Rockville Dunkin' Donuts closes

One of the Dunkin' Donuts in Rockville has closed. The Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins store at 777 Hungerford Drive has been permanently shuttered. This is the one by Flagship Car Wash.

Fortunately, there is a nice newer Dunkin' Donuts a short distance up Route 355 at College Plaza, and it even has a drive-thru. Dunkin' Donuts has been massively expanding in our area - and across central and southern Maryland - in recent years, making store openings much more common than closures.

Congressional Plaza construction update (Photos)

Construction continues on the future Barnes and Noble bookstore, and FITRow, at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike. Both the bookstore and the 3-space fitness annex will open in 2020. I can't figure out what they are doing at the B&N space - raising the roof, adding a floor, or just increasing the height of the facade. They have also posted a yellow FITRow sign on the building.

ArcLight Cinemas Bethesda wins Governor's Crime Prevention Award

The general manager of ArcLight Cinemas in
Bethesda (second from left) holds the Governor's
Crime Prevention award received by the cineplex

ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda has won a Governor's Crime Prevention award from Gov. Larry Hogan. The cineplex was recognized for donating auditorium time on the first Wednesday of each month to the Montgomery County Police Department. Officers use the time to host a senior forum where seniors enjoy a free film, along with a presentation on tips to prevent becoming a crime victim.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R)

Police Chief Marcus Jones and other police officials attended the award ceremony, and thanked ArcLight and the other winners. The theater's general manager was on hand to receive the award. Target's Rockville store also received an award from the governor.

Two tower cranes erected in Rockville Town Center

There are now two tower cranes in Rockville Town Center. Here are some views from Duball, LLC's Phase II of their Rockville Town Center development. Located off E. Middle Lane on what was the last remaining surface parking lot in front of the Regal Cinemas Rockville, the site will be home to a 400-unit apartment building, with 150 of those to be set aside for senior housing operated by development partner Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission. The building will also include 20000 SF of ground floor retail/restaurant space.

Asian food hall The Block to host grand opening Saturday in Rockville

The Block has officially expanded to Maryland - the Asian food hall has opened at 967 Rose Avenue at Pike & Rose. A grand opening has been scheduled for this Saturday, December 14 from 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Adobo and Eddo.

Patisserie Manuel, Bliss in a Bottle open at Westfield Montgomery Mall

Patisserie Manuel has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The French bakery also specializes in Chilean pastries, and serves breakfast, lunch, and coffee in addition to baked goods. Look for it in the Dining Terrace. Here's a look at the menu:

Bliss in a Bottle kiosk

Also celebrating a grand opening is the Bliss in a Bottle kiosk. Their unique product is chocolate-covered wine bottles, where the wine inside the bottle has been paired with the chocolate on the outside in most cases. Find them on Level 1.

Speaking of kiosks, there is another new one making a debut for the holidays at the mall. This cart sells socks for your favorite pro sports teams.

Rockville Best Western to add restaurant

The Best Western hotel at 1251 W. Montgomery Avenue in Rockville is planning to add a restaurant to its property. Because the hotel usually has 74-164 parking spaces free, the property owner argues that the city should waive a required extra 29 parking spaces for the restaurant. The restaurant will be inside the existing hotel's lobby area, which will be reconfigured under the proposed plan.

Rockville's Planning Commission will consider the waiver request at its December 11, 2019 meeting. City staff is recommending approval of the waiver.