JOOLA opening today in Rockville, Ben Johns to appear at pickleball flagship Saturday

The world of pickleball is about to get a lot bigger in Montgomery County. JOOLA, the world's leading pickleball paddle manufacturer, is celebrating a major milestone with the grand opening of its signature retail store at 917 Meeting Street at Pike & Rose in Rockville. The doors officially open today, Black Friday, November 28, 2025, solidifying the connection of the global brand with its local roots and the burgeoning pickleball community.

JOOLA's presence in Montgomery County runs deep. The flagship opening follows the brand's relocation of its U.S. headquarters from Gaithersburg to Pike & Rose in March 2025, bringing its innovation, design, and community engagement under one roof. Now it will have a retail storefront at the same property along the busy Rockville Pike commercial corridor.

"Montgomery County has always been part of the JOOLA story, and opening our signature store here is a reflection of our deep roots and our future ambitions," JOOLA CEO and owner Richard Lee said in a statement. "This space is a celebration of how far pickleball has come, and a commitment to supporting the players and communities driving its growth worldwide."

The excitement of opening weekend is getting an extra surge of star power. World No. 1 pickleball player Ben Johns will be in attendance for a special autograph signing and meet-and-greet on Saturday, November 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. As a local, Johns says he understands the impact of this new hub on the pickleball community. "As a kid growing up in Montgomery County, I began with table tennis and eventually found my passion for pickleball. Back then, having a JOOLA store locally would have made a huge difference. Now, with JOOLA opening this first location, it’s exciting to know the next generation will have that exact opportunity right here at home."

Shoppers throughout the opening weekend will receive a complimentary gift with eligible in-store purchases, while supplies last.

Designed to be an immersive experience, the new retail space is a destination for players of all levels. Shoppers can get hands-on with the latest JOOLA paddles, apparel, and accessories, supported by a knowledgeable team of JOOLA experts. The JOOLA store is set to be an integral part of the local pickleball movement, which the company has championed, including helping Montgomery County become the first school district in the United States to introduce pickleball as a varsity sport in the fall of 2024.

The immersive pickleball hub features:

✨ Exclusive in-store-only product drops and limited-edition collections.

👕 Local Maryland, D.C., and Virginia-themed gear celebrating regional pride.

✍️ Pro-player appearances and autograph events.

🏓 A paddle demo program allowing players to “try before they buy.”

🤝 Interactive community events connecting pickleball fans of all levels.

Bartaco construction advances in Rockville (Photos)

Construction walls around the future Bartaco at 11886 Grand Park Avenue at Pike & Rose have been removed, providing our first look at the progress inside. It appears the interior fit-out is ahead of schedule, and that is reflected in the fact that Bartaco is now hiring for all positions at this location. You can see the facade now features large roll-up doors. Still to come inside: the Southern California and Latin American-inspired decor.

Construction begins on Bartaco in Rockville

Construction has begun on Bartaco at 11886 Grand Park Avenue at Pike & Rose. Walls have been erected on both sides of the storefront, suggesting that the exterior configuration of the facades may be altered for the new restaurant. Yes, Bartaco is yet another taco joint opening in Rockville, replacing another taco joint in this same space. But the chain's focus on smaller soft tacos and hybrid coastal decor of Southern California and South America have been a big hit so far in new developments like Reston Town Center, the Mosaic District in Fairfax County, and The Wharf in Washington, D.C.

Parent company of Rockville bowling alley files for bankruptcy

The parent company of Rockville Pike bowling alley Pinstripes has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it announced yesterday. Located at Pike & Rose in the White Flint area, Pinstripes opened in 2017. The national Pinstripes chain closed several locations across the country as it made the bankruptcy announcement. But the Pike & Rose location is one that is among those that will continue operating for now.

"We will keep operating as usual - welcoming guests, hosting events, and supporting our remaining team members," Pinstripes said in an online message. "Your gift cards and event deposits remain valid at continuing locations, and this process will allow us to emerge stronger and continuously focused on providing exceptional experiences for our guests and partners." Pinstripes went public as a company just two years ago, but has run into fiscal difficulties since that time. According to Nation's Restaurant News, the company's liabilities to creditors are currently as much as $500 million.

Pickleball firm JOOLA begins construction of retail store in Rockville

JOOLA has begun construction on its first retail store at 917 Meeting Street at Pike & Rose. The pickleball and table tennis equipment manufacturer recently relocated its Rockville headquarters to Pike & Rose, the latest of many corporate HQs poached from the City of Rockville by the newer Federal Realty development in unincorporated Rockville, with Choice Hotels being the most prominent. With completion of the new store, JOOLA will have the opportunity to sell its products directly to the rapidly-growing number of pickleball players in the area. 

Muse Alley renovations advance at Pike & Rose in Rockville

Extensive renovations on Muse Alley at Pike & Rose continue to advance at the Federal Realty development along Rockville Pike. The public space's primary function, aside from providing pedestrian access to several buildings and the Trade Street garage, is outdoor dining. It was essentially demolished, and now you can see the new overhead structure and lighting fixtures. Kusshi, Owen's Tavern and Garden, and Caruso's Grocery all remain open for business during the construction work.

Brandy Melville opens in Rockville

Brandy Melville has opened at Pike & Rose on Rockville Pike. The women's fast fashion boutique is located at 11804 Grand Park Avenue. Brandy Melville was founded in Italy, but gained success after taking inspiration from California designs rather than Italian fashions. The label's target audience is comprised of teens and young adults.

Another reason for Brandy Melville's popularity is that their pricing is very reasonable. They're still looking for full-time and weekend employees, if you are seeking a retail fashion position. Scan the QR code pictured in the bottom photo below.

Bouboulina steakhouse sets opening date in Rockville

Everything the founders of CAVA touch turns to gold, and Federal Realty is banking on another King Midas moment at Pike & Rose this Friday, March 21, 2025. There are plenty of steakhouses in the region, but here comes a Mediterranean-inspired steakhouse, with the debut of Bouboulina. Named for a heroine of the Greek War of Independence of 1821 who commanded her own fleet, and is believed to be the first woman in world naval history to attain the rank of admiral, Bouboulina will serve premium cuts of steak and fresh seafood from its wood-fired grill. Meals will start with the wonderful aroma, flavor, and texture of house-baked breads.

CAVA founders Ted Xenohristos, Dimitri Moshovitis and Ike Grigoropoulos already have two other restaurants at Pike & Rose, Julli and Melina. Bouboulina joins the neighborhood at 921 Meeting Street. That is in the ground floor of the new 915 Meeting Street office building, and right across from the Trade Street parking garage. 

Photos by Deb Lindsey

Assault inside Rockville parking garage

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault inside a parking garage at Pike & Rose on Rockville Pike last night, January 23, 2025. The assault was reported at 8:37 PM. Police were called to the Trade Street garage at 11860 Trade Street at the property.

Bartaco opening Rockville restaurant

Tacos will soon be back on the menu at Pike & Rose on Rockville Pike. Bartaco has just signed to open its first Maryland location in the former Nada space at 11886 Grand Park Avenue, according to signage posted in the windows. The national chain currently has restaurants in our region in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. A mostly-Mexican menu will have a few Korean dishes mixed in.

"With a white-washed interior, wanderlust-inspiring photography on the walls, woven basket light fixtures, and a sprawling bar at the center, [Bartaco] feels like it might belong on a beach in South America," Nashville Lifestyles wrote of its dining experience. The Reston Bartaco has a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on Yelp, and the Bartaco at The Wharf holds a 3.8 star average.

Outdoor dining pods return at Julii in Rockville

Outdoor dining pods have returned at Julii at 11915 Grand Park Avenue at the Pike & Rose development in Rockville. The pods can seat up to four people, as you can see below. Originally debuting as a perceived safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pods apparently continue to be popular for providing a more intimate dining atmosphere. The jewelbox restaurant building also isn't that large, so the pods allow the French bistro to accommodate more customers during the winter months.

Bark Social closes in Rockville

Have we passed peak "pet parent" in Montgomery County? The demise of Bark Social at 935 Prose Street at Pike & Rose in Rockville may require us to ponder this question for the first time. Bark Social has filed for bankruptcy after an expected round of new financing fell through, the company announced as it - in its own words - "abruptly" closed all of its locations Thursday. 

A cross between a dog park and a bar, with a border-crossing-checkpoint design aesthetic, Bark Social appeared as if it could do no wrong when it opened in 2021. Pandemic-weary Americans were eager to embrace any new outdoor venues, and dog owners in the many apartment buildings around Bark Social had limited exercise options for their pets to take advantage of. The steady decline of alcoholic beverage sales was also briefly reversed, as lockdowns, pandemic restrictions, and a botched rollout of vaccines led some to turn to adult beverages to pass the empty hours.

Investors apparently have since turned (Karelian) Bearish on the concept. Have cats overtaken the dogs? Has inflation made expensive dog ownership too much of a luxury expense at this point? This is the time for all "plant parents" to seize the zeitgeist!

Mui modern Japanese restaurant "coming soon" to Rockville

Mui is "coming soon" to Rockville Pike, according to signage posted at the restaurant's future storefront at 967 Rose Avenue at Pike & Rose. The modern Japanese restaurant is anticipated to open this winter. Taking over a large space that previously belonged to Asian food hall The Block, the spacial dimensions and Japanese cuisine of Mui remind me of the Kabu Japanese Steakhouse that opened in a massive space at the Rockville Metro II office building. 

Inspired by the modern cuisine of Japan, the menu at Mui will combine traditional and innovative new dishes. Seafood and meat will be cooked on a Robata grill. Like many top sushi restaurants in the region, Mui will offer an omakase dining option, which will leave the selection to the chef, who will surprise and delight diners with their latest creations.

A wine and champagne list will join a curated selection of cocktails. These will be complimented by a menu of fine agave, scotch and sake brands. The coming-soon signage gives a preview of what the restaurant's interior will look like when completed this winter. 

Rockville celebrates Piketoberfest 2024 (Photos)

One day after downtown Bethesda held its biggest annual event, one of the biggest fall events returned to Rockville Pike for 2024. Piketoberfest at Pike & Rose brought out the masses for four hours of food, live music, games, and a craft beer garden. My favorite pumpkin man returned to preside over the festivities for another year. There was even a rock climbing tower for the daredevils in the crowd. Good fortune prevailed on the weather front, as the event fell squarely between two hurricane rain events.