Maman Joon Real Persian Kabob opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Maman Joon Real Persian Kabob has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It is located right by the parking deck entrance on Level 2 of the mall, the same garage level that California Pizza Kitchen fronts onto. That spot has seen some turnover since Tara Thai departed, so keep your skewers crossed that Maman Joon can make it work.

"We take pride in creating authentic Persian food that reflects our heritage," Maman Joon says on its website. "Our ingredients are always fresh, most of our spices come from Iran, and our menu is lovingly prepared using our treasured family recipes."

Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen opening in Gaithersburg

Here's a positive "Florida Man" news report: Chef Rachid Eido is expanding his Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen franchise to Maryland. It will be at the Rio Lakefront development in Gaithersburg, at 212 Boardwalk Place. That's next to IT'SUGAR. Eido is actually a native of Beirut, where he learned the art of authentic Lebanese cooking, with the flavors, aromatic spices, and warm hospitality it is known for.

Dave's Hot Chicken opening today in Rockville (Photos)

 

Dave's Hot Chicken will open today, December 18, 2025, at 11564 Rockville Pike, according to a sign posted at the restaurant, which was conducting training for employees last night. After a languid construction process, an inspired burst of energy over the last week got all the equipment and menus into place. Speaking of menus, I was not familiar with Dave's, and am delighted to see milkshakes and Hi-C Orange and Fruit Punch "Slushers" among the beverage choices. Operating hours are 10:30 AM to midnight, seven days a week.

Native Arts opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Native Arts is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. If you are searching for unique holiday gifts, this may be the place to start. The store carries Native American-inspired art, clothing, and accessories. Shop here to find baja sweaters, ponchos, t-shirts, blankets, backpacks, and more. Look for Native Arts on Level 2 of the mall, between Laderach and LensCrafters.

Go Fresh 365 supermarket opens in Rockville (Photos)

There's a new grocery store in Rockville. Go Fresh 365 has opened at 1800 Rockville Pike, at the Galvan at Twinbrook development. Last night, there were more helpful employees than customers in the store, which will have to fight the same nutty Montgomery County sign regulations that former tenant Safeway did - most safe drivers will pass the Galvan without seeing any of the businesses there because there is no monument or pole signage at the roadside, and the development is set back far from the road. 

The Long Island City, New York-based grocery chain boasts that it is the "No.1 Asian/Chinese Supermarket Chain" on the East Coast of the United States. Founded in 1995, the company has grown by leaps and bounds through a focus on freshness, and exclusive partnerships with businesses in the fields of fresh produce, livestock breeding, marine fishing, catering services, and commercial real estate.Its mission, it says, is to "create greater values for overseas Chinese and the American people." 

Andy's Pizza opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Andy's Pizza is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. One reason this is exciting news is that they serve award-winning, authentic New York-style pizza. The second is, you can buy it by-the-slice if you prefer. As much as I revere Sbarro as a classic denizen of American mall food courts, this is a much higher quality product. Look for Andy's Pizza on Level 2 of the mall, in the Dining Terrace food court by CAVA and Chipotle.

Gorjana confirmed to be opening boutique at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Gorjana is now confirmed to be a future tenant at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Laguna Beach-based jewelry retailer has been pursuing an aggressive expansion plan this decade. However, its growth is strategically targeted to areas where it has identified an existing customer base for its products, and the company previously cited Bethesda as one of those. Gorjana continues a retail trend, particularly among fashion brands, of opening stores at Bethesda Row and Montgomery Mall to operate simultaneously.

JOOLA opening today in Rockville, Ben Johns to appear at pickleball flagship Saturday

The world of pickleball is about to get a lot bigger in Montgomery County. JOOLA, the world's leading pickleball paddle manufacturer, is celebrating a major milestone with the grand opening of its signature retail store at 917 Meeting Street at Pike & Rose in Rockville. The doors officially open today, Black Friday, November 28, 2025, solidifying the connection of the global brand with its local roots and the burgeoning pickleball community.

JOOLA's presence in Montgomery County runs deep. The flagship opening follows the brand's relocation of its U.S. headquarters from Gaithersburg to Pike & Rose in March 2025, bringing its innovation, design, and community engagement under one roof. Now it will have a retail storefront at the same property along the busy Rockville Pike commercial corridor.

"Montgomery County has always been part of the JOOLA story, and opening our signature store here is a reflection of our deep roots and our future ambitions," JOOLA CEO and owner Richard Lee said in a statement. "This space is a celebration of how far pickleball has come, and a commitment to supporting the players and communities driving its growth worldwide."

The excitement of opening weekend is getting an extra surge of star power. World No. 1 pickleball player Ben Johns will be in attendance for a special autograph signing and meet-and-greet on Saturday, November 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. As a local, Johns says he understands the impact of this new hub on the pickleball community. "As a kid growing up in Montgomery County, I began with table tennis and eventually found my passion for pickleball. Back then, having a JOOLA store locally would have made a huge difference. Now, with JOOLA opening this first location, it’s exciting to know the next generation will have that exact opportunity right here at home."

Shoppers throughout the opening weekend will receive a complimentary gift with eligible in-store purchases, while supplies last.

Designed to be an immersive experience, the new retail space is a destination for players of all levels. Shoppers can get hands-on with the latest JOOLA paddles, apparel, and accessories, supported by a knowledgeable team of JOOLA experts. The JOOLA store is set to be an integral part of the local pickleball movement, which the company has championed, including helping Montgomery County become the first school district in the United States to introduce pickleball as a varsity sport in the fall of 2024.

The immersive pickleball hub features:

✨ Exclusive in-store-only product drops and limited-edition collections.

👕 Local Maryland, D.C., and Virginia-themed gear celebrating regional pride.

✍️ Pro-player appearances and autograph events.

🏓 A paddle demo program allowing players to “try before they buy.”

🤝 Interactive community events connecting pickleball fans of all levels.

Gold Bunny Donut opening Black Friday at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Gold Bunny Donut has set an opening date for its Westfield Montgomery Mall location in Bethesda. With impeccable timing, it will open tomorrow, Black Friday, November 28, 2025. Gold Bunny features fresh-baked donuts with rich fillings, providing plenty of carbohydrates to sustain your holiday shopping spree. Look for it in the former Donutchew space at the end of the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2 of the mall.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe opening new Rockville location

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is "coming soon" to 835-F Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza, according to signage posted in the window of its future storefront. It is moving into the former Capital Cryo space at the busy shopping center. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has two existing Rockville locations, in White Flint and near Shady Grove Hospital. This more central location aims to serve populaces such as Richard Montgomery High School students, and the Town Center area and surrounding neighborhoods.

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.

Ocean Island Massage Spa opens in Rockville

Ocean Island Massage Spa is now open at 802 Rockville Pike in the Golden Arcade shopping center. It is located between PayMore and the dry cleaners. The spa offers a variety of holistic treatments, including acupressure, reflexology, shiatsu massage therapy, head therapy, and acupuncture. Ocean Island is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM seven days a week.

"Ocean Island Spa is dedicated to providing a serene and rejuvenating experience for each of our guests," the spa says in its promotional materials. "Our philosophy is centered around holistic wellness, offering a range of services aimed at restoring balance to the body and mind. We believe in the healing power of touch and the importance of self-care."

QToys opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Toys are one of the biggest shopping categories during the holiday season, and there's a new toy store this year at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. QToys is a leading collectible toy brand from China. What that means is lots of blind bags, trendy Chinese stuffed toys, and other collectibles. Operating hours for the store are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. Look for QToys on Level 2 of the mall in the Macy's Home wing, between Perfume World and Laderach.

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.

Hollister opening today at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Hollister will make its triumphant return to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda today, Friday, November 14, 2025, according to the staff at Abercrombie & Fitch. It's unknown if John Hollister, Jr. himself will make an appearance. But it is known that the new Hollister store will be found on Level 1 next to American Eagle, in the Cheesecake Factory/Old Navy wing of the mall. It warms the heart of mall lovers everywhere to see Hollister opening its doors in time for Black Friday.

New 7-Eleven store opens in Rockville

Rockville has a brand new 7-Eleven store, complete with gas station. It is at 700 Gaither Road, in the King Farm community. Given the massive expansion of Dunkin' Donuts in Montgomery County in recent years, I never thought I would be typing the following words, but Dunkin' Donuts closed its location here at the Shell gas station. This is very close to the 7-Eleven store and gas station at MD 355 and Redland Road in Derwood, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.

Go! Calendars & Games opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

 

2025 will be winding down next month, and that means it's time to replace your calendars in preparation for the new year. Go! Calendars & Games has returned to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda just in time to serve your needs in that department. The selection of mainstream calendars is pretty competitive with what you will find online, and they also carry puzzles and stuffed toys. Look for Go! on Level 1 of the mall in the Cheesecake Factory wing of the mall, outside of T-Mobile.

See's Candies opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The holiday shopping season is in full swing at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. There's no better indication of that than the annual arrival of See's Candies. Look for their shop on Level 1 in the Nordstrom wing of the mall, between Anya by Vivien and Everything But Water. There's a good reason See's Candies has been around for over 100 years.

Arc'teryx opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Arc'teryx has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The outdoor apparel store is located on Level 1 of the mall, between Sleep Number and Kiehl's. Their techwear and streetwear lines are as popular with couch potato city dwellers as they are with active outdoorspeople. Operating hours for Arc'teryx are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

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.