Slurp Noodle House "coming soon" to Rockville

Slurp Noodle House is coming soon to Rockville, according to signage posted at its future storefront. The ramen and dumpling restaurant will be located at the corner of Halpine Road and Chapman Avenue, on the ground level of the Milton apartments at Twinbrook Quarter. Contrary to Western table manners, slurping one's noodles is a sign of enjoying your meal in Japan, and is therefore encouraged. And from a practical standpoint, the practice also cools down the ramen. 

Tesla Supercharger station planned for Germantown

A new Tesla Supercharger station is in the works for Germantown. It will be located at the Shops at Seneca Meadows at 20600 Seneca Meadows Parkway. The charging spaces will be located in the ground level of the parking garage at the shopping center, which is best known for its anchor tenant, Wegmans. Twelve charging spaces are expected to be furnished at this Supercharger station.

Ba Le bánh mì sandwich shop opening September 25 in Rockville (Photos)

Ba Le, a bánh mì sandwich shop, will open September 25, 2025 in Rockville. A banner announcing the grand opening has been placed above the storefront. The Vietnamese restaurant is located at 765-FG Rockville Pike, in the Ritchie Center shopping center. You can get a sneak peek at the menu in the photos below. They've also added a "Fresh Baked Bread" sign in the window, as each of these world-famous Vietnamese sandwiches start with a fresh-baked French baguette sliced lengthwise, before it is filled with the ingredients of your choice. I notice they will have touchscreens for ordering inside, also pictured at bottom.

Go Fresh 365 supermarket "coming soon" to Rockville

A Go Fresh 365 supermarket is "coming soon" to 1800 Rockville Pike at the Galvan at Twinbrook development in Rockville, according to signage posted at its future storefront. 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. 

Here in Rockville, Go Fresh 365 will attempt to fill the vacuum left when Safeway closed at the Galvan earlier this year. The chain says it takes very seriously a responsibility to promote and spread Chinese food culture. Its mission, it says, is to "create greater values for overseas Chinese and the American people." Go Fresh 365 is expected to open in Rockville in November.

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for its annual extended seasonal run. There's a chill in the air these nights, and this store's arrival every year reminds us that Black Friday and the holidays are just around the corner. That's the store's prime time, along with the frostier early months of the year - and believe it or not, we're less than two months from the start of the Christmas season at 12:00 AM on November 1. Look for Sheepskin Gifts and Alpaca Too on Level 1 of the mall, in the former Tesla space.

Shiki Bistro "coming soon" to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Shiki Bistro is "coming soon" to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It will be located on Level 3 of the mall, across from the AMC Theatres Montgomery 16 cineplex. Shiki Bistro describes itself as "An Exquisite Culinary Symphony of Japan and Thailand. Shiki is not just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of two of Asia’s most beloved cuisines. We seamlessly blend the refined artistry of Japanese culinary traditions with the vibrant, spice-forward soul of Thai cooking, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and thrillingly unexpected."

The restaurant will offer an optional omakase experience for the adventurous diner, where the chef serves a tasting menu of his or her choice.  It will also host a happy hour and "Late Night Bites," with discounted signature sushi rolls and cocktails. Shiki Bistro will open this winter.

Gorjana, PacSun, HEYTEA could be in your future at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A sharp-eyed reader noticed some new additions to the tenant roster at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, and snapped a few screenshots (see below) before they were taken down. These "coming soon" listings touted the ultra-popular Chinese beverage cafe HEYTEA, and a return by California-inspired surf and skate-wear retailer PacSun. I also see remnants of those listings in Google search, but the links just take you to the main mall directory now. But the reader said mall management confirmed HEYTEA and PacSun - as well as another California-inspired retailer, jewelry boutique Gorjana - perhaps in time for the holiday shopping season, although there are no official announcements or target opening dates at this time.

Sula Latin Market opens in Gaithersburg

Sula Latin Market has opened at 122 E. Diamond Avenue in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. Just ignore the "coming soon" banner on the building. The Latin grocery store is located right across the street from Cancun Mexican Cuisine. Operating hours for the supermarket are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week.

3 new Dunkin' Donuts locations to open in Rockville

Rockville is getting three more Dunkin' Donuts stores. The first will be at 4011-C Norbeck Road, in the former Sassy Cleaners space. The second will be at 2401 Wootton Parkway in Rockshire. And the third will open at 17700 Muncaster Road in Derwood. All three will be operated by franchisee Luis Group Management, which is based right here in Montgomery County.

Below Zero opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Below Zero is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The cold therapy skincare boutique missed its expected spring opening date, but is now here in time for fall and the holiday shopping season. Its products are targeted at those who want to look younger and extend their lives, which is just about everybody, right? The interior fit-out of the boutique is quite nice, with upscale marble finishes.

"Many animal species live longer at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures," Below Zero notes. "Researchers found that the sense of cold activates a genetic program that enhances lifespan. The research shows that enzymes and hormonal frameworks have a role in reactions to low temperatures, which affects aging and lifespan." Look for Below Zero on Level 2 of the mall, between California Pizza Kitchen and Avalon Nails-Hair-Lashes, right outside of Nordstrom.

Kami Ramen Bar coming soon to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Kami Ramen Bar is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It will be opening its latest location in the mall's Dining Terrace food court, right next to Cinnabon. This will be at least the second try for a ramen bar inside the food court, with Ejji Ramen lasting just over a year. The description of Kami Ramen Bar provided by Westfield matches that of a small chain that currently operates four locations in Tennessee. Those spots get high marks from locals in the Volunteer State. Kami Ramen Bar says it offers a "true taste of Japan. We are crazy about making ramen noodles!"

Maman Joon Kitchen to open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Maman Joon Kitchen is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The authentic Persian kabob restaurant will be located in the space most recently home to Brio's Chicken, but best known as the longer-term home of Tara Thai. That is on Level 2 next to the entrance from the parking deck. Maman Joon has six existing locations, and this will be its second in Montgomery County.

Most of the spices employed in the dishes at Maman Joon are imported from Iran, the local chain says. The dishes are based on family recipes handed down through generations. They also offer catering services. As for the name of the restaurant, Maman means “mom” and Joon means “soul, spirit of life.”

AH'HAAN by Bangkok Garden opening August 17 in Gaithersburg

AH'HAAN by Bangkok Garden has set an opening date of August 17, 2025 at 237-A Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg. That is the former Good Fortune Cafe space, next to Supertooth. As you can see in the photo below, they will be serving Singha beer, "Thailand's original and best-loved premium beer since 1933." During the first week of operation, the Thai restaurant will be offering 20%-off your total bill if you agree to post a Google review of your dining experience - good, bad, or ugly. Ask your server for the review link when you have finished eating. The offer applies to both dine-in and takeout customers, and is good through August 24, 2025.

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant opens in Rockville

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant has opened at 20-A Maryland Avenue at The Square in Rockville.  The restaurant serves authentic Uyghur cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles, Big Plate Chicken, pilaf, kebabs, Piter Manta, Kawa Manta, and traditional desserts that include the new addition of Kazadibi, a Turkish milk pudding. They will also have outdoor patio dining (see the seating below) and live music. This is Dolan Uyghur's fourth location in the Washington, D.C. region, and another great addition to The Square in Rockville.

Sheepskin Gifts and Alpaca Too returning to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for 2025

Sheepskin Gifts and Alpaca Too is returning to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for its annual extended seasonal run. Few people are thinking about warm clothing as thermometers float between 90 and 100 degrees, but alpaca wool is known for its ability to wick moisture away from the skin during the summer season. The store's prime time is still the holiday shopping season, and the frostier months of the year - and believe it or not, we're less than four months from the start of the Christmas season at 12:00 AM on November 1. Look for Sheepskin Gifts and Alpaca Too on Level 1 of the mall, in the former Tesla space.

Hobby Lobby to open first Montgomery County store in Gaithersburg

Hobby Lobby is planning to open its first store in Montgomery County. It will be at 15750 Shady Grove Road in the 270 Center, on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. That is the former Best Buy space. Hobby Lobby will take advantage of the big box building dimensions, and the immediate access to I-270 just west of the shopping center.

Hobby Lobby was founded by David Green in 1972, initially operating out of a garage with a $600 loan to create miniature picture frames. The success of these frames, which could be sold to larger retailers, allowed Green to open the first Hobby Lobby store in Oklahoma City in 1972. The company's growth was fueled by its focus on providing a wide array of craft and hobby supplies at competitive prices, coupled with a strong emphasis on customer service. Similar to Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby followed a practice of closing its stores on Sundays. Their strategy resonated with a broad customer base, enabling steady expansion across the United States.

The Hobby Lobby concept centers on offering a vast selection of arts, crafts, and home decor items under one roof, catering to a diverse range of creative interests and decorating styles. Their merchandise typically includes framing supplies, floral and wedding décor, fabric, jewelry making components, scrapbooking materials, and various craft supplies for painting, drawing, and needlework. Beyond crafts, Hobby Lobby also stocks a significant amount of seasonal decorations, party supplies, and general home furnishings, all curated to appeal to a family-friendly demographic interested in DIY projects and affordable home embellishments.

Warby Parker coming soon to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Warby Parker is opening a new location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The eyewear boutique will open this fall. It will be located next to L'Occitane en Provence on Level 1 in the Nordstrom wing of the mall. Warby Parker has an existing Bethesda location at 4821 Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row.

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant opening in Rockville

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant will hold a "soft opening soon" at 20-A Maryland Avenue at The Square in Rockville. According to Google, the Central Asian restaurant will open this Sunday, July 27, 2025. Owner Hamid Kerim, originally from East Turkistan is working to preserve "the food and flavor of Uyghur culture." To that end, he has three existing locations, in Washington, D.C., Chantilly, and Falls Church. Dolan will replace the very-short-lived Kung Fu Kitchen, which replaced the high profile Peter Chang.

Kirk Cousins' favorite hair salon is coming to Rockville

Great Clips is "coming soon" to Rockville Pike, according to signage posted in the windows of its future storefront. The hair salon will be located at 835-H Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville, and it will be Great Clips' first Montgomery County shop. Based in Minnesota, the haircut chain is best known for its convenient appointment scheduling using its Online Check-in. 

Great Clips was memorably endorsed by NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins, who said he relies on the national chain to provide a predictable haircut regardless of what city he is in. The chain's "Clip Notes" feature helps provide that reliability. "Everybody needs a little rush in their lives. I get mine when I go to Great Clips to get my hair cut," Cousins told USA Today earlier this month. Cousins' original endorsement was genuine, as he was not a paid spokesperson, but Great Clips later provided him with a VIP free haircut card after learning of his praise.