AMC Theatres applies for liquor license at Montgomery Mall cineplex, as concessions supply chain issues persist

AMC Theatres chose wisely to open its new AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for the opening weekend of The Batman. While the chain was able to turn around the shuttered ArcLight Cinemas for reopening earlier than many anticipated, and Batfans snapped up tickets, the theater isn't even firing on all cylinders yet. Several key concessions items like hot dogs were out of stock in recent days. And the trademark MacGuffins Bar, which AMC had confirmed last week would replace the ArcLight lobby bar, hasn't opened yet.

Apology message from AMC regarding
supply chain issues appears on the 
electronic menu boards at the snack bar

AMC says the temporarily-smaller menu is due to supply chain issues. Items unavailable at the snack bar over the last week include chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, the jumbo Bavarian Legend soft pretzel, and the plant-based Impossible Nuggets. 

Don't worry - Mac & Cheese Bites
are still in stock

It turns out there's a really good reason the bartenders weren't mixing drinks for opening weekend: the theater doesn't have a liquor license yet. AMC has now applied to Montgomery County for a license. A hearing on its application has been scheduled for April 14 at 10:00 AM.

Signage installed at Rockville Beer & Wine in Derwood

The permanent sign has been installed at Rockville Beer & Wine, opening soon at 15809 Frederick Road in Derwood. It was already lit last night. In addition to adult beverages, the store will also sell Maryland Lottery tickets. A hearing on the store's liquor license is now scheduled for tomorrow, January 20, 2022.

El Mercat Bar de Tapas "coming soon" at Rockville Town Square

 

El Mercat Bar de Tapas has posted "coming soon" signage at its future Gibbs Street space at Rockville Town Square. It has also applied for its liquor license from Montgomery County. A hearing on its application has been scheduled for October 21 at 10:30 AM. El Mercat is now hiring for all positions.

Frank Pepe's Pizzeria back on at Montgomery Mall

Is Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana still coming to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda? That's been one of the most frequently-asked questions since the pandemic threw the Connecticut-based pizza chain a curve ball in 2020. While construction has yet to begin inside the pizza parlor's future space on Level 1 at the mall, what I can tell you is that Frank Pepe has applied for a liquor license from Montgomery County. A hearing on the application is scheduled for September 2, 2021.

Gutted interior of the future
Frank Pepe's Pizzeria space

Modern Market applies for liquor license at future Rockville location

Modern Market, the newest restaurant addition coming to Congressional Plaza, has applied for its liquor license. Their hearing is scheduled for October 20. Modern Market recently opened its first Montgomery County location in Bethesda.

Rockville Hooters to close in November

Hooters on Rockville Pike will close after surrendering its liquor license to Montgomery County on November 1. The move, which was brokered by a Hooters attorney, renders moot an August 4 liquor license hearing the restaurant was facing. That was to address the restaurant's role in the drunk driving death that killed Montgomery County Police officer Noah Leotta last year.

The driver who struck Leotta had been served alcohol at Hooters on December 3, 2015, before he drove north on Rockville Pike. His blood alcohol level was .22. This decision, reached in agreement between Hooters and an associate Montgomery County Government attorney, Kathryn Lloyd, seems to acknowledge that the fallout from fighting the violations alleged by the County would not have been worth keeping the restaurant successfully in operation. Community outrage had been seen in comments posted on the restaurant's social media accounts following the tragedy.

Hooters stated to Lloyd in a letter agreeing to the exit that the proposed resolution "holds Hooters accountable, and hopefully contributes to the community's healing process." The company and others could still face civil suits from Leotta's family in the incident despite the liquor license agreement.

New banner, liquor license request up at New York Mart in Rockville (Photos)

More signs of the impending opening of Asian grocery store New York Mart in Rockville - literally. A new banner has been tacked up touting "Coming Soon", and the store has applied for its liquor license from Montgomery County. New York Mart will be located in College Plaza, at the intersection of Route 355 and College Parkway.

Mellow Mushroom applies for liquor license in Rockville (Photo)

Finally, some signs of life at the future site of Mellow Mushroom in Rockville Town Square. The eccentric Southern pizzeria has applied for its liquor license from Montgomery County. Their hearing is scheduled for September 17.

Future Rockville hotel applies for liquor license

The future Cambria Suites hotel, nearing completion in Rockville Town Center, has applied for a liquor license. A hearing on the matter will be held on Thursday, April 16, at 11:30 AM by the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control's licensing board.

MAKI CAFE, SUPER BOWL NOODLE HOUSE APPLY FOR LIQUOR LICENSES IN ROCKVILLE

Super Bowl Noodle House in Rockville's Ritchie Center (785-G Rockville Pike) and Maki Cafe are both applying to Montgomery County for liquor licenses. Super Bowl seeks a Class H H/R license, while sushi and ramen spot Maki Cafe is requesting a Class D license. Both restaurants will have their hearing before the Board of License Commissioners on Thursday, February 6.