Dumpling for Life opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Dumpling for Life has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The menu includes five kinds of dumplings, with fillings such as pork, beef, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. Pork-filled pan fried buns and three noodle dishes are also available. Round out your meal with a bean jelly or water chestnut jelly dessert. Look for Dumpling for Life next to McDonald's in the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2 of the mall.

Amazon Fresh Shady Grove Road store opening soon in reversal of plans by retail giant (Photos)

Amazon will open its Amazon Fresh grocery store at 15790 Shady Grove Road at the 270 Center on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg after all, according to signage posted at the property. This saga began when I broke the story about Amazon leasing the space way back on September 1, 2020. The retail giant completed the interior fit-out of the store by the late summer of 2022, and spent months installing its Just Walk Out system electronics. It then postponed the grand opening to 2023, only to abruptly remove all signage from the building in April of 2023. Many other Amazon Fresh stores - some of them fully-constructed like the Shady Grove location - were also "paused" or canceled around the same time.

But after 14 months of abandonment of the project, Amazon suddenly posted help wanted ads for the Shady Grove Road store at the start of this month. Was this a glitch in Amazon's job site? On June 5, I emailed all three leasing representatives for 270 Center to ask if Amazon had reversed its decision. All three declined to reply to my inquiries. 

The secret can no longer be contained, however. On Sunday, a large banner was posted on the blank storefront with the familiar Amazon logo. Inside the store, more Amazon signage is visible. Parking space reservation signs for curbside pickup and Amazon Flex drivers are massed in the store's vestibule. And self-checkout machines are not only in place, but are activated with lit screens. 

Amazon's decision to go forward with the store is a triple win for the community. It will greatly increase foot traffic to 270 Center and its other tenants, a benefit the property owner has had to wait for nearly four years to realize. Second, Amazon Fresh delivery will now be extended to parts of the area where it has been unavailable. Finally, along with the new Aldi at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center, south Gaithersburg, Derwood, and upper Rockville residents will now have two grocery stores whose business models are centered around competitive pricing. Aldi is expected to open in July; Amazon has not announced the opening date for the Amazon Fresh as of this writing.

Dirty Dough opening in Rockville

Cookies are most definitely the new cupcakes and fried ice cream rolls. And here comes the latest entry in the latest trend, Dirty Dough. The rapidly-expanding chain has leased a space at 36-B Maryland Avenue at Rockville Town Square. How does Dirty Dough differentiate itself from the Crumbl Cookies, Levain Bakeries, and Chip Cities of the world? With stuffed fillings that render their creations not as mere cookies, but "super-stuffed cookie bombs." 

Like the competition, Dirty Dough is constantly producing limited-edition flavors, on a weekly basis in this case. If you need more sugar to go with your cookies, they also serve Dirty Shakes, in which you can have any cookie of your choice mixed in, and Dirty Scoops of ice cream. "Coming soon" signage has been posted in Dirty Dough's future Rockville storefront. The chain has an existing Maryland location in Halethorpe, with new ones coming soon in Baltimore and Laurel.

Aldi opening in July at Walnut Hill in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Construction has accelerated in the final phase at the Aldi grocery store opening soon at 737 S. Frederick Avenue at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. The store, which is the center's new anchor tenant, is now expected to open on July 24, 2024, according to Google. Signage is up on the storefront, and checkout counters and shelving are in place inside. Operating hours have been posted on the door. This Aldi is likely to draw many customers from communities like King Farm and Upper Rock in Rockville, as well as from Derwood, as it will be more convenient than the 1501 Rockville Pike location.

No Regrets Pizza opens in White Flint

No Regrets Pizza Co. has opened at 5454 Nicholson Lane, Suite 180, in the ground floor of the Harwood Flats apartments in White Flint. In addition to handcrafted artisan pizzas in New York and Roman styles, the pizzeria turns into a dinner and cocktail bar destination. Early patrons appear to have no regrets, as No Regrets currently has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google Reviews, and a 4.5 average on Yelp. Operating hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week.

Mind Games opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Another toy store is coming to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Mind Games will be a bit more on the Smart Toys side of the spectrum than a Toys R Us or KB Toys model. The Toronto-based retailer sells books, educational toys, and games alongside the conventional popular toys. It also has its own house-brand products. Familiar toy brands stocked include Lego, Funko, Mattel, and Maisto.

Mind Games is now hiring for all positions, including store manager, assistant manager, key holders, and part-time associates. When the games begin, look for Mind Games on Level 1 of the mall, next to Build-A-Bear Workshop. Which coincidentally puts Mind Games a few doors down from another Lego retailer - Lego itself. 

The store brings some Canadian sensibilities with it, too. Boxing Day gets a big push on its social media accounts, for example. And holiday sale door busters are "door crashers," eh?

Mía Cane Juicery and Açaí Bar opening in Rockville

Mía Cane Juicery and Açaí Bar is coming soon to Rockville. It will bring the newest beverage trend of sugarcane juice alongside smoothies, açaí bowls and Vietnamese coffee to 785-I Rockville Pike at the Ritchie Center. This was Japong Bakery's original spot before it moved to 765-A at the center. 

This will be Mía Cane Juicery and Açaí Bar's third U.S. location, and their first in the Washington, D.C. area. Their first two are in New England: Worcester, Massachusetts, and the soon-to-open store in Providence, Rhode Island. Coming-soon signage is now up at the Rockvile location.

Timeless Living opening in Rockville

Timeless Living, a furniture retailer, is coming to Rockville Pike. It has leased a 13,441-square-foot space at Congressional Plaza on the second level, above The Container Store. That space was formerly home to Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio. Timeless Living has an existing furniture showroom at Tysons Corner Center.

"Timeless Living offers luxury, mid-century, and modern furniture," the store's marketing materials state. "It offers high-end, premium-quality furniture with personalized service, also mid-century furniture designs from the mid-20th century with clean lines and functionality. [W]e also offer modern contemporary designs inspired by the latest trends and often feature customizable options."

Läderach opening store at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

One chocolate store just moved out of this space at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Now another is moving in. Läderach, a Swiss chocolate and candy manufacturer, will soon be added to the mall's directory. Based in the Alps since 1962, the company specializes in chocolates, truffles, pralines, and fruit-and-nut-filled chocolate slabs called FrischSchoggi. The company currently has 150 boutiques in 16 countries around the world.

Tomato opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Tomato has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The mall has seen some interesting and unique international fashion brands come and go in recent years, and Tomato now joins their ranks. Founded in Alexandria, Egypt exactly thirty years ago, Tomato aspires to bring the ancient quality and craftsmanship that civilization was known for into the 21st century. In the years since 1994, it has grown into one of the leading manufacturers and retailers of men's and children's apparel in Egypt and the Middle East. 

The brand has opened three stores in our region before this one, at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, and at St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf. Here at Montgomery Mall, Tomato is so new, it hasn't been added to the online store directory yet. Look for Tomato on Level 1 of the mall, next to American Eagle.

Lafayette Federal Credit Union to open new Rockville branch

Lafayette Federal Credit Union is opening a second branch in Rockville this year. It will be at 14933-A Shady Grove Road, in the Fallsgrove Village Center. "Coming soon" signage has been posted in the storefront, which was formerly home to Art & Frame Depot. Lafayette has an existing branch in Rockville at 2701 Tower Oaks Boulevard.

Jinlan Dumplings opening in Rockville

Jinlan Dumplings is coming soon to White Flint Station at 11620-A Rockville Pike. Chef and cooking instructor Jinlan Wenhua is a fixture at many farmer's markets across the region, where she has been selling her authentic Chinese dumplings made with fresh ingredients from local farmers. Now, like many chefs who have gained popularity with food trucks or farm market sales, she is opening an actual restaurant.

The 1,325-square-foot space will seat about 20 diners. It will be open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A mid-June opening is anticipated, but stay tuned for an official opening date.

Photo courtesy Jinlan Wenhua

Rockville Dunkin' Donuts May 11 grand opening is a chance to win free coffee for a year

The grand opening of the newest Dunkin' Donuts in Rockville this Saturday, May 11, 2024, will give you a chance to win free coffee for a year. Just be one of the first 100 guests in line starting at 9:00 AM at the Dunkin' Donuts store at 9761 Traville Gateway Drive, and you'll receive a coupon book containing 4 free medium hot or iced coffee coupons per month for 14 months good only at this location. A ribbon-cutting will be held at 10:00 AM. 

This is Luis Group Management's 26th Dunkin' Donuts store in Maryland. Following the ribbon-cutting Saturday, the Luis Group will present a check that will award Driven to Cure with a $3,000 grant to help raise awareness and provide funding for research of rare kidney cancers in children and young adults. Between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, guests will also enjoy free giveaways from the Dunkin’ Prize Wheel, an appearance from the Dunkin’ mascot Cuppy, and face painting.  

The Traville Gateway store features the new upgrades Luis Group has implemented at many of its existing and new locations in recent years, including a more energy efficient and environmentally-sensitive design and materials, the Premium Pours tap system that provides consistent quality for 8 of the chain's most popular cold beverages, and touchscreen ordering and dedicated mobile order pickup area to get you in and out of the store with your takeout order faster than ever before.

This new Rockville location will be open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. At 2,000-square-feet in size, it employs about 20 team members. Free Wi-Fi is available for customers, and best of all, there is a drive-thru!

Mui Japanese restaurant to replace The Block in Rockville

The Block is gone at 967 Rose Avenue at Pike & Rose, but the space is going to remain a destination for Asian cuisine. Mui, a Japanese restaurant, will open in the former food hall spot next to West Elm this coming winter. Inspired by the modern cuisine of Japan, the menu at Mui will combine traditional and innovative new dishes. Seafood and meat will be cooked on a Robata grill. Like many top sushi restaurants in the region, Mui will offer an omakase dining option, which will leave the selection to the chef, who will surprise and delight diners with their latest creations.

A wine and champagne list will join a curated selection of cocktails. These will be complimented by a menu of fine agave, scotch and sake brands. 

"We warmly welcome Mui to Pike & Rose," Federal Realty Senior Vice President Stuart Biel said in a statement this morning. "Our highly amenitized neighborhood is a popular destination for foodies and shoppers from North Bethesda and the greater community, and we are thrilled to share this new dining experience." "With its lively environment, Pike & Rose is the perfect setting for Mui’s first restaurant location, noted Mui's Edward Wong.

Chocolate Moonshine reopens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Chocolate Moonshine has reopened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It is now on the edge of the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2. This is the spot recently - and shockingly - vacated by 7-Eleven. Chocolate Moonshine closed in its old location in early April, where it had been in operation since 2016.

Chocolate Moonshine's chocolate bars are made with bourbon, whiskey, champagne, rum, and Barrel aged Irish whiskey. Moonshine Bars are filled with smooth and creamy centers. All bars are gluten-free, and made with only natural and organic ingredients. Their fudge is cooked in small, 50-pound batches, and made with 30% less sugar than competing products.

Kung Fu Kitchen replaces Peter Chang in Rockville

Peter Chang has left the building. The beloved restaurateur and chef recently opened a Gaithersburg location, but now his Rockville outpost has closed. His space at 20-A Maryland Avenue at Rockville Town Square isn't going dark like so many others in the struggling town center, though. It has quickly been filled by Kung Fu Kitchen. Promising a new menu of "authentic Chinese cuisine," it still has the Peter Chang signage above the storefront, but that will change in the coming weeks.

Brio's Chicken now open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Brio's Chicken has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Peruvian charcoal chicken restaurant is located in the former Tara Thai space, on the upper level of the parking deck outside the Nordstrom wing. Tara Thai closed there just over a year ago. 

It seemed like an ideal spot for a new chain restaurant like Olive Garden or Texas Roadhouse, or any of the other brands ubiquitous nationwide, but bizarrely missing from Montgomery County. Much like Walmart (with the exception of the Germantown store that was built before the chain was banned by the County Council) and Cracker Barrel, you can drive in any direction out of Montgomery County and find these chains in the surrounding counties, and every few miles as far as you keep driving across the nation - - but not here. Truly nutty, and utterly embarrassing for our elected officials, even if the local press won't call them on the carpet for it. Surely there's a Maura Judkis article to be written, albeit filled with snarky, elitist swipes at those who derive enjoyment from unlimited bread sticks.

Westfield has chosen to go local again in this space with Brio's, an admirable trend we've seen at the mall in recent years, although many of those tenants have been short-lived. In contrast, The Cheesecake Factory has been a huge success. A pretty solid market for Latin American chicken has been established in Montgomery County, however, with the growth of chains like Don Pollo and Pollo Campero, so there is promise here as Brio's opens.

There's no functioning website for Brio's as of this writing, and their Facebook page is spartan in information. Their Google listing states, "At Brio's Chicken, we pride ourselves on being an authentic Peruvian eatery, renowned for our specialty: succulent charcoal-grilled chicken. [C]ulinary passion brings the vibrant flavors of Peru to your plate, inviting you on a tantalizing journey through traditional Peruvian cuisine." Initial operating hours for Brio's at the mall are 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturdays, and 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays, according to the schedule on the door.