Nothing Bundt Cakes to open in Rockville

Nothing Bundt Cakes is coming soon to Rockville. The bakery will be located at 1032 Rockville Pike at Edmonston Crossing. "Baking soon" signage has been posted in its future storefront windows. This was previously home to Sun's Carpet & Floors.

A national chain, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers 1950s Bundt cakes in 8" or 10", tiered Bundt cakes, Bundtlet miniature cakes, and bite-sized Bundtini cakes. Flavors include Classic Vanilla, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Confetti, Carrot Cake, Lemon, Snickerdoodle, and Pumpkin Spice. There are also two gluten-free flavors, Lemon Raspberry, and Chocolate Chip Cookie. Nothing Bundt Cakes has several existing Montgomery County locations, including Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Germantown.

Rockville police looking for knife-wielding man "wearing only brown pants"

Rockville City police are seeking the public's help in finding a man who tried to stab an acquaintance during a dispute on August 27, 2024. The suspect and the potential victim were arguing about borrowing a cell phone in the 800 block of Rockville Pike at 11:55 AM. Police say the suspect then produced a knife and unsuccessfully attempted to stab the intended victim. 

The suspect is described by police as a Black male, 50 to 59 years of age, "possibly named 'John,' [and] wearing only brown pants." If you can identify this suspect, or have any information about this incident, call police at 240-314-8900.

Dispute about public urination leads to assault in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault in the 800 block of Rockville Pike on August 26, 2024. Police say two suspects got into an argument about public urination with employees of a business on that block around 7:31 PM. The two suspects allegedly proceeded to assault the employees, and fled.

Police describe one of the suspects as a Black male, 20 to 29 years of age, with a medium build. He is approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds. The suspect has brown eyes and "black dreads." No description of the second suspect has been released. If you can identify either suspect, or have any information about this incident, call police at 240-314-8900.

HEYTEA, Sassy Arch Brows opening in Rockville

HEYTEA and Sassy Arch Brows are coming to Rockville. Both will be opening at Wintergreen Plaza on Rockville Pike. HEYTEA will move into the storefront at 981-F Rockville Pike, and Sassy Arch Brows already has signage installed at 815-B Rockville Pike. There's still a lot of work to do inside Sassy Arch Brows, and construction hasn't even begun on HEYTEA, which is still occupied by Sweet Frog.

HEYTEA is a Chinese beverage chain founded in 2012 in Jiangmen in southern China. Its name means "Happy Tea," and is sometimes written as "Hey Tea." The company claims to be the first to sell a cheese tea, which has a real cheese foam topping. 

HEYTEA will be between Paisano's and Wingstop

In recent years, HEYTEA has expanded to the United States, primarily in the New York City area. Rockville is one of several new American locations the chain hopes to open before the end of 2024.

Sassy Arch Brows construction underway

Sassy Arch Brows already has an existing Rockville location at 1170 2B Rockville Pike. The beauty salon offers brow threading and tinting, lash lifts, cosmetics, full face threading, and facial and body waxing services.

Maryland AG won't charge Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies in fatal Rockville crash

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has decided not to press charges against two Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies in the fatal April 27, 2024 collision in Rockville, which occurred as they pursued a speeding vehicle on Rockville Pike (MD 355). The driver of the speeding Dodge sedan, whom Brown identified as Timothy Pack, collided with a Honda sedan at the intersection of MD 355 with Twinbrook Parkway. Jasmin Gimon, the driver of the Honda, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Pack escaped the deputies on foot, but was later located and arrested.

Brown said the Independent Investigations Division of his office reviewed all the evidence, and determined that neither deputy had broken any Maryland laws. As a result, Brown will not file charges against the deputies. 

Assault in Rockville parking lot

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in a parking lot early on the morning of August 18, 2024. The assault was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 700 block of Rockville Pike at 12:39 AM Sunday. At least one individual was also accused of weapons possession and disorderly conduct in the incident.

Sleeping victim awakens to find laptop stolen in Rockville

Dozing off in public places can make you an easy target for criminals in Rockville, as we saw earlier this year when a sleeping diner had their smart watch stolen. This time, the victim was sleeping on a sidewalk in the 1600 block of Rockville Pike early in the morning on July 23, 2024. Sometime between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM, Rockville City police say, someone stole the victim's laptop as they slept. If you have any information about this incident, or can identify a suspect in the case, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Kajiken holding soft opening in Rockville

The doors have opened at Kajiken at 1701 Rockville Pike A7, at the Shops at Congressional Village. A soft opening is being held through Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Soft opening hours are 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for lunch, and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner. Each day, you'll have a chance to win a tote bag by playing Rock-Paper-Scissors with restaurant staff. 10 bags will be given away each day, while supplies last.

Kajiken was founded in Japan in 2010. The chain specializes in the abura soba style of ramen. This soupless ramen derives its flavors from a distinctive blend of sauces imported directly from Japan, and cooking oil. Their homemade noodles are thicker and chewier than those served in most ramen establishments. Without a heavy broth in the bowl, Kajiken's dishes tend to be lower in fat and calories than typical ramen. Kajiken is one of several new Asian restaurants opening at the Shops at Congressional Village this year.

MOD Pizza closes on Rockville Pike

MOD Pizza has closed at 12027 Rockville Pike at the Montrose Crossing shopping center. The pizzeria opened here in August of 2019. This is probably not a total shock, as the chain closed 26 of its locations in Q1 of 2024. At the time of those closures, MOD described those stores as "underperformers," so we can't rule out the anti-business policies or moribund economy of Montgomery County as contributing factors. 

The "fast-fired" pizza chains as a whole seem to have struggled in MoCo. Blaze Pizza didn't even last two years at Montgomery Mall, closing in 2016, but its multiple outposts right next door in Gorgeous Prince George's County are still serving pies in under 180 seconds today. Yet &pizza seems to continue to thrive at its many Montgomery County locations, including one about a block away from this MOD at Pike & Rose, so they must be doing something right that some of the other chains weren't.

Rockville shopping center owner says plan to redevelop with 760 apts. is a 20-year-vision

The owner of Pike Center at 12137 Rockville Pike gave an overview of the plan to redevelop the shopping center with 760 apartments with ground floor retail last night, but stressed that this is the company's vision for the future, and predicted no demolition or construction would begin until five to seven years from now. Real estate investment trust Kimco Realty of Jericho, New York was founded in 1958, but only acquired Pike Center at the end of 2021, when it obtained the previous owner's portfolio of properties. Greg Reed, VP of Development for Kimco, said the company has new dining tenants in the works for the short term, and already holds a permit for 15,000-square-feet of fit-out construction related to those from Montgomery County. That includes Luna Hall, which will be a multi-tenant food hall, and celebrity chef Jose Garces' Buena Onda Baja Taqueria.

Kimco representatives emphasized that the company holds its properties for the long-term, and doesn't redevelop them to flip in a sale. That's one reason that the residential buildings constructed in the future are expected to be apartments, not condos, as Kimco wants to retain control as sole owner. Last night's meeting was not required, as the company is not filing immediate plans with Montgomery County. When each phase of the redevelopment moves forward in the future, community meetings will be held for public input. 

The Phase 1 building, which is likely to be the one on the south end of the property along Bou Avenue, is expected to be anchored by a grocery tenant. Interior streets, sidepaths along the exterior property lines, and a half-acre park would be constructed. 15% of the apartments would be Moderately-Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs), the minimum affordable housing required by Montgomery County. The site is in unincorporated Rockville, and is within a half-mile of the Twinbrook Metro station.

One concern expressed at last night's meeting was the fate of the current Shell station. A member of the family who owns the gas station asked what will happen when the Phase 2 building - which currently includes the Shell site - is constructed. Kimco expects to allow tenants at the center who hold leases up to nine years to run those out. The Shell owner asked if the gas station could be part of the new development, and was told that nothing is set in stone yet about the future plans.

Renderings courtesy Kimco Realty

Goodyear closes on Rockville Pike (Photos)

Goodyear has closed its tire and auto service center at 12103 Rockville Pike at the Pike Center in Rockville. The space is being cleared out. Goodyear is putting a positive spin on the closure. In a message to customers, it invites them to its Gaithersburg location at 457 N. Frederick Avenue. There, the company says, it has "combined facilities" and "expanded services" offered.

Mía Cane Juicery and Açaí Bar opening in Rockville

Mía Cane Juicery and Açaí Bar is coming soon to Rockville. It will bring the newest beverage trend of sugarcane juice alongside smoothies, açaí bowls and Vietnamese coffee to 785-I Rockville Pike at the Ritchie Center. This was Japong Bakery's original spot before it moved to 765-A at the center. 

This will be Mía Cane Juicery and Açaí Bar's third U.S. location, and their first in the Washington, D.C. area. Their first two are in New England: Worcester, Massachusetts, and the soon-to-open store in Providence, Rhode Island. Coming-soon signage is now up at the Rockvile location.

Sherwin-Williams building up for sale in Rockville

A commercial building in a high-visibility location is now on the market in Rockville. 856 Rockville Pike is being offered at the asking price of $4,075,000. It is not only on the very busy commuter route of MD 355, with an average of 62,800 vehicles passing it per day, but is also across from Wintergreen Plaza. The current tenant is Sherwin-Williams Paints, which has 10 years remaining on its lease, with 2 5-year extension options. Built in 1970, the building was renovated in 2020, according to the online listing.

Timeless Living opening in Rockville

Timeless Living, a furniture retailer, is coming to Rockville Pike. It has leased a 13,441-square-foot space at Congressional Plaza on the second level, above The Container Store. That space was formerly home to Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio. Timeless Living has an existing furniture showroom at Tysons Corner Center.

"Timeless Living offers luxury, mid-century, and modern furniture," the store's marketing materials state. "It offers high-end, premium-quality furniture with personalized service, also mid-century furniture designs from the mid-20th century with clean lines and functionality. [W]e also offer modern contemporary designs inspired by the latest trends and often feature customizable options."

Woman and child accomplices sought in Rockville theft

Rockville City police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a woman, and her two child accomplices, in a May 23, 2024 shoplifting incident on Rockville Pike. They are accused of stealing an unspecified amount of merchandise from a business in the 1600 block of Rockville Pike at 5:44 PM that afternoon. Police describe the woman as a White female in her 30s or 40s, wearing a light-colored top and a long black skirt.

Juvenile accomplice #1 is described as a White female, 15 or 16, with dark hair. She was wearing a "pink wrap blouse" and a long black skirt. Juvenile #2 is a White male, 10-12 years-of-age. He wore a black-and-white T-shirt and khaki shorts.

If you have any information about these suspects or this incident, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900. 

New sign of progress on Wegmans-anchored development in Rockville

Another "sign" of the future Wegmans-anchored Twinbrook Quarter development has appeared on Rockville Pike. An interior street of the Saul Centers-developed property is now being established at its connection with the Pike (MD 355). It is named Festival Street.

Festival Street, located at the north end of Phase 1 of the project, now has traffic signals in place, and cross-street signage, over its intersection with Rockville Pike. When activated, the new signals will also regulate traffic from an entrance to Congressional Plaza across the street. Wegmans is scheduled to open next year at the development.

Women assaulted by suspect shouting "You support genocide!" in Rockville

A female suspect allegedly confronted two women on Rockville Pike, and shouted, "You support genocide!" She then splashed one of the victims with a red drink, Rockville City police said. Police have not yet identified the victims as Jewish, but stated that they were "wearing jewelry with ethno-religious iconography" at the time of the assault. The alleged assault took place in the 1600 block of Rockville Pike at 1:30 PM on April 28, 2024, and was reported to police on May 7.

There is a significant Jewish community living in the vicinity of that block of Rockville Pike, and this is not the first time an incident that could be classified as a hate crime has been committed in that area since the Hamas attack on Israel last October 7, and the launch of the ensuing war in Gaza. Police describe the suspect in this April 28 incident as a "heavy-set" White female with glasses, short pink wavy hair, and black-and-white tattoos.

If you have any information about the suspect or this incident, or if you believe you have been a victim of a hate crime in the City of Rockville, you are asked to call 240-314-8900. If it is an emergency, call 911. 

Jinlan Dumplings opening in Rockville

Jinlan Dumplings is coming soon to White Flint Station at 11620-A Rockville Pike. Chef and cooking instructor Jinlan Wenhua is a fixture at many farmer's markets across the region, where she has been selling her authentic Chinese dumplings made with fresh ingredients from local farmers. Now, like many chefs who have gained popularity with food trucks or farm market sales, she is opening an actual restaurant.

The 1,325-square-foot space will seat about 20 diners. It will be open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A mid-June opening is anticipated, but stay tuned for an official opening date.

Photo courtesy Jinlan Wenhua

Pickleball thieves stock up in Rockville

Rockville City police are searching for three suspects who allegedly pulled off a major heist of pickleball equipment from a store in the 800 block of Rockville Pike last month. The suspects entered the business at 2:24 PM on April 26, 2024, grabbed "a large quantity of pickleball rackets," and fled, police say. 

Detectives describe Suspect 1 as a thin White male with a "dark complexion," black hair and a full beard. He was wearing a black jacket and black pants. Suspect 2 was a thin White female with a "dark complexion." She was wearing a black cardigan sweater over a white shirt, and a long black skirt. Suspect 3 was as equally fit and well-dressed as her alleged accomplices, a thin White female with a "darker complexion." Her outfit was a black dress accessorized with a white shawl.

Police did not provide an approximate age for any of the three suspects. If you have any information about the suspects or this incident, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Tesla Cybertruck deliveries picking up in Rockville (Photos)

Here's a rare sighting: A Tesla Cybertruck in the wild without an overpaid influencer behind the wheel. Deliveries of the king of trucks appear to be picking up at the Rockville Tesla facility at 1300 Rockville Pike. A purported halt of Cybertruck deliveries in mid-April due to an accelerator pedal issue clearly has ended, at least here in Maryland. 

There was only one Cybertruck on this car carrier loaded with Teslas, but at least three more could be seen parked on the top level of the facility's garage. It seems that the production numbers of Cybertrucks and Tesla stock are both trending in an upward direction.