Chateau de Rockville bakery cafe update (Photos)

Here's an update on the Chateau de Rockville bakery and cafe, currently under construction at 1701 Rockville Pike at The Shops at Congressional Village. Permanent signage has just been installed above the storefront. They are hoping to open in February or March 2025. Yes, this is a sister location to the existing Chateau de Chantilly in Virginia. It will be right next door to another recent addition to the property, the Teso Life store.

7-Eleven closes in Rockville

7-Eleven has closed at 1701 A-16 Rockville Pike, at The Shops at Congressional Village in Rockville. Windows are covered, and signage has been removed from the storefront. 7-Eleven opened at this location ten years ago. Can we blame this closure on Montgomery County's moribund economy? Yes. 

This past fall, 7-Eleven announced it would be closing 444 stores nationwide. However, it also stated that the locations getting the axe would be "underperforming" stores. So business at this location must have been below expectations, which would certainly reflect Montgomery County's stagnant economy and declining income levels. 

Inflation continues to hit those of lower incomes the hardest, and that is now the fastest-growing demographic in Montgomery County. The combination of moribundity and inflation has created stagflation in MoCo, and a longer drive to the remaining 7-Elevens north and south of here on the Pike.

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.

Kajiken holding soft opening in Rockville

The doors have opened at Kajiken at 1701 Rockville Pike A7, at the Shops at Congressional Village. A soft opening is being held through Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Soft opening hours are 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for lunch, and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner. Each day, you'll have a chance to win a tote bag by playing Rock-Paper-Scissors with restaurant staff. 10 bags will be given away each day, while supplies last.

Kajiken was founded in Japan in 2010. The chain specializes in the abura soba style of ramen. This soupless ramen derives its flavors from a distinctive blend of sauces imported directly from Japan, and cooking oil. Their homemade noodles are thicker and chewier than those served in most ramen establishments. Without a heavy broth in the bowl, Kajiken's dishes tend to be lower in fat and calories than typical ramen. Kajiken is one of several new Asian restaurants opening at the Shops at Congressional Village this year.

Teso Life Japanese Super Store "coming soon" to Rockville

Teso Life, the "Japanese Super Store," is "coming soon" to Rockville, according to signage posted at its future storefront at 1701 Rockville Pike. The chain features a variety of imported Japanese goods, including groceries, toys and collectibles, housewares, beauty and health products, and kitchenware. If this sounds familiar, it's likely because Teso Life's similarly-named competitor, Ebisu Life, already opened a store on Rockville Pike two years ago. 

The addition of Teso Life bolsters a new era for the Shops at Congressional Village, which is shifting to align itself with the booming Asian business sector in Rockville. As Rockville finds itself vying to be the ultimate destination for Asian cuisine in the Washington, D.C. area, the retail property has leased several spaces to new Asian restaurants. When it opens, look for Teso Life next to 7-Eleven.

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.

Goldfish Swim School opens in Rockville

Goldfish Swim School has opened at 1701 Rockville Pike. The privately-run school is located in the Shops at Congressional Village. Goldfish is open now, but will also host a free Grand Opening event on March 29, 2020 from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, for those who want to see the facility and what they have to offer.

Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School opening on Rockville Pike

Goldfish Swim School, a swimming education program for kids, is opening a location at 1701 Rockville Pike. It will be in the Shops at Congressional Village. Goldfish promises "shiver-free pools that are a pleasant 90° all year long," snacks and necessary gear. A swim school is an interesting retail tenant, given the infrastructure commitment for both the school and the landlord.