2025 assault total officially tops 2024 tally at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

 

A 2nd-degree assault reported at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda yesterday bumped the year's tally of assaults at the property past last year's total. Montgomery County police were summoned to the mall Tuesday afternoon at 2:33 PM, after someone was physically assaulted during a shoplifting incident. Yesterday's assault was the twelfth reported at the mall in 2025, officially surpassing 2024's total of eleven. Police have been more visibly patrolling the mall in recent months, working closely with mall security officers. But the permissive attitude of County elected officials regarding crime - including retail theft - has made it challenging, with a relentless parade of shoplifters ransacking stores countywide.

Samsung Biologics acquires GSK manufacturing facility in Rockville

Some rare good news out of Annapolis about the rare bright spot in the moribund Montgomery County economy: biotech. Samsung Biologics has just acquired the GlaxoSmithKline manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced yesterday. GSK had announced earlier this year that it would be moving its vaccine research and development operations from that Rockville facility to Massachusetts. Samsung's acquisition will keep more than 500 existing jobs at the site, and add an unspecified number of additional jobs as Samsung adds potential production lines for other local biotech firms in the future.

Moore was hands-on in recruiting the South Korean firm. He personally met with Samsung Biologics executives earlier this year during an international trade and investment mission to Japan and South Korea to promote economic growth and workforce development. 

“We are thrilled that Samsung Biologics has selected Maryland for their first U.S. manufacturing facility, a testament to our state’s leadership in life sciences, our highly-skilled workforce and the commitment of our private and public sector to advance patient health around the globe,” Moore said in a statement Monday. “During our Asia trade mission, we were excited to share with Samsung Biologics executives the many reasons why Maryland is an ideal foothold from which the company can execute its long-term strategy to expand in the U.S. market.”

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who has targeted life sciences in his efforts to attract high-wage jobs to the County, joined Moore in celebrating the win yesterday. “The acquisition of GSK’s Rockville manufacturing campus by Samsung Biologics represents a significant achievement for Montgomery County,” Elrich said in the statement released by Moore's office. “This $280 million investment brings the world's largest contract drug manufacturer to Montgomery County, ensuring U.S.-based manufacturing continues, safeguarding over 500 current jobs, and setting the stage for further growth as Samsung boosts production capacity. It serves as a robust endorsement of the ecosystem we have cultivated, which is founded on talent, diversity, and enduring partnerships. We proudly welcome Samsung Biologics to Montgomery County, Maryland, and anticipate their contribution in enhancing our economy, workforce, and status as a global life sciences hub.”

School of Rock opening new Rockville location

School of Rock, which offers music lessons and live performance opportunities for adults and children, is opening a new Rockville location early next year. It will be located at 1081 Rockville Pike at the Talbott Center, on Level 2. They are currently enrolling an inaugural class of students. But if you think you see Jack Black near the facility, it's more likely going to be an actual homeless guy.

Hobby Lobby begins hiring for Gaithersburg store

Hobby Lobby's first Montgomery County store is currently under construction at 15750 Shady Grove Road at the 270 Center. Now the big box crafts retailer has begun hiring employees for this location. An ad posted on X seeks a Retail Co-Manager for the store, which sits on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. "Join our team and let your creativity flourish in Gaithersburg, MD," the Christmas-sweater-themed post says. "Are you ready for the opportunity to thrive as a manager?"

Mango Mango House of Desserts opening in Rockville

Mango Mango House of Desserts is coming soon to Rockville. It will be located at 1617 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza. Founded in New York's Chinatown in 2013, the Asian dessert chain has expanded into twelve states. As you might surmise, mango is their signature flavor. But you'll also find a wide variety of cakes, sundaes, snowclouds, and milk and fruit teas.

Police respond to assault in Rockville parking lot

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in a parking lot on Christmas night. The assault was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 1000 block of Rockville Pike at 7:48 PM last Thursday night. An individual was also accused of several other offenses in the same incident, including obstruction of a police investigation.

See's Candies closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Lucky gift recipients have barely opened their See's Candies boxes, and the candymaker has already departed Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. They seem to close their seasonal holiday store earlier each year, and it doesn't get much earlier than Boxing Day. The curtain has fallen at See's Candies - literally, as you can see below - but the beloved California candy brand will almost certainly be back for the 2026 holiday season.

Maman Joon Real Persian Kabob opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Maman Joon Real Persian Kabob has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It is located right by the parking deck entrance on Level 2 of the mall, the same garage level that California Pizza Kitchen fronts onto. That spot has seen some turnover since Tara Thai departed, so keep your skewers crossed that Maman Joon can make it work.

"We take pride in creating authentic Persian food that reflects our heritage," Maman Joon says on its website. "Our ingredients are always fresh, most of our spices come from Iran, and our menu is lovingly prepared using our treasured family recipes."

Christmas Eve assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

 

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on Christmas Eve. The assault was reported at the mall at 11:17 AM Wednesday. This was the eleventh assault to take place at the popular retail center this year. That ties the eleven reported at the property in 2024.

Rockville road rage ends in BB gun shooting

A road rage incident in Rockville ended with one driver being shot with a BB gun on December 17, 2025. The incident took place in the 700 block of busy Rockville Pike at 11:14 AM. Rockville City police say that the shooter "became upset while driving," and proceeded to fire multiple BB pellets at another vehicle, shattering its driver's side window and striking the victim in the chest. The shooter then fled the scene. Police report that they have determined the identity of the alleged shooter.

Dozing burglar surprised by resident in Rockville

A sleepy home intruder ended up being caught after taking a short winter's nap in the Glen Hills neighborhood of Rockville. According to Rockville City police, the suspect entered a home in the unit block of Monterra Court at 5:30 AM on December 18, 2025. The suspect, whose identity is known to police, gained access to the house via a sliding rear door that had been left unlocked. A resident discovered the intruder asleep inside the house at 9:01 AM. Charges are forthcoming for the well-rested suspect, police report. Lock those sliding doors!

Update on La Baguette Antojitos, opening soon in Rockville

The sign is up at La Baguette Antojitos at 275-B N. Washington Street in Rockville Town Center. Last night, it was already lit. Under the logo are two more clues about the highly-secretive bakery, the words "Pasteleria" and "Panaderia." Tacos are also on the menu, as I previously reported. La Baguette Antojitos replaces Lavande Patisserie at this space.

Sheetz construction begins at Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg

 

Construction of the second Sheetz location in Gaithersburg is getting underway at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 733 S. Frederick Avenue. The area of the parking lot where the convenience store and mega gas station will be built has been fenced off. Heavy equipment is beginning to tear up the asphalt. Sheetz previously announced that its first Gaithersburg store at 751 Progress Way was doing excellent business, so it's not surprising that the company is moving expeditiously to get a second store up and running.

Roy Rogers closes in Rockville (Photos)

Devastating news from Rockville Pike: Roy Rogers has permanently closed at 718 Rockville Pike in Rockville. It seemed like Roy Rogers had just returned to Montgomery County, and now it is retreating before even opening a location in every town in MoCo. There's no question the lack of a drive-thru was a very poorly thought out plan, when drive-thrus account for over 70% of sales at fast food restaurants, and it certainly significantly reduced the number of times I did business there. But if they can't make it on Rockville Pike, it raises serious questions about the brand's future. Customers are being redirected to the Lost Knife Road location, one of the highest-crime streets in the County, and definitely not "nearby."

Ace Hardware installs signage ahead of January opening in Rockville

Permanent signage has been installed at the future Ace Hardware store at 835 Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville. A secondary Benjamin Moore paint logo has also been attached above the storefront. The highly-anticipated hardware store is now expected to open in January 2026, missing the original target by only a few days or weeks, and just in time to stock up on snow shovels, snow blowers, sleds, and deicer. This will be the first Ace Hardware store in Rockville.

Nordstrom Sunglasses Shop relocates at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The Sunglasses Shop has relocated inside of Nordstrom at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It can now be found on Level 2 of the department store, between Handbags and Accessories. The shop carries the top sunglasses brands, including Ray Ban, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Oakley, and Versace. Another advantage of the shop is that, unlike many eyewear chains, Nordstrom has an unlimited return time period for most items, provided they are in original condition.

Rockville restaurant broken into

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a restaurant in Rockville on December 11, 2025. The burglary was reported in the early morning hours at Torchy's Tacos at 12266-A Rockville Pike at Federal Plaza. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the business. However, it was determined that, after all of the effort to break into the restaurant, the burglar(s) left empty-handed. Police say they have no suspect descriptions at this time. It's unclear how surveillance cameras failed to provide footage of the incident.

Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen opening in Gaithersburg

Here's a positive "Florida Man" news report: Chef Rachid Eido is expanding his Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen franchise to Maryland. It will be at the Rio Lakefront development in Gaithersburg, at 212 Boardwalk Place. That's next to IT'SUGAR. Eido is actually a native of Beirut, where he learned the art of authentic Lebanese cooking, with the flavors, aromatic spices, and warm hospitality it is known for.

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were called to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda midday Wednesday, December 17, 2025, after an assault was reported there. The assault was reported at 12:26 PM Wednesday. This was the tenth assault reported at the mall this year. Eleven assaults were tallied at the popular retail, dining, and entertainment center in 2024.

Italian aerospace firm chooses Virginia for rocket motor manufacturing facility

Were Maryland and Montgomery County even courting global aerospace firm Avio S.p.A in its search for a site to build a $500 million solid rocket motor manufacturing facility? We may never know. But we do know that the Italian firm has selected Virginia as the winner for the high-tech factory. The 860,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility will produce solid rocket motors for defense tactical and strategic propulsion, as well as commercial space propulsion sectors. 

“I want to thank Avio USA for choosing Virginia,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “Today’s announcement marks another exciting milestone for our aerospace and defense industry. Avio USA’s decision to build a new rocket motor manufacturing facility here is both an important investment in America’s national security infrastructure and underscores Avio USA’s confidence in Virginia.”

“Avio looks forward to establishing on U.S. soil a solid rocket motor production facility to contribute in strengthening the U.S. industrial base by providing decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing,” Avio S.p.A. CEO Giulio Ranzo said. “In particular, we are thankful for the Commonwealth and local governments’ warm welcome for our project and count on their future support for effective execution.” 

Does Maryland and its counties extend a warm welcome to aerospace firms? Not in this century. The County Council tried to run the last remaining big aerospace firm - Lockheed Martin - out of the county not once, but twice, with radical legislation that made us look like idiots after the bills received national news coverage. "We don't need the Lockheed headquarters," former Councilmember Nancy Floreen declared in the summer of 2010. 

It's no surprise that the County has failed to attract a single major new corporate headquarters in over 25 years. Or that, thanks to the highest personal and corporate tax and fee burden in the Mid-Atlantic region, Montgomery County and Maryland have effectively been in a recession for much of this century. MoCo's crime rate has risen faster and higher than its business and job growth rates as a result. Once the economic engine of the region, Montgomery County is now at or near the bottom across every major economic benchmark tracked by the federal government. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Dave's Hot Chicken opening today in Rockville (Photos)

 

Dave's Hot Chicken will open today, December 18, 2025, at 11564 Rockville Pike, according to a sign posted at the restaurant, which was conducting training for employees last night. After a languid construction process, an inspired burst of energy over the last week got all the equipment and menus into place. Speaking of menus, I was not familiar with Dave's, and am delighted to see milkshakes and Hi-C Orange and Fruit Punch "Slushers" among the beverage choices. Operating hours are 10:30 AM to midnight, seven days a week.

January 1 plastic bag ban looms over Montgomery County

 

The Montgomery County Council is known for doing little beyond raising taxes and the cost of doing business, and banning stuff. Councilmembers were able to do all three in their highest-profile ban of the 2025 legislative session, that of plastic bags. The ban takes effect on January 1, 2026, and impacted businesses across the county are now trying to prepare their customers to buy paper bags (remember how paper bags were causing deforestation, so we were told to use plastic?!) or reusable bags, or - ew! - reuse dirty reusable bags teeming with e coli, salmonella, and God knows what else. Ironically, Safeway, whose customer alert signage is pictured here, got its start as the Sanitary Grocery Company.

MCPS leases final space at former Leidos site in Gaithersburg

 

Matan Companies has announced that its 44-acre life science and industrial campus fronting I-270 in Gaithersburg, which consists of two 198,000-square-foot Class A buildings at 700 and 750 Progress Way, is now 100% leased. The final piece was the recent execution of a 161,500 SF lease with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), which has leased 161,500 square feet at 700 Progress Way. MCPS joins existing tenants AstraZeneca (198,000 SF full-building lease at 700 Progress Way, signed December 2023) and Daikin Comfort Technologies Distribution, Inc. (36,145 SF at 750 Progress Way, signed May 2024). Matan's announcement did not specify what MCPS plans to use the space for, or the annual cost of the lease to Montgomery County taxpayers.

“We are extremely proud to have delivered and fully leased this state-of-the-art campus,” Matan Companies Director of Leasing James Matan said in a statement. “The diversity of best-in-class occupants—AstraZeneca in life sciences, Daikin in advanced HVAC distribution, and now Montgomery County Public Schools—demonstrates the incredible flexibility and strategic location of these assets along the I-270 corridor.”

Assault at Pokemon vending machine in Rockville

A disagreement at a Pokemon vending machine led to a physical assault in Rockville on Sunday afternoon. The two parties were in line to use the machine at the Safeway store at the Fallsgrove Village Center at 2:45 PM on December 14, 2025, when the altercation took place. Rockville City police officers were called to the store, and referred the combatants for charges.

11 vehicles ransacked in Rockville neighborhood

A theft spree in a residential neighborhood in Rockville resulted in at least 11 vehicles being ransacked - and in some cases, damaged, on December 8, 2025. Between 2:41 AM and 3:14 AM that morning, Rockville City police say, two male suspects entered unlocked vehicles and broke into others in the College Gardens community. If the door didn't open, they smashed windows to gain access to the car, and stole property from the interiors.

Police have no suspect descriptions at this time. They do say the two suspects were riding in a "blue sedan" of unspecified make and model year. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at 240-314-8900.