Hollister to return to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

John Hollister, Jr. lives! Nearly a decade after Hollister closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. the California surfer-inspired apparel retailer is planning a triumphant return this fall. Word is that Hollister will move into one of the spaces just vacated by Foot Locker or Merlo Point. Part of the Abercrombie & Fitch empire, Hollister is one of those tenants every self-respecting American mall simply must have, like Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and - come to think of it - Abercrombie & Fitch. If not, is it really a mall?

Photo courtesy Hollister

Garage boutique opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Garage has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The women's apparel boutique held a grand opening event yesterday, luring customers in through giveaways of free treats and beverages, gift cards, and bonus gifts with purchases. Founded by parent company GDI in Montreal in 1975, Garage describes itself as "a casual clothing brand for young women who are fun and effortlessly sexy." Look for Garage on Level 1 of the mall, in the former Aeropostale space between JD Sports and Lovisa.

Wegmans opening today in Rockville (Photos)

A nearly decade-long odyssey comes to an end today at the new Twinbrook Quarter development at the northeast corner of Rockville Pike and Halpine Road. Wegmans will open its long-awaited grocery store at 1590 Rockville Pike at 9:00 AM this morning. The store includes a Market Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. Wegmans has so far donated over $21,000 to community causes, including So What Else and $1000 scholarships to 5 graduating seniors from Richard Montgomery and Rockville High Schools.

Darband Restaurant replacing Taste of Kabab in Rockville

Taste of Kabab has closed at 765-H Rockville Pike at the Ritchie Center in Rockville. But fans of kababs and kabobs don't have to worry. Their space has been leased by Darband Restaurant, a Persian kabob restaurant. Workers cleared out the interior, and then had tables and chairs set up in the dining room by evening Monday. That would still leave any additional decor or new kitchen/counter equipment to be installed. Taste of Kabab opened here about 21 months ago.

HeyTea opens in Rockville

HeyTea has opened at 891-F Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville. In 2012, in a small alleyway called Jiangbianli in Jiangmen, China, HeyTea's young founder invented cheese tea, the product that would become the company's signature product. HeyTea's other signature is its worldwide popularity on social media, stimulated by the company's effort in creating Instagram-ready store interiors and packaging, and drinks that have as much appeal to the camera eye as to the taste buds. The hype that preceded the Rockville opening is real, as the line was out the door Saturday afternoon at Wintergreen Plaza.

Tapers & Tequila coming soon to Derwood

Tapers & Tequila Barbershop-Bar-Lounge is coming soon to 16821 Crabbs Branch Way at The Grove shopping center in Derwood. It will be next to Subway, in a space formerly home to Elite Cuts Barbershop and Studio Hair Design. "At Tapers & Tequila by RCK, we redefine the grooming experience by blending the art of precision barbering with the refined ambiance of a luxury lounge," the company said in a statement. "Rooted in the values of style, sophistication, and integrity, our mission is to provide an elevated space where clients can unwind, connect, and look their best."

"We are so proud to expand Royal Cut Kings into Rockville. We’ve loved becoming part of the community in the Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and with thousands of satisfied customer and reviews backing us, we are confident we will bring the same level of service, excellence, and great experience for our new customers and community." Signage has been installed above their future storefront, but window coverings are blocking the view of progress on the interior fit-out of the business.

Subway opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Subway has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Sandwich artists are now in residence in the former J. Chow space in the Dining Terrace food court, on Level 2 of the mall. $5 Footlongs are a thing of the past, as a Footlong can be two-to-three times that amount, depending on your choice of sandwich. Subway is currently experiencing a renaissance in Montgomery County, with an imminent return to 1402 Rockville Pike also in the works.

Trader Joe's opens in Rockville (Photos)

Trader Joe's fans lined up as far as the eye could see Thursday at the grocery chain's newest Rockville location at 225 N. Washington Street at The Square. A temporary power outage delayed the grand opening ceremonies about two-and-half hours, but did not deter the folks who were lined up all the way down Gibbs Street, toward E. Middle Lane. Once electricity was restored by Pepco, Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton presented Morguard Associate Vice-President Joshua Nolan with a proclamation from the Mayor and Council. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust is the new owner of the development, and recently rebranded it from Rockville Town Square. Morguard Corporation is the management firm for the property.

Morguard AVP Joshua Nolan and
Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton

Rockville Town Square had its struggles over the last two decades, but had never had a true grocery store in the anchor space until now. That has given Morguard confidence that the development can start fresh, with the popular grocer to draw the kind of foot traffic that this corner space had been intended to generate from the beginning. The property hadn't seen the kind of enthusiasm and excitement on display Thursday since the early days of its debut in the summer of 2007.

"This opening reflects Morguard's commitment to creating spaces that enrich local communities," Morguard President and Chief Operating Officer Angela Sahi said in a statement. "The Square is a prime example of how thoughtful reinvestment can spark neighborhood revitalization." Morguard's home run swing in landing Trader Joe's has impressed many local commercial real estate observers, as it immediately solves one of the fundamental flaws that had been a drag on the property, and a source of frustration for City officials.

"We're excited to welcome Trader Joe's and continue expanding the experiences offered at The Square," Nolan said Thursday. "Working with the city and Mayor Monique Ashton, we continue to focus on bringing people together and supporting our community."

Photos courtesy Morguard Corporation

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings "coming soon" to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings is "coming soon" to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, according to signage posted in the windows of its future space. It will be hard to miss, as it has exterior frontage at the main entrance to the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2. Nan Xiang is expected to open this fall.

Soup dumplings originated in Nan Xiang, China centuries ago, but Nan Xiang the restaurant was founded in Flushing, New York in 2006. Growing into a significant chain, and picking up Michelin-recommended status along the way, Nan Xiang is currently engaging in a rapid expansion into malls and other retail properties in the northeastern United States.

Trader Joe's grand opening today in Rockville (Photos)

The new Trader Joe's grocery store at 225 N. Washington Street at The Square in Rockville opens today, June 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Trader Joe's is the new anchor retail tenant for the development, which gets another chance at a fresh start with the addition of a real grocery store, and that traffic that can generate for the other businesses. A grand opening ceremony will be held at the store at 10:30 AM, with Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton, and officials from property owner Morguard and the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Here is a photo preview of what you will see today: