Apollo Restaurant to close in Rockville

The Apollo Restaurant will close at the end of this month, according to the owner, who made the bombshell announcement at a meeting about the future of Rockville Town Square. He cited high rent at Courthouse Center as the reason for the closure. Courthouse Center, like RTS, is owned by Federal Realty.

What the Apollo lacked in Michelin stars and fancy decor, it more than made up for in 4 Yelp stars, and hearty Greek/American food for three decades. A regular stop for City officials, the restaurant has a large and loyal following in the community. The Apollo is just the kind of restaurant that is increasingly facing extinction in Montgomery County - longtime, mom-and-pop operations squeezed by high rents and the high cost of doing business under an anti-business County Council.

Veterinary Holistic Care coming to Rockville

Veterinary Holistic Care, a veterinary practice that has operated in Bethesda since 1995, is moving to Rockville. Their existing office is located on a site now planned to be redeveloped into a six-story apartment building by ZOM Living, at 4820 Moorland Lane.

The new home of VHC will be at 4 West Middle Lane, in the Courthouse Center shopping center. In this larger facility, VHC plans to add an underwater pet treadmill, a full surgery suite, and full pet grooming services. No official moving date has been announced as of press time.

Amici Miei Ristorante opens in new Rockville location (Photos)

Amici Miei Ristorante has made the move from Potomac to Rockville. The restaurant has opened in its new location at Courthouse Center at 6 N. Washington Street. They've posted some of their many awards inside the door of the entrance. Courthouse Center is sporting some new property-branded signage, one of which was lit on the north side of the structure.

Amici Miei Ristorante to take over The Inkas space in Rockville (Photos)

A new Italian restaurant is coming to Rockville's Town Center. Amici Miei Ristorante will be moving from Potomac Woods Plaza to Federal Realty's Courthouse Center. They will take over the vacant space at 6 N. Washington Street, formerly home to The Inkas. Considering their liquor license hearing isn't until December 7, I wouldn't expect them to open before then, but stay tuned.

East Grill Karaoke opens in Rockville (Video+photos)

East Grill Karaoke has opened in the Courthouse Center shopping center in Rockville Town Center, at 12 N. Washington Street. The restaurant is next to the venerable Apollo, and will be open until 2:00 AM nightly.

Sign installed at East Karaoke Grill in Rockville (Photo)

The sign is up at East Karaoke Grill in Courthouse Center, at 12 N. Washington Street in Rockville. For those who were confused by the "East" name, no, this is not related to East Dumpling House in the same shopping center. East Karaoke Grill is in Unit 7-G.

Rockville construction update: East Grill Karaoke (Photos)

East Grill Karaoke, a new restaurant coming to Courthouse Center in Rockville, appears to be getting closer to opening. Furniture is in place in the dining room, and they are hiring staff. The shopping center is also home to the venerable Apollo, and is located at the intersection of N. Washington Street and E. Middle Lane.

SAZON INKA TO OPEN IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

A new restaurant is coming to Federal Realty's Courthouse Center in Rockville. Sazon Inka will be the newest tenant in the retail center perhaps best known for the Apollo restaurant. Courthouse Center is across from Federal Realty's Rockville Town Square property, and two blocks from the Rockville Metro Station.

Sazon Inka will serve the popular Peruvian-style chicken, pollo a la brasa, as well as parrilla grilled selections. Stay tuned for an opening date.

EAST DUMPLING HOUSE TO OPEN IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Exciting news from Courthouse Center at 12 N. Washington Street: A new restaurant, East Dumpling House, is coming soon, a short walk for residents in the town center and nearby neighborhood.