Showing posts with label Rockville restaurants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rockville restaurants. Show all posts

Saturday, March 16, 2024

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.”



Thursday, March 14, 2024

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.



Saturday, March 9, 2024

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.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

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.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

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.




Wednesday, February 28, 2024

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.

Monday, February 19, 2024

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.




Thursday, February 8, 2024

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.

Monday, February 5, 2024

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.

Friday, February 2, 2024

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.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Popeyes, The Children's Place officially closed at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)


It's official: Popeyes has permanently closed in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. So has The Children's Place, an apparel store for kids. Both spaces have been cleared out, and signage removed. Chicken-loving mall walkers will have to turn to Chick-fil-A, McDonald's or (soon) Pollo Campero in the food court.
Popeyes

The Children's Place


Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Stanford Grill in Rockville to rebrand as Glenwood's


Stanford Grill
, the restaurant that opened in 2015 at 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard in Rockville, is getting a new name. Parent company Blueridge Restaurant Group announced today that it will rebrand all of its Stanford Grill locations as "Glenwood's" in the coming months. The company said the rebranding is part of major expansion plans that will include a goal of opening 13 new restaurants in nearby states over the next few years, as well as a major investment in the existing Maryland restaurants it operates. 

"Since the opening of Stanford Grill, our focus has been on offering the local community an upscale yet approachable dining experience that prioritizes attention to the smallest details," Blueridge Managing Member David Jones said in a statement today. "Our approach has been less about us and more about understanding our guests’ desires. Consistently providing delicious cuisine, refined service, and a beautiful setting has been and will continue to be our priority." 

“While the announcement of this new name brings excitement for our Company’s future, we will stay true to the principles that have established us as one of the most popular dining destinations in our area. These principles are what made us who we are, and we will remain committed to them, regardless of our name.”

Thursday, January 25, 2024

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.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Kelly's Cajun Grill to open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda


Kelly's Cajun Grill
is "coming soon" to the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, according to signage there. We're kind of late to the party with this franchise, as several malls in our region already have, or have had, a Kelly's Cajun Grill. There's an Asian element woven into what otherwise sounds like a typical - if rather short - Louisiana menu. 

Bourbon Chicken is the specialty of the house at Kelly's Cajun Grill. It's "world famous," they say, and has been its signature dish since the first location opened in Florida in 1991. They also have Blackened Chicken, Shrimp Etouffee, and Blackened Fish. For every spring roll or noodle, there's still a side of rice and beans or Cajun fries. If Popeyes has indeed closed for good, Kelly's Cajun Grill can gar-on-tee that there will still be Louisiana flavors in the food court at Montgomery Mall.

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Popeyes closed again at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda...is it the end this time?


Popeyes
has been closed in recent days in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Yesterday, it was indeed closed during normal operating hours, as seen here. Popeyes has closed for short periods in the past, only to reopen for business


One reader reports that the owner has retired, and that this closure is for good; Google is also stating that this Popeyes is "permanently closed." What's certain is that Montgomery County is in desperate need of a Popeyes with a drive-thru.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Teazzi Tea Shop to open first DMV-area location in Bethesda


Teazzi Tea Shop
, a Taiwanese tea chain, will open its first store in the Washington, D.C. region right here in Montgomery County, in downtown Bethesda. It will be at 4941 Elm Street, in the Shoppes of Bethesda. Teazzi currently has 4 New York City-area shops, as well as locations in Boston, Philadelphia, Jersey City, Sunnyvale (California), and Las Vegas. The company has franchisees gearing up to open in Seattle and San Gabriel (California), and in a second Boston location. 

Tea selections at Teazzi include Four Seasons Oolong, Golden Oolong, Amber Oolong, Deep Roast Oolong, Dark Roast Black Tea, and Jasmine Green Tea. Menu options include milk tea, fruit tea, floam, tea lattes, and Teazzi's signature (but optional) topping of oats. Construction on the Bethesda shop will commence in the coming weeks.

Photo courtesy Teazzi Tea Shop

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Eko House to close in Rockville


Eko House
, the African restaurant and lounge at 150 Gibbs Street at Rockville Town Square, will cease operations "effective Sunday, January 14th, 2024." The business is citing "misalignment with our landlord" as the reason for closing. Owners Yomi Ajao and Francis Odiase say they are actively seeking a new location for Eko House, and hope to reopen soon in that new space. Eko House opened two years ago at the struggling Rockville Town Square, which has a number of vacant storefronts.

Sunday, January 7, 2024

J. Chow's closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

J. Chow's as seen on December 27, 2023

It was certainly suspicious when J. Chow's Chicken, Ribs & Salads was closed during normal operating hours on December 27, 2023. The eatery in the Dining Terrace food court hasn't reopened since. Their equipment is still there, but someone has now unplugged the beverage cooler. Store Reporter and The MoCo Show both report that J. Chow's has closed. Sad news indeed for this family business that managed to survive both Lerner's plug-pulling on the much-missed White Flint Mall by relocating here, and the pandemic.
December 27

This weekend


Saturday, January 6, 2024

Moby Dick House of Kabob opens new Rockville Pike location


There's a delicious new dining option on Rockville Pike. Moby Dick House of Kabob has opened its latest area location at 11431-A Rockville Pike. This was previously a Verizon store, located next to 7-Eleven in the shopping center that is also home to Matreshka Russian Gourmet. The local Persian 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.



Friday, January 5, 2024

Update on Montgomery County's first Taco Bell Cantina (Photos)


Montgomery County's first Taco Bell Cantina is getting closer to opening at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring. The latest additions to the interior are the electronic menu boards, soft drink fountain dispensers (Baja Blast!), and self-ordering kiosks. Booth seating has also been installed. I'm intrigued as to why the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box is showing on the menu board - it's not currently a featured item at Taco Bell, and not rumored to return to the menu soon, that I am aware of.