Walnut Hill Shopping Center to add drive-thru Chipotle

Next year, you could be picking up a Chipotle burrito without even getting out of your car in Gaithersburg. The Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16529 S. Frederick Avenue will be adding a Chipotle restaurant on the North Westland Drive side of the property. A bank building will be demolished to clear the way for the restaurant, which will have a drive-thru. The drive-thru will be only for online pickup orders, and is called a Chipotlane. There is at least one other Chipotlane in Montgomery County, at the Briggs Chaney Chipotle at 13801 Outlet Drive.

Dinner-and-a-movie deal at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

 

Here's something you used to see in downtown Bethesda, before the Montgomery County Council stupidly but intentionally allowed the demolition of the Regal Bethesda 10 cineplex at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, without mandating a replacement movie theater be part of the redevelopment of the property. Dinner and a movie! Today it's happening where there is a 16-screen cineplex in walking distance to restaurants in Bethesda, and that is at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Order any entree at California Pizza Kitchen on Level 2 in the Nordstrom wing of the mall, and your movie ticket at the AMC Montgomery Mall 16 cineplex on Level 3 will be only $11. This is a great deal to take advantage of while doing your holiday shopping, for a date night, or when going to see any of the big holiday movie releases.

Andy's Pizza opens in Gaithersburg

Andy's Pizza has opened at 145 Commerce Square Place at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. Andy's serves New York-style pizza in whole pies, or by the slice, and is quite an upgrade from previous tenant MOD Pizza. It is a double win to be able to order by the slice, with such high-quality pizzas. Next up for Andy's: a Montgomery Mall location in Bethesda.

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.

Signage installed at Gold Bunny Donut at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The sign is up at Gold Bunny Donut at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. They are also hiring baristas, donut bakers, and cashiers. Gold Bunny's selling point is donuts with rich fillings. Look for Gold Bunny Donut on Level 2 of the mall in the Dining Terrace food court, in the former Donutchew spot.

Derwood McDonald's damaged by errant driver

A driver recently struck the McDonald's restaurant at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road at the Red Mill Shops shopping center, causing damage to the building. It struck the side of the restaurant from the drive-thru lane. The damage was not sufficient to require closure of the restaurant, which remains open for business. Repairs are being scheduled for the impacted section of the wall.

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.

Update on Andy's Pizza in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Signage has been installed at Andy's Pizza, opening soon at 145 Commerce Square Place at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. More art has been added to the interior walls of the pizzeria. Furniture has been set up on the outdoor patio. Andy's Pizza will be opening here, and at a second Bethesda location in Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe, Mattress Warehouse construction begins in Gaithersburg

Wow, what a juxtaposition! Construction has begun on the former Buca di Beppo building at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. According to the property leasing map, the building is being subdivided into two spaces. One half will hold the upscale New York-based Tatte Bakery & Cafe. The other half will go to Mattress Warehouse. The signing of Tatte Bakery & Cafe was first reported by The MoCo Show.

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.

Puree Artisan Juice Bar opening Cabin John Village location

 

Puree Artisan Juice Bar is expanding to Potomac. The cold-pressed juice and vegan snack bar will open a new location at 7937 Tuckerman Lane at the Cabin John Village shopping center. Puree began with a flagship location at Bethesda Row in 2011. Rather than expand rapidly, the brand has slowly and strategically built on one success after another since then. Its latest move will be new shops at Cabin John and Georgetown, both of which will open in 2026.

More signs of Dave's Hot Chicken in Rockville

Dave's Hot Chicken still hasn't served any hot chicken at its future Rockville Pike location, but it continues to serve up plenty of "coming soon" signage. The latest is a large banner with the chicken logo. Inside, construction continues at a glacial pace, and is far from completion. Located at 11564 Rockville Pike in the White Flint area, the building was formerly a McDonald's.

Fontina Grill to open at The Laureate in Rockville

Fontina Grill, a longtime fixture in the Rockville dining scene, is relocating. In the fall of 2026, it will move to a 5,135-square-foot space at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Gramercy Boulevard. That is at The Laureate, a new multifamily building at the Westside development near the Shady Grove Metro station built by EYA. The popular Italian restaurant has operated at the King Farm Village Center for 15 years. 

"We are thrilled to bring Fontina Grille to The Laureate," Fontina Grill owner Ali Abduljabbar said in a statement. "This new chapter gives us the opportunity to continue serving our loyal guests, while welcoming new neighbors in a dynamic and growing community.

"We are thrilled to welcome Fontina Grille to Westside," said McLean Quinn, President and CEO of EYA, LLC said. "As a beloved part of the broader community already, Fontina Grille will bring a new gathering place to the heart of Westside, serving as a lively community hub where neighbors can come together and enjoy an exceptional dining experience."

La Baguette Antojitos opening in Rockville

La Baguette Antojitos is "coming soon" to Rockville, according to signage posted in the windows of their future storefront. The bakery will replace another bakery - Lavande Patisserie - at 275-B N. Washington Street in Rockville Town Center. Images displayed include baked goods, coffee and tacos. This appears to be an independent, small business, as this appears to be the first and only location for this enterprise. There are no social media accounts for La Baguette Antojitos as of this writing, either.

Guapo's to open new Gaithersburg restaurant

Guapo's is opening a new restaurant in Gaithersburg. It will be a Guapo's Rotisserie Chicken & Tex Mex Grill concept, of which the local company operates three in Northern Virginia. This would be the first on our side of the Potomac. Guapo's has full-service Mexican restaurants in Bethesda, and at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg.

Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is the specialty at the Guapo's Rotisserie Chicken locations. The new restaurant will be located at 12211 Darnestown Road, at the Quince Orchard Marketplace shopping center. That was formerly home to California Tortilla.

Andy's Pizza opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Andy's Pizza is speeding up its expansion within Montgomery County. The award-winning pizzeria that has had tremendous success in downtown Bethesda will soon open a second Bethesda location at Westfield Montgomery Mall. It will be in the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2, in between CAVA and Chipotle. A third MoCo Andy's Pizza shop will be opening soon at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg.

Gold Bunny Donut opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Gold Bunny Donut is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It will be taking over the end space just vacated by another donut shop, Donutchew, in the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2 of the mall. At Gold Bunny Donut, the donuts will be handmade fresh each morning, and each afternoon. You can check out the flavors here.

"Gold Bunny Donut transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary," the mall said in a statement. "The goal is to lead the new wave of donut innovation, offering a premium and delightful dessert experience you can feel good about sharing with your loved ones."

"Gold Bunny Donut believes in creating moments of joy with every bite. With donuts that are crafted with unique textures and flavors, especially the signature creamy varieties that elevate the traditional donut experience. Gold Bunny Donut is dedicated to using only the finest ingredients, free from preservatives and artificial additives, ensuring that treats are not only delicious but also safe for everyone, including your little ones."

"The inspiration comes from a desire to provide clean and wholesome desserts. The bunny symbolizes purity and care, reflecting our commitment to quality and family-friendly treats." 

Sixty Vines opens in Gaithersburg

Sixty Vines has opened at 212 Ellington Boulevard at Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg. "The winemaker's restaurant" is now the wine drinker's restaurant. Your choice of sixty wines will be poured from the restaurant's "sustainable wine on tap system." Sixty Vines replaces Pour House at the development.

Dave's Hot Chicken "coming soon" to Rockville (Photos)

Dave's Hot Chicken is "coming soon" to Rockville Pike, according to a banner posted on the restaurant building. It will be at 11564 Rockville Pike in Rockville. That was formerly an old-style McDonald's restaurant, until the golden arches moved a short distance north to the old Arby's site. Before expanding to Montgomery County, Dave's Hot Chicken was best known to Marylanders as the fast food company that promoted itself via influencer videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Other Maryland locations have already opened in White Oak and Waldorf.