Police called after assault at movie theater in Rockville

Montgomery County police were called to a movie theater in Rockville after someone reported having been assaulted there this past Saturday night, January 3, 2026. The assault was reported at the iPic Theater at 11830 Grand Park Avenue at 8:10 PM. It was classified as a 2nd-degree assault by police.

Update on Bartaco in Rockville (Photos)

There's still no opening date for Bartaco at 950 Rose Avenue at Pike & Rose. But construction progress continues inside and outside of the former NADA space at the development along Rockville Pike. Permanent signage has been installed over the storefront. The location is also hiring staff, as you can see on the banner below. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go Fresh 365 supermarket opens in Rockville (Photos)

There's a new grocery store in Rockville. Go Fresh 365 has opened at 1800 Rockville Pike, at the Galvan at Twinbrook development. Last night, there were more helpful employees than customers in the store, which will have to fight the same nutty Montgomery County sign regulations that former tenant Safeway did - most safe drivers will pass the Galvan without seeing any of the businesses there because there is no monument or pole signage at the roadside, and the development is set back far from the road. 

The Long Island City, New York-based grocery chain boasts that it is the "No.1 Asian/Chinese Supermarket Chain" on the East Coast of the United States. Founded in 1995, the company has grown by leaps and bounds through a focus on freshness, and exclusive partnerships with businesses in the fields of fresh produce, livestock breeding, marine fishing, catering services, and commercial real estate.Its mission, it says, is to "create greater values for overseas Chinese and the American people." 

Dave's Hot Chicken's sci-fi salute to Rockville

Dave's Hot Chicken has been in a slow-motion construction process over the last few months, but some significant effort has been put into the exterior facades of the former McDonald's building at 11564 Rockville Pike in recent days. In contrast to the blank walls found at most fast food chains' buildings, Dave's has now emblazoned its walls with graffiti-style art. The stylings are capped off with a huge "Rockville" mural that takes up an entire wall. It's also a nice touch that the orangeish red paint on the roof overhang matches the scorching color of the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich pictured on the sign out front.

Ding Cafe closed in Rockville, to reopen December 6 with new drinks, giveaways

Ding Cafe has temporarily closed at 785 Rockville Pike at the Ritchie Center in Rockville. It will reopen this Saturday, December 6, 2025, with new drinks on the menu. Stopping by this weekend could pay off - literally. On Saturday, they'll be giving away 100 free drinks. And on Sunday, December 7, they will offer 100 buy-one-get-one-free drinks, and customers will receive 20% off purchases all day.

Lands' End closing in Rockville

Lands' End is closing at 1667 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza in Rockville, according to signage posted at the store. A closing sale is underway. The store has been open for about six years, and will be the loss of another big brand name on the Pike.

However, the Montgomery County Council probably isn't the culprit this time. A familiar villain is behind the Lands' End curtain: Fast Eddie Lampert. Yep, the same Fast Eddie Lampert who sucked all the money out of Sears and Kmart before running those American institutions into the ground. He bought another solid American brand in Lands' End, and now he wants to cash out once again. Lampert, the majority shareholder in the apparel company, has exhorted the corporate board to find a cash buyer as soon as possible.

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.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe opening new Rockville location

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is "coming soon" to 835-F Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza, according to signage posted in the window of its future storefront. It is moving into the former Capital Cryo space at the busy shopping center. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has two existing Rockville locations, in White Flint and near Shady Grove Hospital. This more central location aims to serve populaces such as Richard Montgomery High School students, and the Town Center area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Ocean Island Massage Spa opens in Rockville

Ocean Island Massage Spa is now open at 802 Rockville Pike in the Golden Arcade shopping center. It is located between PayMore and the dry cleaners. The spa offers a variety of holistic treatments, including acupressure, reflexology, shiatsu massage therapy, head therapy, and acupuncture. Ocean Island is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM seven days a week.

"Ocean Island Spa is dedicated to providing a serene and rejuvenating experience for each of our guests," the spa says in its promotional materials. "Our philosophy is centered around holistic wellness, offering a range of services aimed at restoring balance to the body and mind. We believe in the healing power of touch and the importance of self-care."

Update on Dave's Hot Chicken in Rockville (Photos)

Dave knows Nashville Hot Chicken. Rapid construction? Not so much. The former McDonald's building is now getting a fresh coat of paint, inside and out. A new "coming soon" sign has been placed on what appears to be a permanent signpost near the roadway. Dave's Hot Chicken will be located at 11564 Rockville Pike, across from the White Flint Metro station.

California Fish Grill sets opening date in Rockville

California Fish Grill has set an opening date for its newest Washington, D.C.-area location in Rockville. The first diners at the fast casual seafood restaurant at 12238 Rockville Pike at Towne Plaza will be welcomed this coming Monday, November 10, 2025. All seafood served by the chain meets rigorous sustainability standards recognized by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, "third-party certifications, or credible improvement projects." The restaurant will also offer catering packages.

The new Rockville location features the chain's most popular dishes like Atlantic Salmon, Mediterranean Branzino, and wild-caught rockfish, served as bowls, tacos, salads, and grilled plates. Exclusive to CFG's East Coast locations are new menu additions, including a Lobster Roll and Wild Crispy Cod Sandwich. Guests can customize their meals with signature sauces like Garlic Butter or Cajun Style, with entrées offering between 20 and 67 grams of protein per plate.

"We’re thrilled to continue growing California Fish Grill in the DC area," California Fish Grill CEO Bob Holden said in a statement. "Delivering high-quality, sustainable seafood in a fast-casual atmosphere allows more people to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals every day. We look forward to expanding further with upcoming openings in Alexandria and beyond." Operating hours for the Rockville location will be 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM  Sunday through Wednesday, and 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM Thursday through Saturday.