Ssong's Hotdog closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Ssong's Hotdog has permanently closed in the Dining Terrace food court in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Korean hot dog vendor was closed last evening, and the menu screens had been removed. A calendar behind the counter is still set on March. A Ssong's Hotdog spokesperson confirmed this afternoon that the Bethesda location has closed. Their other Maryland locations remain open, he said, including Columbia, The Hub Asian Food Hall in Catonsville, and Towson. Disappointing news, as these were great hot dogs, and the design of the branded packaging was well done.

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.

Brio's Chicken now open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Brio's Chicken has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Peruvian charcoal chicken restaurant is located in the former Tara Thai space, on the upper level of the parking deck outside the Nordstrom wing. Tara Thai closed there just over a year ago. 

It seemed like an ideal spot for a new chain restaurant like Olive Garden or Texas Roadhouse, or any of the other brands ubiquitous nationwide, but bizarrely missing from Montgomery County. Much like Walmart (with the exception of the Germantown store that was built before the chain was banned by the County Council) and Cracker Barrel, you can drive in any direction out of Montgomery County and find these chains in the surrounding counties, and every few miles as far as you keep driving across the nation - - but not here. Truly nutty, and utterly embarrassing for our elected officials, even if the local press won't call them on the carpet for it. Surely there's a Maura Judkis article to be written, albeit filled with snarky, elitist swipes at those who derive enjoyment from unlimited bread sticks.

Westfield has chosen to go local again in this space with Brio's, an admirable trend we've seen at the mall in recent years, although many of those tenants have been short-lived. In contrast, The Cheesecake Factory has been a huge success. A pretty solid market for Latin American chicken has been established in Montgomery County, however, with the growth of chains like Don Pollo and Pollo Campero, so there is promise here as Brio's opens.

There's no functioning website for Brio's as of this writing, and their Facebook page is spartan in information. Their Google listing states, "At Brio's Chicken, we pride ourselves on being an authentic Peruvian eatery, renowned for our specialty: succulent charcoal-grilled chicken. [C]ulinary passion brings the vibrant flavors of Peru to your plate, inviting you on a tantalizing journey through traditional Peruvian cuisine." Initial operating hours for Brio's at the mall are 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturdays, and 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays, according to the schedule on the door.

McDonald's Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy chicken sandwich arrives in Montgomery County

It's not the legendary Cajun McChicken, but a Louisiana-inspired chicken sandwich is once again on the McDonald's menu for a limited time. The Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy has a Southern-style fried chicken "fillet" topped with applewood smoked bacon strips, crinkle-cut pickle slices, and a Cajun ranch sauce, on a toasted potato roll. A deluxe version adds lettuce and tomato. According to the official McDonald's nutrition facts, the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy has 630 calories, 33 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 85 milligrams of cholesterol, 11 grams of sugar, and 1650 milligrams of sodium. 

Peter Chang opens in Gaithersburg

One of the D.C. area's top chefs chose an auspicious day to open the latest addition to his growing restaurant empire. Peter Chang's new Gaithersburg location at 637 N. Frederick Avenue celebrated its grand opening last night, following a rare solar eclipse. This is Chang's first tapas-style small plates concept. The restaurant also offers a Dim Sum menu. 

During the final countdown to Monday's opening, an artist worked to complete a colorful mural on the exterior of the building. The Gaithersburg venture joins Chang's other successful Montgomery County restaurants in downtown Bethesda, and at Rockville Town Square.

Dunkin' Donuts temporarily closed at Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville (Photos)

The Dunkin' Donuts store at 865 Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza is temporarily closed. An extensive renovation project is now underway inside the space. A reopening date has not been announced yet. Customers are being directed to the Dunkin' Donuts locations nearby at 11530 Rockville Pike, and 2006 Veirs Mill Road. However, I'm going to add the store at 15180 Frederick Road at College Plaza to that list, which seems like it might be closer to Wintergreen Plaza than White Flint.

Torchy's Tacos opening in Rockville

Torchy's Tacos has leased the former Chuy's space at Federal Plaza on Rockville Pike, according to signage posted in the windows. Chuy's closed at 12266 Rockville Pike in 2020. 

Like Chuy's, Torchy's has an apostrophe "S," was founded in Austin, Texas, and owns all of its locations rather than license franchises. Unlike Chuy's, Torchy's leans more toward the fast casual model, and less toward a decor that looks like a freight train carrying a shipment of hubcaps crashed into a Texas flea market. 

Torchy's does have a full-service bar, unlike most fast-casual restaurants, however, and relies on a very simple marketing gimmick of serving "damn good" tacos. Which sets the bar very high, as Torchy's will live or die on the Pike based on the first few bites taken by customers, who are a short drive from Taco Bamba, Nada, and El Mariachi in Rockville, not to mention Tacos Don Perez in Glenmont.

Strong-arm robbery at Rockville restaurant

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at a restaurant in Rockville early Thursday afternoon, March 28, 2024. The robbery was reported at a restaurant in the 2200 block of Veirs Mill Road at 1:35 PM; police arrived only four minutes later. That's in the area of the Twinbrook Center.

Rockville food delivery drivers gone wild, Part II

Bad behavior by food delivery drivers in Rockville has landed them back on the radar of Rockville's finest again. Rockville City police were called to a restaurant on Maryland Avenue at Rockville Town Square at 8:04 PM on March 20, 2024, after a driver began behaving erratically while picking up an order. 

A female restaurant employee told officers that the driver approached her from behind, and "hovered" there. The driver then "aggressively" grabbed the bagged order from the employee, knocking her off-balance. 

Police have not released a physical description of the driver, whose identity they say remains unknown at this time. No word if the driver asked the "inappropriate question," however.

Contents of Rockville restaurant to be auctioned off

A Rockville Chinese buffet restaurant "is shutting its doors and making a complete liquidation," according to Capital Online Auctions. The contents of Bamboo Buffet at 2010 Veirs Mill Road in the Twinbrook Center will be auctioned off online beginning Thursday, March 28, 2024. If you are a current or aspiring restaurateur, just about everything you would need will be available to the highest bidder, from kitchen equipment to buffet tables and seating. Some items, like chairs and tables, are being auctioned off in lots of 2 to 12 pieces, for example. There's even some impressive decor for display in your home or office.

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?"

Montgomery County police to conduct saturation patrols all St. Patrick's Day weekend

Montgomery County police will be conducting saturation patrols across the jurisdiction this weekend, in an attempt to deter and catch drunk drivers. Almost 50% of traffic-related deaths on St. Patrick's Day weekend historically have been caused by people driving while intoxicated, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Deployment of the full Alcohol Initiatives Unit, and overtime pay for the extra officers on the streets this weekend, are being partially-funded by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Joining County officers on patrol this weekend will be cruisers from the Maryland State Police - Rockville Barrack N, the Maryland Transportation Authority police, the County’s Sheriff’s Department, and the Maryland-National Capital Park police.

“If you plan to drink, do not drive,” Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said in a statement. “Our officers will be conducting saturation patrols throughout the County and arresting intoxicated drivers. The tragedy that occurs when people get behind the wheel intoxicated is 100 percent preventable.”

County officials are urging those who plan to drink, and do not already have a plan to safely return home, to utilize the SoberRide program. The free ride-home program is offered through the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) in partnership with Lyft. Promotional codes for Lyft will be posted online at 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 17, on SoberRide.com. The codes are valid for up to $15-off on one ride home taken in Lyft’s Washington, D.C., coverage area from noon on Sunday, March 17, until midnight on Monday, March 18. The number of codes is limited, and participants must be 21 or older. Officials also suggest using the County's Ride On bus service.

“There are ample ride services that will get you home safety,” County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin said. “If you are choosing to celebrate with alcohol this St. Patrick’s Day, plan out your ride home ahead of time to keep our shared roadways safe for everyone.”

Naz's Halal Food opening in Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg Square is swapping halal for halal in the same spot. Naz's Halal Food will be opening at the shopping center at 522 N. Frederick Avenue, according to a banner posted on the storefront. That's the same space just vacated by The Halal Guys. So, if you were sad about The Halal Guys inexplicably failing at this location, you can now dry your tears. Great halal food is returning soon to Gaithersburg Square.

Naz's Halal has been around for fewer years than The Halal Guys, but has menu items the Guys don't, like burgers, fish, and Philly cheesesteaks. Of course, you can also order the kind of platters familiar to Halal Guys customers, which make up the heart of the menu here. Montgomery County residents already have familiarity with the chain, as Naz's has locations in Germantown, Rockville, Burtonsville, White Oak and Takoma Park.

Frank Pepe's at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda to offer Paul Giamatti Pie on Oscars Sunday

Actor Paul Giamatti gave an enthusiastic endorsement of the White Clam with Bacon pizza from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana recently on television. The pizza chain will return the favor tomorrow, Sunday, March 10, 2024 - the day of the Academy Awards - by renaming that pizza the Paul Giamatti Pie for 24 hours. A medium Paul Giamatti Pie will cost $25 on March 10 only, at the Frank Pepe's locations at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and at the Alexandria Commons mall in Alexandria.

Rockville bar patron steals employee's car after arguing with staff

A disgruntled patron at a bar in Rockville argued with bar staff, then later retaliated by allegedly stealing one of the employees' cars. Rockville City police say that the suspect jawed with employees, then snatched a set of car keys from one of their jackets, and stole that employee's vehicle from outside the establishment. The vehicle theft was reported at a bar on Seven Locks Road around 2:00 AM on the morning of March 1, 2024. Police have not released a description of the suspect.

Donutchew bites promotion at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Donutchew has managed to survive for three months in a kiosk where multiple tenants have failed in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. As a result, it is getting promoted to a larger, legitimate food court space. "Coming soon" signage has been posted at the new corner location. The mochi donut chain has found similar success with its Rio Lakefront location in Gaithersburg.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe opening in Rockville

Tatte Bakery & Cafe will open a Rockville location later this year at 12232 Rockville Pike, at Towne Plaza. This will be the Boston-based chain's third location in Montgomery County, following its opening at The Wilson in downtown Bethesda in 2021, and its recent lease-signing at the new Westbard Square development in southwest Bethesda. 

Give Towne Plaza credit for always trying to stay relevant in the local dining conversation. Over the years it has hosted the great Houston's, Five Guys and Chef Geoff's; tried to keep Boston Market in the area before the chain backed out; and briefly counted the unique Vietnamese cafe Bambu Che as a tenant. Tatte Bakery has been a coveted tenant in recent years, so this is quite a score for Towne Plaza. When it opens, look for Tatte next to Comfort One Shoes.

An explosion of new restaurants at struggling Rockville shopping center

A struggling shopping center in Rockville is about to get a shot in the arm from several new restaurant tenants. Two chains and one independent brand have signed leases at The Shops at Congressional Village at 1701 Rockville Pike. Kajiken will serve up steaming bowls of abura soba, combining thick noodles and sauces imported directly from Japan with customizable toppings. At west coast chain Kanpai's Rockville location, you will have 100 minutes to eat all the Japanese BBQ and shabu soup you can handle. And for those who prefer a side of novelty with their sushi rolls, Uzu Revolving Sushi will provide a constant stream of mechanically-delivered delights. All three restaurants have "coming soon" signage in their future storefronts, and will only add to Rockville's emerging status as the top destination for Asian dining in the DMV.

Contents of Rockville restaurant to be auctioned off

Freshii, a fast-casual restaurant at 9613 Medical Center Drive in Rockville, is closing, according to an online auction listing. The contents of the restaurant will be auctioned off beginning February 21, 2024. Among the items available is a still-in-sealed-package soup warmer. 

The Freshii chain was acquired by Canadian firm Foodtastic in 2022. Freshii was already based in Canada, where the majority of its restaurants are located. It hasn't fared as well in the United States, where many locations have shuttered since 2017. QSR Magazine has a good analysis of the financial pressures Freshii franchisees in the U.S. have been struggling under.

Man throws coffee, chair at employee at Rockville restaurant

A man who was asked to move aside by an employee cleaning at a Rockville restaurant allegedly reacted with violence, according to Rockville City police. The suspect responded to the request by hurling a chair and a cup of coffee at the employee, police said. Police were called to the restaurant in the 1300 block of Rockville Pike at 1:14 AM on January 23, 2024. There is a 24-hour McDonald's on that block.

Police described the suspect as a Black male of medium-build, 5'7" in height, with a beard and a light complexion. The suspect was last seen wearing a brown sweater.  If you can identify the suspect, or you witnessed the assault, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900.