Dirty Dough sets target opening date in Rockville

Dirty Dough has set a target opening date for its Rockville Town Square location at 36-B Maryland Avenue. The cookie shop is now hoping to open on December 18, 2024. If you missed my first report, Dirty Dough's selling point amongst its competitors is its stuffed cookie fillings, as well as the availability of milkshakes and ice cream that employ the cookie ingredients and toppings. Dirty Dough has an existing Maryland location in Halethorpe, with Baltimore and Laurel stores in the works.

Rockville snack thief uses hot ramen cup as weapon in escape

A resourceful snack thief employed a steaming cup of ramen noodles against those blocking his escape in Rockville on November 20, 2024. Rockville City police report that the suspect was caught allegedly stealing a bag of chips from a business in the 200 block of N. Washington Street at 7:35 PM that evening. Confronted by employees, the suspect tossed the noodle cup at his accusers, and fled.

Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male with a red beard. He was wearing a brown jacket. If you can identify this suspect, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Bowlero Rockville, Gaithersburg to rebrand as Lucky Strike

All three Bowlero locations in Montgomery County will rebrand as Lucky Strike. Bowlero Bethesda at 5353 Westbard Avenue, Bowlero Gaithersburg at 1101 Clopper Road, and Bowlero Rockville at 15720 Shady Grove Road will become Lucky Strike bowling alleys over the next two years. Bowlero, which acquired Lucky Strike last year, has decided to make the name change to reflect its intention to broaden its entertainment empire beyond bowling. 

Lucky Strike has an existing Montgomery County location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The future of the Westbard location is unclear, however, as its lease ends in 2027, requiring a decision by property owner Regency Centers.

Bowlero told The Wall Street Journal this week that profits from its Raging Waves water park in Illinois have exceeded expectations, fueling confidence that the company can expand its horizons, while staying centered on its core business of food and beverage sales. CEO Tom Shannon told the Journal that he envisions the company one day selling passes that are accepted at all of its entertainment businesses.

Rockville Pike Arby's-to-McDonald's conversion update (Photos)

The transformation of the former Arby's at 11710 Rockville Pike into a McDonald's has been more of a demolition project than a simple conversion. Rather than merely updating the facade and interior, a substantial portion of the building was first destroyed. You may recall that the construction plans called for adding about 170 additional square feet to the restaurant. It's almost certain that the drive-thru configuration will be updated to the dual-lane system now employed at most McDonald's locations in America. And the reconstructed building will go from a very outdated Arby's design to the latest McDonald's concept.

This is ultimately a move for McDonald's rather than a new location on the Pike. The existing Golden Arches restaurant down the street at 11564 Rockville Pike will move from its Saul Centers-owned site to this Polinger Company property. But it does bring the major bonus of a drive-thru, which the current White Flint McDonald's does not have. Contrary to the Montgomery County Council's war-on-cars logic, but consistent with its total lack of knowledge of the business world, the vast majority of fast food sales come via the drive-thru window.

Molly Tea to join Wegmans in Rockville

Molly Tea is "coming soon" to Festival Street at the Twinbrook Quarter development in Rockville, according to signage posted in the storefront windows. The signs state that this will be the Shenzhen, China-based brand's first Maryland location. Molly Tea has three existing stores, in California and New York City. At Twinbrook Quarter, it will join anchor tenant Wegmans in The Milton apartments by the Twinbrook Metro station.

Molly Tea specializes in jasmine tea. "Inspired by the Four White Flowers of the East, we select the best mountain tea leaves and scent them with fresh flowers, with focus on Jasmine aromas and Chinese tea," the company's US franchise website states. "Molly Tea aspires to explore all things Jasmine, allowing everyone to see the beauty of Chinese tea culture in their daily lives." Their specialties are Fresh Milk Tea, Snowy Whipped tea beverages topped with jasmine-infused whipped cream, and Fresh Oat Milk Tea.

The company boasts that its milk teas have the highest customer repurchase rates of tea chains in that category. Some beverages might also have seasonal appeal here in America. Molly Tea's White Champaca Milk Tea, for example, is said to carry the scents of chestnuts and frankincense. The Snowy Gardenia sounds like another Christmas season beverage. But, in a fragrant plot twist, the company compares its aroma to the "petrichor after a summer storm."

2nd Montgomery County Sheetz on Gaithersburg Planning Commission agenda Dec. 4

The addition of a second Montgomery County Sheetz convenience store and mega-gas-station will take another step toward reality this Wednesday night, December 4, 2024 in Gaithersburg. City Planning Commissioners will take up a request by the Walnut Hill Shopping Center to install an additional monument sign that will display the Sheetz gas prices. A similar sign was allowed at the Montgomery Village Sheetz further up MD 355. The amendment to Walnut Hill's sign package will also allow additional signage on the Sheetz convenience store building. City staff are recommending approval of the Sheetz amendment.

Armed robbery at Rockville convenience store

Rockville City police responded to a report of an armed robbery at a convenience store in the Twinbrook area on Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2024. The robbery was reported at 10:02 PM at a store in the 13200 block of Atlantic Avenue. There is a 7-Eleven store on that block at 13251 Atlantic. A firearm was the weapon employed in the robbery. 

Christmas tree installed at Rockville Town Square ahead of lighting on Dec. 6

The Christmas tree is up at Rockville Town Square, but it's not lit yet. That will officially happen this coming Friday, December 6, 2024 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the town square. Mr. MoCo himself, Alex Tsironis, will be your host for the evening. King Teddy will perform live music in the square, and there will be food, drinks, activities for the whole family, and a chance for selfies with Santa Claus.

VW ID Buzz spotted in Rockville (Photos)

Volkswagen's new ID Buzz electric van was anticipated to arrive in U.S. showrooms around Thanksgiving. And sure enough, the buzz-generating homage to the iconic VW Bus is beginning to pop up in Montgomery County this weekend. One is on display at Ourisman Volkswagen of Rockville at 801-B Rockville Pike. It is an ID Buzz Pro S model in Deep Black Pearl, with "Moonlight" interior. Including destination charge, the MSRP is $62,280.

You're paying a premium for being one of the first on the road in the ID Buzz, which is likely to turn heads as you travel around the county. You're also paying for legendary German engineering and craftsmanship, as this particular ID Buzz was assembled in the great city of Hannover in Germany, not in Mexico or China. Baltimore is listed as the port-of-entry on the sticker. Black didn't seem to be a popular color on the original VW Bus; I've never seen one on the road in the U.S. But I've ridden in several of the classic version, and grew up to be a big fan.

If the ID Buzz is successful, perhaps VW will realize that the brand's appeal was its distinctive car designs and German quality. The company is going through a tough period at the moment, and has suggested it could close one or more factories in Germany for the first time in its history. It is being hammered by German and European "green new deal" policies that have slashed the advantage European automakers had in the gas-powered market, while throwing them into the fire of the electric car market, where China has built up strong advantages with equally-strong Chinese government support.

Assault at grocery store in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a grocery store on Tuesday evening, November 24, 2024. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 1800 block of Rockville Pike at 6:16 PM. There is a Safeway store on that block of Rockville Pike. An individual was also accused of shoplifting in the same incident.

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!

Assault at Rockville gas station

There was pain at the pumps at a Rockville Town Center-area gas station early Wednesday evening, November 20, 2024 - and not just related to the high gas prices. Rockville City police were called to a gas station in the 200 block of N. Washington Street, after someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at 7:25 PM Wednesday.

Westfield brings in new leadership at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the owner of Westfield Montgomery Mall, has replaced several key leaders at the property just before the busiest shopping time of the year. Jason Dyer has been hired as the mall's Senior General Manager, Catherine Brady has been named the new Marketing Director, and Montgomery County Public Schools veteran Joe Damaia will be the new Facilities Director for the sprawling property. Dyer and Brady have successful track records at other Westfield malls, and Damaia was at MCPS for over 14 years of his more than three decades in mechanical and facilities operations.

Dyer's career has found him working with major brands like Victorinox, Sears, PAPYRUS, and GAP, in national and international markets, before joining URW in 2017, taking on management roles at Westfield malls on both coasts. He is bringing this experience to Montgomery Mall with the key goal of "delivering memorable customer experiences that foster loyalty and repeat engagement," URW said in a statement.

“I’m excited to collaborate with Catherine and Joe as we work to elevate Montgomery’s premier retail, dining and entertainment destination,” Dyer said in a statement. “With our varied expertise and established success in the industry, we’re well-positioned to continue shaping Westfield Montgomery into a vibrant hub for dining, retail, and cultural life in Montgomery County.”

California Fish Grill opening first East Coast location in Rockville

California Fish Grill will open its first East Coast location in Rockville. The Newport Beach-based fast-casual seafood chain currently has restaurants in California, Arizona, and Nevada. It announced plans to expand to the Eastern seaboard earlier this year. The Rockville location will be at 12238 Rockville Pike at Towne Plaza.

True to its name, grilled seafood meals are the specialty of the house at California Fish Grill. Those selections appeal to health-conscious diners, with grilled fish atop rice with a side of vegetables. But scrolling further down the menu, more decadent entrees await, such as fish-and-chips and fried catfish. Like many fast-casual concepts, California Fish Grill offers bowls (including its trademark Cali Bowls), wraps, and salads. But it also sells tacos, and is one of the rare fast-casual restaurants serving calamari.

Towne Plaza faces heavy competition, surrounded by major retail centers like Montrose Crossing and Federal Plaza. It continues to add interesting dining tenants, even if some of them have been short-lived. They had Chef Geoff's last decade, and even tried to bring back Boston Market at one point. Fine dining is a tradition at Towne Plaza, which was home to Rockville's most-popular restaurant in the 1990s and early 21st-century, Houston's.

Virginia beats Maryland again, wins $1.3 billion manufacturing facility & 2015 jobs

Could Maryland and Montgomery County use a $1.3 billion corporate investment, 2015 high-wage jobs, and a major infusion of tax revenue? Yes! Did we win the 500,000-square-foot Microporous manufacturing facility? No! But Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will give you three guesses as to who did. Yet again, our rival across the Potomac River has bested us in the economic development sweepstates.

Microporous, a leading manufacturer of battery separators, will construct the $1.3 billion facility in Berry Hill, Virginia. The factory will create 2015 new, high-wage jobs, and will provide more freight traffic for the Port of Virginia. Tennessee-based Microporous was founded as the American Rubber Company, which patented the first rubber battery separator in 1934. Today, their products are in high demand, as adoption of electric vehicles explodes in many countries around the world, even if demand for EVs still lags in the United States. Virginia's port will indeed see a boost in outbound traffic as a result, as Microporous is the only manufacturer of rubber battery separators used in electric automobiles and mobility devices.

“This historic $1.35 billion investment by Microporous in Pittsylvania County marks a new chapter in Virginia's incredible advanced manufacturing story,” Youngkin said in a statement yesterday. “This project not only brings over 2,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia, but also positions the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s resurgence in manufacturing. Microporous' decision to establish their new facility here underscores Virginia's competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries.” Youngkin's office identified North Carolina as the other finalist for the facility; it's unclear if Maryland even attempted to pursue the opportunity, or was once again asleep at the switch.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome Microporous to the Southern Virginia Megasite and Pittsylvania County," Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Dalton said Wednesday. “Microporous brings a new level of technological advancement to our business community as well as high paying jobs that offer another opportunity for our young people to remain and raise families in and near their hometowns. Microporous will also provide the County with added revenue to better serve our citizens. We look forward to many years of Microporous’ growth and success and Pittsylvania County is honored to be part of that journey.” 

Photos courtesy Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Rockville Mayor & Council to hold public hearing on Lincoln Park design guidelines

The Lincoln Park of the future is up for public discussion next week. Rockville's Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on new design guidelines for residential development in the historic neighborhood at its Monday, November 18, 2024 meeting at 6:30 PM at City Hall. Several potential amendments have been drafted, which include input collected from residents. The amendments under consideration "seek to update existing building standards to provide greater clarity and predictability for residential development in the Lincoln Park neighborhood," a statement from the City Department of Community Planning and Development services says.

You can read the latest draft of the proposed guidelines update here. If the Mayor and Council reach a consensus to approve the new guidelines, and public comment trends favorably, they could be adopted at their December 9 meeting. Should the public raise strong objections at Monday's hearing, the calendar might be extended for further revisions.

Teso Life Japanese Super Store opens in Rockville

Teso Life Japanese Super Store opened yesterday at 1701 Rockville Pike, at the Shops at Congressional Village. Fans of the Queens, New York-based department store traveled from far and wide to attend the grand opening. Inside are imported Japanese groceries, beauty products, toys, collectibles, and kitchen, bath and home goods, just to name a few categories. Teso Life joins competitor Ebisu Life on Rockville Pike.

Rockville apartment building wins Jack Kemp Award for Excellence

Rockville's newest apartment building has won the 2024 Jack Kemp Award for Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Terwilliger Center for Housing. The honor, which recognizes "exemplary developments that demonstrate creativity in expanding housing opportunities" for mixed-income residents, was presented to The Laureate at 8005 Gramercy Boulevard during ULI's Fall Meeting in Las Vegas. The Laureate was jointly developed by Bethesda-based EYA, Bozzuto, and the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County.

The Laureate was the first development to utilize Montgomery County's new Housing Production Fund as a source of financing. This is the third Jack Kemp Award won by EYA. The award is named for former Republican congressman and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp, and was established in 2008. As HUD secretary during the administration of President George H.W. Bush, Kemp sought to increase rent subsidies for low-income Americans, as well as to expand opportunities for home ownership among residents of public housing. He also believed in public-private partnerships in furthering these and other economic goals.

Jack Kemp

"EYA is committed to creating mixed-income housing through innovative public-private partnerships," EYA President and CEO McLean Quinn said in a statement. "The Laureate is an example of how builders can partner with public agencies to address the affordable housing shortage across the country and we are incredibly proud of the design, amenities, and lifestyle our partnership has infused into The Laureate. Innovation, commitment to quality affordable housing and good partnership won this award."

The Laureate is the latest addition to the Westside at Shady Grove development. 25% of its 268 units are designated as moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs) for residents earning 50% of the area median income (AMI), and an additional 5% are designated as workforce units for residents earning 65% AMI. The developers designed these units to be indistinguishable from the market rate units, incorporating the same high-quality features and finishes as the more-expensive apartments, and designated all 3-bedroom units to be income-restricted. Former Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton had pressed developers to provide affordable 3-bedroom units for families during her time in office.

Photos 1, 2 & 4 courtesy Bozzuto

Fairfax County beats Montgomery County again, winning CMC Electronics facility

Montgomery County has suffered another loss to Northern Virginia in the competition to win a new research and development facility from CMC Electronics. The avionics manufacturer chose Reston, Virginia for its new office and R&D facility, which will bring 89 high-wage jobs to Fairfax County at the start, with more to be added in the future. Virginia Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra confirmed that the finalists in the race were Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, and Florida. On a positive note, at least Maryland was engaged in this contest - and in the running until the end - rather than being asleep at the switch.

It's hard not to notice the proximity of CMC's future facility site in Reston to Dulles International Airport. Dulles is the only airport in our region with the flight frequency and international destinations that meet the demands of international businesspeople. Montgomery County and Maryland continue to cut off their ideological nose to spite their economic development face, by blocking construction of a new Potomac River crossing from the I-270 corridor to Dulles.

Pierre Rossignol, President, CMC Electronics

"We are thrilled to be joining the vibrant Reston community and are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings—for our team, our partners, and our customers," CMC Electronics President Pierre Rossignol said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing our mission of pushing the boundaries of avionics excellence." The Montreal-based firm has an existing American facility in Sugar Grove, Illinois. CMC stands for Canadian Marconi Company; the company's founder was someone you might have heard of:  Guglielmo Marconi. The brilliant Italian inventor founded the firm in 1903.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

“CMC Electronics' decision to invest $5 million and establish its new facilities in Fairfax County underscores Virginia's position as a leader in aerospace innovation,” Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement from his office. “This creation of new high-tech jobs demonstrates the strength of our Commonwealth's talent pipeline and our commitment to fostering cutting-edge industries. Virginia's pro-business climate and strategic location continue to attract global companies like CMC Electronics, further solidifying our role in shaping the future of aviation technology.”

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay

“I am thrilled that CMC Electronics has chosen Reston as the location for their U.S. expansion and continued global growth,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay said. “CMC Electronics choosing Fairfax County is yet another testament to how business-friendly policies, a robust talent pipeline that supports innovation, and our unmatched quality of life is a winning combination for maintaining our status as the premiere destination for starting, locating, and growing your business.”