Contents of Rockville restaurant to be auctioned off

The contents of Super Bowl Noodle House at 785-G Rockville Pike at the Ritchie Center in Rockville will be auctioned off starting tomorrow, April 26, 2024. Super Bowl Noodle House has permanently closed, and all equipment, furniture and fixtures are being liquidated. Among the items up for bid are a rice cooker, flat screen television, neon "OPEN" sign, various sinks, and multiple refrigerators. Equipment will have to be removed from the premises on Monday, April 29, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, according to the auction listing.

Teso Life Japanese Super Store "coming soon" to Rockville

Teso Life, the "Japanese Super Store," is "coming soon" to Rockville, according to signage posted at its future storefront at 1701 Rockville Pike. The chain features a variety of imported Japanese goods, including groceries, toys and collectibles, housewares, beauty and health products, and kitchenware. If this sounds familiar, it's likely because Teso Life's similarly-named competitor, Ebisu Life, already opened a store on Rockville Pike two years ago. 

The addition of Teso Life bolsters a new era for the Shops at Congressional Village, which is shifting to align itself with the booming Asian business sector in Rockville. As Rockville finds itself vying to be the ultimate destination for Asian cuisine in the Washington, D.C. area, the retail property has leased several spaces to new Asian restaurants. When it opens, look for Teso Life next to 7-Eleven.

Police respond to assault at Rockville office building

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at an office building Wednesday afternoon, April 17, 2024. The assault was reported at an office in the 800 block of Rockville Pike at 3:24 PM Wednesday. 

Suspect arrested in Rockville Pike apartment tower burglary

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at the North Bethesda Market apartment tower at 11418 Rockville Pike, in the early morning hours of March 28, 2024. The responding officer found no evidence of forced entry, but property was allegedly stolen from the building. Malik Gillispie, 28, of no fixed address, was observed and arrested at the scene. He has been charged with 2nd-degree burglary, failure to identify himself, and using a false identity to avoid prosecution.

Chili's boarded up on Rockville Pike (Photos)

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?"

Rockville man shot twice on St. Patrick's Day

A Rockville man suffered two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds in a St. Patrick's Day shooting on Rockville Pike. Rockville City police responded to a 911 call about the shooting in the 1000 block of Rockville Pike at 4:00 AM Sunday. Officers arriving at the scene found the victim suffering from the wounds at the Woodmont Park Apartments. He was transported to a local hospital, where police say he was later declared to be in stable condition. 

Detectives have not yet stated whether they know the identity of the suspected shooter. But they have said that they have reason to believe there is no threat posed to the general public in relation to this incident. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Cpl. Andreas Floros at 240-314-8959, or via email at AFloros@RockvilleMD.Gov. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous.

Police respond after assault at Rockville grocery store

Montgomery County police were called to a grocery store in Rockville Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2024, after someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 12000 block of Rockville Pike at 4:34 PM Saturday. There is a Giant grocery store on that block of Rockville Pike.

Hertz rent-a-car opens new Rockville location

Hertz rent-a-car has opened a new Rockville location. It is "just up the Pike" from their existing office, at 1052 Rockville Pike, in the Edmonston Crossing shopping center. Operating hours at the new location are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Wow, those are limited hours - - you'll have to run like O.J. Simpson to get there before closing time.

Cutculture Barbershop moves to Ritchie Center in Rockville

Cutculture Barbershop is relocating in Rockville. It is moving from its previous location at 620 Hungerford Drive to the Ritchie Center. The shop's new address is 765-L Rockville Pike. Cutculture has built a loyal following over the last year, with high scores from clients on Yelp (4.5 stars out of 5) and Google (4.8 stars). 

Rockville Pike Arby's to become McDonald's

The former Arby's restaurant at 11710 Rockville Pike, which has sat vacant since it closed in May of 2021, has finally gained a new tenant. McDonald's has leased the building, which will now be remodeled into the newest location of the Golden Arches in Montgomery County, and slightly enlarged. With an existing McDonald's only a block away at 11564 Rockville Pike, it appears that this may be more of a relocation than an addition. It's shocking that rapidly-expanding chains like Jack-in-the-Box, Cookout, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Shake Shack and Raising Cane's passed on this prime location in a densely-populated area, but count on McDonald's to realize the value of prime real estate, and of an amenity their current White Flint McDonald's lacks - a drive-thru.

Police called after assault at Rockville restaurant

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault at a restaurant on Rockville Pike early Tuesday morning, January 23, 2024. The assault was reported at a restaurant in the 1300 block of Rockville Pike at 1:14 AM Tuesday. There is a 24-hour McDonald's located on that block.

Rockville police searching for New Year's meat thief

Rockville City police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a suspect who allegedly stole meat from a business on Rockville Pike. The suspect entered a business in the 1800 block of Rockville Pike around 2:35 PM on January 1, 2024. He allegedly grabbed an unspecified quantity of meat from the business, and fled in a Honda SUV. Police did not release the tag number or model of the getaway vehicle.

The suspect is described by police as a Black male wearing a black jacket, surgical mask, black pants, and red shoes. Anyone with information regarding the suspect or this incident is asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Aggravated assault in Rockville parking lot

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in a parking lot early Saturday morning, December 23, 2023. The assault was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 1700 block of Rockville Pike at 12:00 AM Saturday. Property damage was also reported in the incident.

Rockville bank building to become Take 5, promising "Fastest Oil Change on the Planet"

A vacant bank building at 1470 Rockville Pike will be demolished, and an automobile fluid maintenance facility will be constructed in its place, if a developer's proposal for the site is approved by the City of Rockville. CPC Acquistions, LLC is proposing replace the bank with Take 5, an auto maintenance chain that promises the "Fastest Oil Change on the Planet." Oil changes are typically completed in 10 minutes, the company boasts.

Take 5's business model allows drivers to stay in their car while their oil is changed, and air filters, fluids and wipers are checked and replaced as needed. Take 5 is open early and late seven days a week, and no appointment is required. 

At this location, a 10'-wide shared use path will be constructed along the Pike-facing side of the property in place of the existing sidewalk. An attorney representing the owner of the shopping center next door has expressed concern that vehicles waiting to enter the Take 5 service bays will back up onto the Pike in front of the that property. He also wants more information from CPC about their plans to alter the existing curb cuts that would affect his client's property - including making it difficult for 18-wheelers to enter to make deliveries to restaurants, and how they intend to keep dust from demolition and construction from blowing over to the restaurants in the shopping center. 

Proposed site plan for Take 5

This would be the first Take 5 location in Montgomery County. The fast-growing chain has an existing shop in Bel Air, Maryland. If approved, Take 5 would be another example of the success of the current Rockville Pike plan in maintaining the retail and service uses on the Pike that make it the biggest generator of commercial tax revenue in the entire state.

Wendy's boosts visibility on Rockville Pike (Photos)

The Wendy's at 808 Rockville Pike is suddenly a lot more visible from the busy state highway. It appears that a chainsaw was taken to one tree, five bushes and a couple of hedges on the Pike side of the property. You can now see more of the recently-renovated fast food restaurant building from the road, which should help draw in more impulse diners driving past. See the bottom photo for a "before" comparison.

After

Before

Rockville Wendy's reopens after renovations (Photos)

The Wendy's restaurant at 808 Rockville Pike has reopened for business after an extensive remodeling. While the building's distinctive curved glass roofline was permanently retired, the pleasant surprise is that the redesign is a newer one than the Derwood location received nearly a year ago. The logos are the latest iteration being used by the Ohio-based chain, and there are extra pictures of Wendy on the building itself, rather than the plain black strip running around the top of the Derwood restaurant. Inside, the dining room seems brighter and more-welcoming than it was previously. It's time to celebrate with a Baconator and Frosty - but don't tell the County Council!

Tobacco Village opening on Rockville Pike

Tobacco Village is opening a new store at 1520 Rockville Pike. It is located in the Saul Centers-owned strip mall there, between Party City and Aras Jewelers. This was formerly home to Your Eyes Opticians. Tobacco Village has an existing location on New Hampshire Avenue in the White Oak Shopping Center. 

Rockville Wendy's renovations update (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress on the renovations at the Wendy's at 808 Rockville Pike, which is temporarily closed for this major project. The sad news is that the distinctive curved glass on the front roofline is gone, and won't be coming back. That, along with the curved facade at the front, was one of the unique architectural features that made this Wendy's building unique. 

What's replacing it is that new black-and-red scheme we recently saw installed at the Derwood location, which is a more standard Wendy's building. Keep in mind that a lot of the work is also inside the restaurant, as more environmentally-friendly kitchen equipment and a pick-up/delivery driver area are installed. Given that the Derwood renovations took about 90 days, and this Rockville project started in mid-August, a November reopening may be in the cards here.

Rockville bus shelter video screen smashed (Photos)

The video screen displaying transit information at the Ride On ExtRa bus stop on Rockville Pike at Edmonston Drive has been smashed. There is a large hole in the center of the screen. It appears to be the work of intentional vandalism, unless road debris generated by a passing vehicle struck the screen. Surveillance cameras at nearby businesses may show what happened if police investigate. The Ride On ExtRa service operates every 20 minutes during peak rush hour periods between the Lakeforest Transit Center and the Bethesda Medical Center Metro station along MD 355.

Moby Dick opening Rockville Pike location (Photos)

Moby Dick House of Kabob is "coming soon" to 11431-A Rockville Pike in White Flint, according to signage installed in the windows of the vacant storefront. This was previously a Verizon store, located next to 7-Eleven in the shopping center that is also home to Matreshka Russian Gourmet. Moby Dick is now hiring staff for this location. The local chain got its start in downtown Bethesda in 1989, and has an existing Rockville location at the Fallsgrove Village Center, and 21 others in the Washington, D.C. region.