For the disciplined secret government team in charge of preventing all-American casual restaurant chains from opening in Montgomery County - or pushing them out if they're already here - the mission has its ups and downs. For every Olive Garden or Cracker Barrel blocked from leasing a pad site, for every abandoned bank on River Road that mysteriously can't become a drive-thru Chick-fil-A or Taco Bell cash cow, for every Ruby Tuesday or P.F. Chang's that closes its doors forever, there's a Cheesecake Factory that just keeps chugging along, or a new Outback Steakhouse set to open just when you'd finished smiling about the one in Germantown closing. But, if they take a break from crafting new anti-business legislation or arcane zoning blockades, here's a scene they can enjoy at 11428 Rockville Pike: the Chili's that closed in 2016 has just been boarded up.
Chili's successfully operated this location for 25 years. Let's take a moment to remember the many business deals closed over two Spicy Sauza Jalapeño Margarita lunches, the Gap-dress-code happy hours, and the romantic date night window views of Fitz Auto Mall and gas stations. Even Mike Pence enjoys dining at Chili's. You can't, because there are no more Chili's in Montgomery County, one more ubiquitous brand stunned visitors will incredulously remind you is in every other jurisdiction in America but here.
"Let's go to Olive Garden."
"There is no Olive Garden."
"Whaaaaaaaat??????? You're joking, right? OK, what about Cracker Barrel?"
Maybe they are finally going to redevelop it and hence the boarded up look. Maybe squatters sent up camp…..lol
ReplyDeleteYou may have a point, since they open that homeless shelter in Nebel, the area has been inundated by homeless everywhere. Do a check of sexual offenders in the area and the numbers have gone up the roof. And they are planning in building more apartments in the area a couple of blocks from the homeless shelter. This area is turning into a mini-DC.
DeleteYou really should get off that political soapbox your riding and focus on reality, not alternative fake facts. Just because a glass-windowed building becomes boarded up, and by the way, this restaurant closed years ago now. The closing was in anticipation by the property owner of redevelopment of this entire site. However, those plans were shelved and things went dormant during the pandemic. Perhaps now they are being refocused, but for public safety, and esthetics, temporary covering is in place. In addition, if you looked beyond your nose you'd discover there is a n Olive Garden in Germantown. You want a Cracker Barrel, get on your tricycle and head to Frederick. You probably could use the exercise.
ReplyDeleteThere is no Olive Garden in Germantown, speaking of alternative facts. "If you want In-N-Out Burger, tricycle to the West Coast" is a low-quality, super-low-energy debate argument.
DeleteThank you, and I appreciate your reporting style. There has NEVER been an Olive Garden in Montgomery County because the liquor laws here won't allow them to sell their own wine. That's OK, I'll just keep going to the ones in P.G. County, like I do with Ruby Tuesday, and Arby's and ...
DeleteWho said anything about "In-N-Out Burger" you seem to be the "berdger" lover. Stay on that tryk and hit Frederick for your beloved Olive Garden crap.
DeleteAnger issues?
DeleteROBERT DYER I like your courage to say truth.. NO ON THE BORDER NO CHUEYS NO OLIVE GARDEN (SALAD AND SOUP ARE OK)..i LIKE ROCKVILLE ASIAN OFFERINGS..BUT real American food not in a Diner...wooo bye
DeleteChilis sucks, dude. Good riddance to all these soulless chains.
ReplyDeleteWe need an Olive Garden on Rockville Pike. I would go to it. I love that place The bread sticks are awesome all other Olive Gardens Are too far away to get to
DeleteThe only Olive Garden I was ever at was in New York State,and I thought it was a really good restaurant, I wish we had one in Rockville.
DeleteI love Chili’s - your opinion is your own only as is mine
ReplyDelete