented cheese tea, the product that would become the company's signature beverage. The brand's other signature is its worldwide popularity on social media, stimulated by the company's effort in creating Instagram-ready store interiors and packaging, and drinks that have as much appeal to the camera eye as to the taste buds. 

Carnival returns to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda through May 10

A carnival with an anti-drug message for children has returned to the parking lot at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. L.E.A.D Fest, an initiative produced by the organization Law Enforcement Against Drugs, will be at the mall tonight through Sunday May 10, 2026. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 18, some rides require a parent to also ride along, only clear bags will be allowed into the carnival area, and no face coverings are allowed, unless required for a medical reason. 

Tickets can be purchased online. It's intriguing to have an anti-drug event in a county and state whose leadership are strongly pro-drug. Worth contemplating, is why your elected officials want you to be zonked out on mind-altering drugs. Just say no!

Knife pulled on commuter at Rockville Metro station

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault at the Rockville Metro station late last night, May 4, 2026. The assault was reported at the station at 11:12 PM Monday. According to police, a suspect pulled a knife on the victim in the bus bay area of the station. Officers were able to identify and arrest the knife-wielding assailant. 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe opens in Rockville

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is now open at 835-F Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza. The cafe will host a special Grand Opening event this weekend to celebrate their arrival on the Pike. If you are one of the first 50 guests to enter the cafe this Saturday, May 9, 2026, you will win free smoothies for a year. Everybody will get one free 24 oz. smoothie with in-store ordering of any food or bowl from this Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10.