ROCKVILLE ROY ROGERS DELAYED UNTIL FALL

Another disappointment for Roy Rogers fans in Rockville - the return of Roy's to Rockville Pike has been postponed again. A spokesperson said Thursday that permitting issues are holding up the new restaurant. The future Roy Rogers will be on the former Century Ford dealership site, across from Marlo Furniture on the Pike. It is now scheduled to open sometime in September or October.

WENDY'S STEAKHOUSE JR. CHEESEBURGER REVIEW (VIDEO)

Wendy's Steakhouse Jr. Cheeseburger has arrived in Rockville, at the Wendy's located on the Pike at First Street. Before you start thinking about a 1/3 pound Wagyu beef patty, that's not the kind of Steakhouse Wendy's is talking about. This is the standard Dave's Hot and Juicy 100% junior beef patty, with Steakhouse seasoning added.

A garlic aioli finishes the steakhouse theme, along with other standard toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, and American cheese.

Does the Steakhouse Jr. Cheeseburger live up to the steakhouse hype? Watch my video for the full report!

THE UPTON/CAMBRIA SUITES HOTEL ROCKVILLE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Here is the latest progress at the construction site of the future Upton apartments and Cambria Suites hotel, in Rockville Town Center along E. Middle Lane. Remember, a second tower will be built later on the remaining portion of the public parking lot in front of the Regal Rockville. A second new hotel, Even Hotel, is opening further down Rockville Pike.

USA VS. BELGIUM WORLD CUP MATCH IN ROCKVILLE AT AMERICAN TAP ROOM

American Tap Room will be offering its special World Cup Menu today, during the USA vs. Belgium game at 4:00 PM. The restaurant/bar is located in Rockville Town Square. Click the menu to enlarge for detail.

WORLD CUP SPECIALS AT LA TASCA IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

La Tasca is showing the World Cup matches at their Rockville Town Square location. During the games, enjoy a pitcher of sangria and 4 tapas for $40.

La Tasca

141 Gibbs Street, #305

301-279-7011

HAS CHICKEN OUT CLOSED IN ROCKVILLE?

Chicken Out recently moved up Rockville Pike to College Plaza, taking over the old A&W Restaurant. But recently, the parking lot is empty, and no one appears to be inside when I drive past. Yesterday evening, I pulled in during their business hours, and saw no evidence the restaurant was open. But no sign is posted to tell potential customers what is going on.

If the restaurant has closed, hopefully a fast food chain that doesn't currently have a restaurant in Montgomery County will move in, and make use of that drive-thru (Chicken Out did not use the drive-thru, but it is still there).

SHOULD N. WASHINGTON STREET SLOW DOWN?

A change in Rockville policy could give the city's Public Works Director broader, but more defined, authority to determine parking and - in practice - throughput on roads in Business Districts. Some on the Montgomery County Council have sought similar power to slow down traffic, but in many cases those county roads are actually controlled by the State Highway Administration.

Part of an increasingly nationwide effort to reduce speeds, the objective is not always purely about public safety. For some, it is sincerely a safety or business development issue. A few proponents are part of the "war on cars," who seek to make driving as painful as possible, in the hopes of forcing drivers to "get out of their cars," and use public transit. Others include developers seeking to maximize development potential of properties along busy roads and highways, such as Rockville Pike. Plans for outdoor cafes on the curbside of roads where cars rush by have, understandably, sounded quite preposterous. Seeking to lower the embarrassment level for themselves, many have seized upon the idea of taking control of those roads, and forcing traffic to slow to 25 MPH (or even 10 MPH, in New York City). That concept is specifically being floated for state roads in the White Flint area, as well as for parts of Georgia Avenue, to name a few.

One Rockville street targeted by the potential new policy is N. Washington Street. Under the proposed policy, it could become a two-lane road with street parking. Should N. Washington Street become a 2-lane crawlspace like Maryland Avenue? A potential problem, which of course is the source of much traffic on N. Washington, is that it functions as a bypass or parallel route for MD 355.  It is also an alternative route to reaching parts of the town center area. Snarled capacity on N. Washington could have a direct and negative effect on 355 traffic.

Public Works Director Craig Simoneau told the Mayor and Council Monday evening that the new policy would actually better define his existing powers to make road classification and parking decisions. Mayor Bridget Newton expressed concern that these decisions not be removed from the discretion of the city's elected officials. Simoneau argued that he currently possesses more leeway on these matters, and that a new policy would clarify his authority.